Ramallah Marshall: Transforming Tech Education and Creating Pathways for the Underserved
- Kami Redd
- Feb 28
- 4 min read
Access to the tech industry often feels like an exclusive club, but Ramallah Marshall is working to break down barriers. As the founder of NuCoord, she is redefining what career exploration and tech education look like for underserved communities. Her journey—from being laid off to launching an AI-powered EdTech platform—is a testament to resilience, innovation, and purpose-driven leadership.
From Tech Employee to Tech Innovator
Ramallah’s entry into the tech space wasn’t a straightforward path. After dropping out of college in her sophomore year, she found herself searching for direction. It wasn’t until a conversation with her uncle—a seasoned IT professional—that she realized tech could be a viable career path for her.
“I thought you had to be great at math to work in IT,” she recalls. “But my uncle told me, ‘Can you read? Then you can do IT.’ That shifted everything for me.”
She eventually landed an IT help desk internship—where she was the only Black woman on her team. That experience ignited a passion in her to create opportunities for more Black professionals in tech.
Launching NuCoord: A Mission-Driven Business
After facing a layoff from her tech job, Ramallah knew she never wanted to work for someone else again. Instead of seeing it as a setback, she saw an opportunity to build something meaningful.
She launched NuCoord, an AI-powered EdTech platform designed to help individuals explore careers in tech without feeling overwhelmed or excluded. Her flagship product, Atlas, is an AI-driven tool that simplifies career discovery and helps individuals identify their strengths.
“I struggled to navigate my own career path, and I saw how confusing it was for others. Atlas was born from that struggle,” she explains. “I wanted to create a tool that spoke to people on their level—something that made tech accessible instead of intimidating.”
Navigating Challenges as a Black Woman in Tech
Being a Black woman in the tech industry came with its own set of challenges.
“There were so many times I felt unheard,” Ramallah shares. “I’d make a suggestion, and it would be ignored—until a male colleague said the exact same thing.”
Rather than letting those experiences discourage her, she used them as fuel to build something better.
“One thing about tech is that your work speaks for itself,” she says. “You might not listen to me in the boardroom, but when I’m behind the scenes making the technology work, you have no choice but to recognize my value.”
Breaking the Myths About Tech
One of the biggest misconceptions about tech, especially in the Black community, is that you need to know how to code to work in the industry.
“People think of tech as this world where you have to be coding in a hoodie in a dark basement,” she laughs. “But tech is everywhere—whether you’re into fashion, healthcare, music, or business. There’s a place for you.”
At NuCoord, she and her team focus on making tech education relatable and practical. Instead of intimidating jargon, they break down concepts in ways that everyday people can understand.
“We help people find their fit in tech based on their personality, interests, and skills,” she explains. “There’s a role in tech for everyone—you just need to find where you belong.”
Financial Challenges and Strategic Growth
Like many entrepreneurs, Ramallah faced funding challenges early in her business journey.
“I’m still figuring it out,” she admits. “But one of the strategies that helped us sustain NuCoord was knowing our products inside and out.”
By understanding her audience and clearly defining how NuCoord could serve them, she was able to secure key partnerships, including collaborations with the Chicago Public Library.
“We pitched our virtual reality workshops to the library’s teen and college development program, and that partnership allowed us to introduce students to immersive tech experiences,” she shares. “It’s all about knowing who your customers are and showing them why they need what you offer.”
Balancing Leadership and Personal Wellness
As a CEO, mentor, and innovator, Ramallah knows that self-care is crucial to sustainability.
“I start every morning with meditation and prayer,” she says. “It keeps me grounded and reminds me that, yes, I’m the CEO, but ultimately, God is the true owner of this business.”
She also emphasizes the importance of knowing when to take a step back.
“Entrepreneurship can be overwhelming. I’ve learned that sometimes, you just have to pause, breathe, and allow things to unfold naturally.”
The Future of NuCoord and Black Representation in Tech
In the next five years, Ramallah envisions NuCoord as a leading force in workforce development and tech education.
“I see us working with corporations to funnel students from educational programs into internships and full-time careers,” she says. “I want NuCoord to be the go-to organization for producing top Black tech talent.”
She’s also advocating for systemic changes in tech education, particularly in underserved communities.
“We need to be in Englewood, Bronzeville, and other urban areas, ensuring that Black students aren’t left behind,” she says. “Tech isn’t going anywhere, and I refuse to let our people miss out on this generational wealth transfer.”
Advice for Black Women Entering Tech and Entrepreneurship
For Black women looking to break into the tech space—whether as professionals or entrepreneurs—Ramallah offers this advice:
Be confident. Imposter syndrome is real, but you are more than capable of thriving in this industry.
Take it one step at a time. You don’t have to learn everything overnight. Progress is better than perfection.
Find community. Whether through online spaces like Black Tech Twitter or local networking groups, surrounding yourself with like-minded people makes all the difference.
Know your worth. Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t belong in the room—you absolutely do.
Leaving a Legacy in Tech
Ramallah’s ultimate goal is to position NuCoord as a powerhouse in tech education while ensuring that Black talent isn’t just participating in the industry, but leading it.
“I want my legacy to be that I built something from the ground up without a silver spoon,” she says. “NuCoord is about putting new coordinates on people’s life maps—helping them navigate a world that was never designed for us to win.”
With her relentless drive, commitment to community, and groundbreaking work in EdTech, Ramallah Marshall is proving that the future of tech is more inclusive, accessible, and equitable—because of leaders like her.
Connect with Ramallah & NuCoord
Website: https://nucoord.org/
Instagram: @NuCoord
Instagram: @TheMallahVerse
Through NuCoord, Ramallah is ensuring that Black innovators have the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to thrive in tech. Her work is more than just a business—it’s a movement toward equity, inclusion, and lasting change.
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