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On June 19, 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas finally received word that they were free. Juneteenth marks that day, a powerful milestone in American history, and a reminder that freedom, justice, and progress are worth fighting for.

At RB Advisory, Juneteenth is more than a moment of reflection, it’s a celebration of Black resilience, excellence, and innovation. As a Black woman-owned business at the forefront of cybersecurity and risk management, we honor this day by spotlighting the continued contributions of Black leaders in technology, both past and present.

The Legacy of Black Innovation

From Katherine Johnson’s spaceflight calculations at NASA to Mark Dean’s work on IBM’s first personal computer, Black technologists have been central to advancing the digital age. Their brilliance often went unrecognized in their time, but their legacy continues to shape the modern world.

Today, that legacy lives on in the innovators, engineers, and entrepreneurs who are building companies, securing networks, writing code, and breaking barriers.

As our founder and CEO Regine Bonneau, also known as the Cyber Queen™, puts it:

“Juneteenth is not just about remembering the past, it’s about fueling the future. Every time we lead, teach, code, or protect, we’re advancing the vision of freedom and equity that Juneteenth represents.”

Representation in Cybersecurity Matters

The cybersecurity industry is facing a global workforce shortage, yet Black professionals still make up a disproportionately small percentage of the field. That gap isn’t due to a lack of talent, it’s due to a lack of opportunity, access, and visibility.

We believe that diversity isn’t just good ethics, it’s smart business. Different perspectives strengthen decision-making, uncover blind spots, and create solutions that are more inclusive and effective.

At RB Advisory, we’re proud to:

• Empower underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity
• Mentor and hire talent from diverse backgrounds
• Advocate for equity in leadership, policy, and education
• Create pathways for Black women and girls to enter STEM careers

Black Tech Leaders You Should Know

In honoring Juneteenth, we also celebrate today’s Black leaders who are reshaping the tech landscape:

• Kimberly Bryant – Founder of Black Girls CODE, inspiring the next generation of tech innovators
• Freada Kapor Klein & Mitch Kapor – Advocates for inclusive tech ecosystems through Kapor Capital
• Angela Benton – Founder of Streamlytics and NewME Accelerator, supporting minority entrepreneurs in tech
• Chris Young – Executive VP at Microsoft, former CEO of McAfee, and one of the most prominent Black leaders in cybersecurity
• Regine Bonneau – Founder of RB Advisory, leading with purpose in risk management and compliance

These pioneers prove that when Black professionals are given the space and support to lead, they create impact far beyond the boardroom.

Looking Ahead: Our Role in a Shared Future

Juneteenth challenges all of us to reflect on where we’ve come from—and to recommit to building a more just and equitable world. For us in tech, that means:

• Investing in cybersecurity education for underrepresented communities
• Supporting Black entrepreneurs in STEM industries
• Holding doors open for those who come after us

At RB Advisory, we remain rooted in the values of freedom, integrity, and innovation. We are proud of our heritage and even prouder to use our platform to make space for others.

Final Thoughts

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we reflect on freedom, not just as a historical milestone, but as a modern mission. Every secure system we build, every client we protect, and every young leader we mentor brings us closer to a future that is more inclusive, secure, and free.

Here’s to celebrating Black excellence, not just on Juneteenth, but every day. And we’re proud to share that RB Advisory has once again been named one of the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses by The Women’s Edge, our second year in a row receiving this honor. It’s a testament to our team’s dedication, our founder’s leadership, and our commitment to creating lasting impact in cybersecurity and beyond.