Sherrell Dorsey

Best-selling author, TED Tech host, global keynote speaker, and data journalist focusing on technology and innovation.

Sherrell Dorsey is a prominent data journalist, entrepreneur, and speaker, best known as the founder and former CEO of The Plug, a digital news platform focused on the Black innovation economy. Established in 2016, The Plug was recognized as the first Black data-driven tech news publication to syndicate on the Bloomberg Terminal, and it aimed to provide insights and support for Black founders and innovators within the tech industry. Under her leadership, the platform significantly impacted the visibility and funding of Black startups, helping founders raise substantial capital and launching various initiatives to promote diversity in tech.1 3 6

Dorsey has a rich background in technology and journalism, having previously worked as a marketing manager for companies like Uber and Google Fiber. She holds a Master’s degree in data journalism from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in international trade and marketing from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Her work has been featured in major publications such as VICE, The Washington Post, and Fast Company, and she has been recognized as one of the most inspiring women in tech by CNET in 2018 and one of the most creative people in business by AdWeek in 2021.1 2 4 5

In addition to her role at The Plug, Dorsey is the author of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us, which discusses opportunities for upskilling in the evolving job market. She also hosts the TED Tech podcast, where she explores the intersection of technology and society.2 3 7 After The Plug ceased operations in March 2023, Dorsey expressed her commitment to continuing her work in promoting Black innovation and consulting on projects that advance technology access for underserved communities.3 6

Highlights

Mar 15 · tpinsights.com

Letter from the Editor: We're Unplugging - The Plug

Aug 23 · PR Newswire

SISTAS IN SALES ANNOUNCES ACADEMY AWARD® NOMINATED AND GOLDEN GLOBE® WINNING ACTOR, WRITER, PRODUCER, AND ENTREPRENEUR, TARAJI P. HENSON AS 5TH ANNUAL SUMMIT KEYNOTE SPEAKER - PR Newswire

Aug 2 · ImpactAlpha

ImpactAlpha Open No. 2: Impact funds raising capital now - ImpactAlpha

Jan 27 · geekwire.com

Book Excerpt: Seattle's 'Motown of tech' changed Sherrell Dorsey's life

Experience

Host and Writer for TED Tech Podcast at TED Conferences (June 2022 - Present)

Publisher and CEO at The Plug (Acquired by ImpactAlpha) (2016 - March 2022)

Education

Master's degree in Data Journalism from Columbia University (2017 - 2018); Medill Fellow at Northwestern University (2020 - 2021); BS in International Trade and Marketing from Fashion Institute of Technology; Growing the Minority Business Executive Program at The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth (2018)