Tamar Huggins

Tamar Huggins is a Canadian tech entrepreneur, author, and educator, based in Toronto. She is a trailblazer for diversity, equity, and inclusion in tech education and pioneered the development of the Black tech ecosystem in Canada. Huggins is an accomplished multi-hyphenate who has made significant contributions to the field of technology. Huggins’s passion for innovation and technology became evident early as she watched her father build computers from scratch without formal computer engineering experience. Throughout her life, she has embraced challenges, pushed boundaries, and carved a path of excellence for herself.

Huggins’s passion for entrepreneurship led her to found a tech startup that focused on empowering underrepresented tech founders in Toronto. In 2012, she created the first tech accelerator for BIPOC leaders in Canada, called DRIVEN. The accelerator raised $1.1 million for Black, Brown, and women-led tech startups in Canada, who have gone on to raise over 20 million dollars collectively.

In 2015, Huggins launched Tech Spark, the first company committed to advancing students of colour, women, and girls in technology education. Huggins led the development of the first tech entrepreneurship course which teachers within the Ontario education system actively teach. Tech Spark has served thousands of students in Canada and the US.

Harnessing the power of AI to drive the transformation of the education system, Huggins created Spark Plug, which transforms complex subjects into modern language that resonates with Gen Z. In 2022, Huggins became the first woman to raise over a million dollars to build a personalized learning platform driven by student culture, data, and AI.

Under her leadership as CEO, the company has achieved remarkable success, gaining recognition for its cutting-edge curriculum and products. Huggins’s strategic vision and ability to identify emerging market trends have positioned the company as a leader in its field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Huggins is a dedicated advocate for inclusion, AI ethics, and building responsible AI. She actively mentors aspiring technologists, particularly underrepresented groups, encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Huggins is committed to breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.