Meet the Team
Behind every initiative at Black Tech Link is a talented individual driven by passion, purpose, and a commitment to making a difference. Our team of trailblazers combines professional excellence with a deep dedication to fostering equity and opportunity. Get to know the dynamic individuals who power our mission to create impactful change and support thriving communities.
Our Leader
Elizabeth Cotton
Founder & Executive Director
Elizabeth Cotton-Harps is a trailblazer in the field of STEM education and workforce development as the Founder and Executive Director of Black Tech Link, a California-based nonprofit organization. With a passionate commitment to equity and inclusion, Elizabeth is dedicated to empowering Black and Brown middle school, high school, and college students to unlock their full potential through immersive STEM education projects and impactful internships. Drawing upon her extensive experience and expertise, Elizabeth has made significant contributions to education and entrepreneurship on a global scale. From teaching business entrepreneurship in the US, Africa, and Brazil to serving as a trusted consultant in business development, marketing, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and human resources for startups and large enterprises, she has left an incredible mark on various industries. Elizabeth's career has spanned diverse sectors, including sports and entertainment, hospitality, government, construction, global logistics, healthcare, and transportation. Her multifaceted approach to problem-solving and her unwavering commitment to driving positive change have earned her recognition as a visionary leader in her field. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor's degree in International Business with a concentration in Portuguese from California State University, Fullerton. Her educational background reflects her passion for global engagement and cross-cultural understanding. Beyond her professional endeavors, Elizabeth is a devoted mother of two and a passionate advocate for recreational activities. In her spare time, she enjoys indulging in her love for golfing and embarking on deep-sea fishing expeditions in the captivating coastal waters of Baja Mexico. With her innovative spirit, boundless energy, and unwavering dedication to empowering the next generation, Elizabeth Cotton-Harps continues to inspire and uplift communities, leaving a lasting legacy of impact and transformation.
Our Staff Members
Tatiana M.
Program Coordinator
Tatiana Millsap is a newly-appointed Program Coordinator with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Full Sail University. She started as a digital media designer intern in July 2023 and recently advanced to the role of Program Coordinator. Tatianas’ responsibilities include developing UI mockups and prototypes to illustrate website functionality and design, providing document dictation from calls and meetings, assisting with the technical writing of grant proposals, designing event pages and flyers, and updating and maintaining WordPress websites using Elementor and additional plugins as needed. Outside of work, she enjoys watching anime, playing video games, creating art and spending time with her family.
Johnnie B.
Digital Marketing & Social Media Professional
Johnnie Buck is a digital marketing and social media professional known for creating engaging content and building online communities. With a Master of Arts in New Media Journalism from Full Sail University and a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Central Michigan University, Johnnie has worked with brands like Enjoy Basketball and The NorthStar Group. In the role of Digital Marketing Manager at Black Tech Link, Johnnie combines creativity and strategy to lead digital campaigns and manage social media platforms. Using data to improve performance, Johnnie focuses on driving community engagement, creating video content, and enhancing brand presence through careful content planning.
Matthew F.
Technical Writer
Matthew Fontenault is a dedicated technical writer at Black Tech Link, specializing in grant writing, research, copywriting, and technical documentation. His experience in simplifying complex information helps drive the company’s mission of expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities in tech. Matthew’s career began in the U.S. Army, where he served in roles like Helicopter Radio Repair Technician, Recruiting Assistant, and Automated Logistics Specialist. His military service instilled discipline, adaptability, and commitment to excellence. He worked as an Editorial Assistant for Hometown News Media Group and later earned an Undergraduate Degree in Creative Writing from Full Sail University. After graduating, Matthew joined Piper Aircraft Inc. as a Technical Writer, focusing on creating and editing technical manuals. As a devout Christian and proud father, faith and family are the cornerstones of his life. Through his work at Black Tech Link, he aims to inspire and empower future generations by creating pathways to success.
Jesse C.
Community & Government Relations Coordinator
Jesse Codere serves as the Community and Government Relations Coordinator for Black Tech Link. With a rich background in community engagement and advocacy, Jesse plays a pivotal role in forging strategic partnerships and advancing the mission of Black Tech Link. His efforts focus on building sustainable futures through career and business development programs, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. Jesse's work ensures that Black Tech Link remains at the forefront of creating opportunities and driving positive change within the community. Jesse served in the U.S. Navy as an aviation search and rescue operator before attending SDSU and obtaining his undergraduate degree in business communication and rhetoric. He spends most of his free time pondering the philosophy of existence.
Our Board Members
Elizabeth C.
Founder & Board Chair
Elizabeth Cotton is the Founder and Executive Director of Black Tech Link, A CA- Based 501c3 Community Organization dedicated to advancing black communities through technical education, workforce solutions, and networking opportunities. Elizabeth focuses her passion of uplifting black communities through engaging and impactful workforce and business development platforms geared to providing resources for aspiring business and tech professionals while highlighting black excellence, knowledge, and expertise. Leveraging her B.A. in International Business with a concentration in Portuguese from California State University Fullerton, she continuously works to inspire black communities in the US and throughout the diaspora in Africa, Canada, UK, and Brazil.
Odest R.
Board Secretary CEO, WLM Financial
Odest Riley, Jr. is CEO of WLM Financial, a real estate brokerage and lending firm, based in Inglewood, California. With nearly 15 years of real estate experience and over $225 million in closed transactions, Odest has an ever-expanding service portfolio, ranging from the sale of single family homes, condominiums and apartment buildings, to real estate financing and commercial leasing. His greatest strength is in building lasting relationships with his clients, and providing services that are highly-personalized and customized to meet his client’s specific needs and preferences. Odest’s sterling reputation and diverse professional background often affords him the opportunity to be interviewed and booked as a subject matter expert on such topics as: real estate sales and financing, home-buyer education and training, gentrification and community redevelopment; as well as community relations and public affairs.
Jayton H.
Treasurer & Software Engineer, Northrop Grumman
Jayton Harps is the Co-Founder and President of the Black Entrepreneurs Leaders & Learners (BELL). In his role, he oversee activities related to providing services, programs, mentorship, funding, and goals for Black Entrepreneurs and minority business owners. Jayton helped establish multiple workshops, sessions, and specialized-knowledge topic discussions for hundreds of aspiring entrepreneurs in the San Diego community and beyond. Jayton has over 10 years of experience in leadership, management, personal and professional development. Jayton led a monthly networking event called First Tuesdays, which brought 50+ entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, professionals, and more to share knowledge and venture opportunities. During the day, he geeks out as a Software Integration Engineer II for Northrop Grumman Corporation.
Calina F.
Board Member & VP of Education, Introba
Calina Ferraro is the Vice President of Education at Introba. She brings over a decade of sustainable engineering experience in three countries and two continents to the Introba team. She is committed to creating healthy, enjoyable, and environmentally responsible spaces. With both building science and design engineering experience, Calina enjoys interacting with a broad spectrum of professionals across the construction industry. As the leader of the Introba San Diego design studio, she aims to lead by example, demonstrating her commitment to a sustainable future both personally and professionally Calina is a recipient of Consulting-Specifying Engineer Magazine’s 40 Under 40 award in 2015 and Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer Magazine’s Mechanical Engineer of the Year award in 2018. She is a registered professional engineer, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a WELL Accredited Professional.
Dr. Terry Sivers
Board Member, Director of Black Student Success, San Diego College of Continuing Education
Terry James Sivers is an educator, counselor, and scholar currently serving as the Black Student Success Counselor/Coordinator at San Diego College of Continuing Education. He also instructs Black Studies courses at San Diego Mesa Community College and counsels and coordinates Black male student success initiatives at Grossmont Community College. He holds a bachelor's degree in Africana Studies, an MS in Counseling from San Diego State University, an MA in Cultural Studies, and a PhD in Education from Claremont Graduate University. He is a critical scholar, and his scholarship aims to deconstruct systems of violence, mapping strategies for navigating institutions- particularly higher education, and developing intellectuals who lead with their hearts and minds.
Erik O.
Board Member & Program Manager, Becton Dickinson
Originally from Kansas City, MO, Erik O'Riley is a seasoned Knowledge Management Project Manager at Becton Dickinson. He has successfully led several cross-functional teams to implement innovative knowledge-sharing solutions. His expertise lies in developing and executing strategies to enhance information flow, boost collaboration, and drive organizational efficiency. Erik O'Riley is also the co-lead for the African American at BD and strives to increase the quality of education, access to healthcare, and foster community for African Americans in So Cal. To help in this initiative Erik O'Riley is also on the board of directors for Black Tech Link, a local non-profit striving to advance black communities through technical education, workforce solutions, and networking activities.