01 / PURPOSE
Mission
Prepare Black professionals for technical AI careers through structured learning, practical experience, and collaboration.
Who We Are
Creating a Stronger Path into Technical AI.
Black TechTide Collective connects structured learning, practical experience, professional collaboration, and implementation opportunities for Black technical professionals.
Our Story
Closing the gap between AI learning and real implementation.
Black TechTide Collective was established to address the growing distance between AI education and the experience required for technical work. Courses introduce concepts, but professionals also need opportunities to apply their knowledge through meaningful projects.
We connect role-based learning, hands-on development, professional collaboration, and implementation opportunities. This model helps professionals build credible experience while supporting organizations pursuing practical, responsible AI adoption.
02 / DIRECTION
Vision
Expand Black representation in technical AI development, implementation, and leadership.
03 / ACTION
Objectives
- Develop technical AI talent
- Build practical implementation experience
- Support responsible AI adoption
Founder
James Balthazar
AI SharePoint Developer
Technical Leadership
James Balthazar is an IT Systems Manager and SharePoint Engineer with more than 15 years of experience leading enterprise technology initiatives across SharePoint Online, SharePoint, Azure, Power Platform, workflow automation, governance, and AI-enabled business solutions. His work centers on scalable architecture, secure development practices, reliable documentation, and automation that reduces manual effort and supports long-term organizational growth.
Connect on LinkedInCo-Founder
DeEtta Balthazar
AI Governance | Digital Transformation
Strategy & Governance
DeEtta Balthazar brings more than 25 years of enterprise consulting experience to the Collective. As founder of E-Choice Solutions, she advises Fortune 500 companies and federal agencies on AI governance and strategy, with landmark engagements including enterprise software remediation for IBM and ExxonMobil, a global digital transformation at CBRE reaching over 100,000 users across three continents, and dispatch modernization for Jacksonville Fire and Rescue. She is a doctoral candidate in Educational Technology and Design and the creator of NIRA, a patent-pending governed AI writing environment. Her work centers on one conviction: emerging technology should be governed, accessible, and built to serve the people who use it.
Visit E-Choice SolutionsWhat Sets Black TechTide Apart
Black TechTide connects career preparation, practical experience, professional collaboration, and responsible AI delivery in one focused model.
Technical Career Pathways
Structured pathways aligned with technical AI roles and practical skill requirements.
Applied AI Experience
Hands-on projects that build experience while supporting organizational AI initiatives.
Professional Community
Collaboration, mentoring, and continued learning among professionals building AI capabilities.
Responsible Implementation
Implementation guided by governance, security, human oversight, and sustainable practices.