Ursula is a self-taught technologist and pioneering entrepreneur whose career spans more than three decades of innovation and impact. Growing up in Brooklyn, she discovered her passion for technology at age 11 with her first computer, a Commodore VIC-20. By the age of 21, she had launched her first tech company, setting the stage for a remarkable journey in the tech world.

Over the years, Ursula’s expertise solidified as she held senior roles as a consultant, subject matter expert, and technical team lead at some of the world’s most influential organizations, including the Federal Reserve Bank, Chase, and Marsh, Inc. Her leadership and technical acumen left an indelible mark on the financial and insurance sectors, establishing her as a formidable force in the industry.

In 2009, always an early adopter, Ursula ventured into virtual reality, experimenting with platforms like Second Life to explore the future of online virtual worlds. This experience fueled her desire to leverage technology for social impact, leading her to found Dope Nerds® in 2019. As the only Black-owned, woman-owned VR Solutions Provider in the U.S., Dope Nerds® has become a driving force in helping to transform education for under-supported communities through immersive learning experiences. Under Ursula’s leadership, the company has made significant strides in STEM career exploration, workforce training, and education innovation, gaining national recognition and media attention, including features in POLITICO Live and CNBC.

While her entrepreneurial spirit reflects her commitment to digital inclusion, today she brings her depth of experience to Cloudforce as a Cloud Advocacy Manager, Unit Lead. At Cloudforce, she specializes in guiding organizations through digital transformation, aligning cutting-edge strategies with user adoption to ensure the seamless integration of AI and other emerging technologies. With over 30 years of industry experience, Ursula is a master at helping organizations unlock the full potential of innovation, creating inclusive strategies that make technology accessible to all.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Ursula has a diverse and eclectic background. She has been a published fashion stylist for elite professionals and the NFL, and she even played women’s semi-pro football as both an offensive and defensive tackle.

Looking ahead, Ursula envisions founding a nonprofit dedicated to immersive learning, continuing her mission to democratize access to transformative technologies. For now, her focus remains laser-sharp: increasing AI adoption across higher education and private industry, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and ensuring technology’s most exciting advancements reach everyone.

Other fun facts about Ursula:

What is your guilty pleasure song?

• I have several. I’m a big hip-hop fan, so Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is on repeat. I also love Florence & the Machine’s “Dogs Days”, Red Hot Chili Peppers’s “Give it Away”, Kurt Cobain’s “Teen Spirit”, and more.

What piece of advice would you give to a younger you?

• Don’t rush into taking on adult responsibilities; it’s not what it’s cracked up to be.
• Keep being your authentic self.
• You’re an empath, not “sensitive” – and guess what? Empaths are highly intuitive and emotionally intelligent. Don’t let folks downplay that characteristic, because it serves you greatly later in life.

What does your perfect day look like?

• A daycation at a nice hotel. Walking around a cool city, buying tulips, chilling at a favorite café with a good book or journaling my gratitude. Truffle popcorn, drinks at a chic hip bar, and great conversations on a good date. Top it off with a swanky lounge with great music. Then go do something wild (legal lol), spontaneous and memorable.

Do you have any passion projects? If so, what are you working on?

• I have an idea for a mobile tech double-decker bus to democratize leading-edge technologies directly to communities, providing access to education, training, and experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.

If you had to crack a joke during awkward silences, what’s your go-to joke?

• The one where the dad tomato snatched the kid tomato and said, “catch up.” 😩😂🤣