Dominic-Madori's Crusade for Diversity in Silicon Valley
As she delves into the realm of artificial intelligence, Dominic-Madori Davis’ advocacy for inclusivity and ethical foresight in technology emerges as a beacon for change. From her beginnings at the Daily Trojan to becoming a prominent voice for Tech Crunch, Dominic shares insights into her passion for journalism and the pivotal moments that shaped her trajectory.
Through her eyes, we see the power of a story well told, and the undeniable impact of a voice that refuses to be silenced.
Let's jump right in! You've had an impressive career trajectory, from writing for Business Insider and Daily Trojan to now being a senior reporter at TechCrunch. Could you take us back to the start and tell us what initially drew you to journalism and technology?
DMD: “It's actually quite funny. I applied to work at the Daily Trojan during my sophomore year, I believe, and was rejected. I applied again to join the summer staff as a copy editor and was hired, so I took that opportunity to also write some lifestyle stories. My first-ever article reviewed Halsey's "Hopeless Fountain Kingdom" album. I was rolled over from the summer staff onto the actual full-time paper staff and started working there officially in my junior year. From there, I worked my way up from copy editor to Chief Copy Editor, reporter to columnist.
I initially pitched a general lifestyle column, but someone was already doing that, so I decided to focus on what I knew well, which was Black culture. The result was my column, The Black Cat, which highlighted Black culture in South Central L.A. I'm not sure if I ever was initially drawn to business and tech. I like talking about the intersection of race, class, and politics. I like holding power accountable and giving a voice to those who have been marginalized.”
“After college, I saw Business Insider was hiring, so I applied and joined what was, at the time, their executive lifestyle team covering wealth. Once I started to realize that money is what made the world go round and tech bros were our new railroad barons, I was drawn even more to giving a voice to the voiceless and holding power accountable.
I started covering technology the more I learned about the discrepancies in how Black entrepreneurs were treated and how important financial equity was in the fight for justice. I started realizing slowly what the power of the press meant and what my responsibility was and still is in wielding it as business and tech continue to take over the world.”
What was the first big story or project that made you feel like you were truly making an impact?
DMD: “I wrote a "Black Woman's Guide to Venture Capital Funding," which was essentially a month-long project that started after I took a trip to London and learned that between 2009 and 2019, only around 38 Black people ever raised venture funding. I was so appalled I was curious to see how bad the stats were in the U.S. and I saw they were equally as horrendous. I wanted to do a project that told our readers at Business Insider that the tech system, which promised utopia, was as corrupt as any other industry.”
“But I also wanted to frame it in a way that was like, well, we still want our piece of the pie and our chance at success, so here's how to make the best of it. People still share elements of that project today, and Business Insider updates it each Black History Month, which makes me feel good, especially since I left that company years ago.”
I noticed many of your stories focus on artificial intelligence. What are some of the trends you're currently observing in the AI space?
DMD: “I see a lot of women and Black people focusing on AI. Ethics, which I think is going to be very important in the future. It's essential their voices are not overlooked or silenced, because the people in charge of A.I now are the same white men who have been in charge of the world for sometime now. We've seen what happens when a world is built without the input of women and people of color, and that is not a world I want us to recreate.”
How do you feel about the representation of women in AI and tech startups? What changes would you like to see?
DMD: “There needs to be more for sure but most importantly, there needs to be more attention paid to the women who are already there. For some reason everytime there is a major trend, or a major anything, women are always ignored. It doesn't make sense, and is getting quite obvious actually. People need to keep rallying around women and sharing their work, and the media needs to do a better job of research and inclusion to make sure that when the history of A.I. is written, it's not framed as a story just about rich, white men.”
You've interviewed numerous founders for the Found podcast. Is there any particular interview that has stood out to you, and why?
DMD: “I loved talking to the founder of the Magic Spoon Cereal, and Vibrant Planet, and The Honey Pot. Those are just the ones I can think of immediately. I love talking to founders with good vibes, good products, and people who you would totally want to hang out with and learn from regardless.”
Tell me more about the inspiration behind your Substack newsletter, The Black Cat?
DMD: “I wanted to start playing around with different types of writing and also play in different genres of writing. I spend most of my time writing in tech and business, so I wanted an outlet to exercise my cultural criticism muscles, too, and find ways to think critically about issues that have nothing to do with business and tech. It helps me comment more on current affairs without keeping all of those thoughts just buried inside of me.”
How do you balance your time between reporting, co-hosting a podcast, and running The Black Cat newsletter?
DMD: “Haha, I'm always on the internet. I think I'm doing The Black Cat twice a month now because once a week was a bit tough in terms of finding something to always comment on. As for reporting, I'm always a sleuth on the internet, so I'm always gathering information whether it’s for work or not. The podcast fits into my daily work schedule, and there is a production team that helps me and my co-host get everything together for our shows.”
Did you move to New York from California? If so, how has this transition changed your personal life?
DMD: “Yes, I packed up and moved to New York. I had no friends here so I've been basically building a life here from scratch. It's quite fun, and it's true that in New York you can be anyone. Anyone from my hometown would find me quite different than who I am today, you get to play more with who you want to be rather than how people remember you growing up.”
“In California, I say those were my last few years of adolescence, and they were spent on a college campus somewhat separate from the real world of Los Angeles. Going back there now as an adult is very different, since I'm no longer in that bubble. I see more of the world around me. Deep down though I think I am still the same person. I'm ambitious, with a few close friends, with a desire to do something good in the world. Whatever that means. I haven't really changed since my days growing up in the South.”
Shifting gears here - outside of your work, what are some hobbies or interests that you pursue?
DMD: “I like film and reading books. I'm trying to get through a bunch of Zola books right now and joined some clubs around the city so I can be more involved in the world around me, and also get outside of the media bubble. When you're there too long you go crazy and start taking life too seriously. I like fun nights in the city, I like traveling, the nights that you can't remember with the people you won't forget. I'm all about making memories. Less online, more outside.”
Describe your fashion style. Are there any clothing brands you're loving at the moment?
DMD: “I can never describe my fashion style. I simply buy what I think I would look good in or things that I like. I'm not one for trends. I like mini skirts, very high heels, tights, and dresses‚ Äîlots of dresses. Brands that I love to watch? Christopher John Rogers, Zimmerman, anything Zendaya wears on the red carpet.”
If you were stranded on a deserted island with no phone, what's one skill you have that would help you survive?
DMD: “I would write my own entertainment probably and perform a one-act play for the coconuts.”
Check out more of Dominic’s reading at Tech Crunch and The Black Cat.