Amid a global pandemic and civil rights movement in 2020, Michael Jackson founded Black Tech Talent, a recruiting service that is increasing the representation of Black technologists in both corporate careers and entrepreneurship. Since its launch, the Minneapolis-based startup has become a trusted recruiting partner by more than 100 companies around the country, with 7,000 community members. With the goal of changing the way the tech industry looks at Black people, Jackson created an annual Black Tech Talent Summit, which brings together recruiters and talent locally and internationally. He also stood up Community TechFest, an all-ages technology fair created to engage and inspire youth. In a space led by few African Americans, his efforts have earned Jackson numerous awards and accolades. He’s also a founding mentor at 100 Black Men of the Twin Cities.