Peter Beasley: Champion of Diversity and Innovation in the Global Tech Industry

Peter Beasley is widely recognized as a transformative figure in the global technology sector, known for his relentless commitment to advancing diversity, creating innovation, and opening doors for underrepresented communities. With more than twenty-five years of leadership in IT infrastructure, Beasley has not only built a successful career but also established himself as a trailblazer through his nonprofit work. As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Blacks United in Leading Technology International (BUiLT), he continues to empower thousands of Black technologists while reshaping the tech landscape toward equity and inclusivity.

Early Life and Education

Every leader’s journey begins with a foundation, and for Peter Beasley, that foundation was built on education and ambition. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, one of the most respected institutions in the United States. His technical background gave him the analytical skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving world of technology.

Recognizing that leadership requires both vision and managerial expertise, Beasley went further to complete an MBA in Technology Management. This combination of engineering precision and business strategy became a powerful tool throughout his career, enabling him to bridge the gap between technical innovation and executive leadership.

Professional Career in Technology

Peter Beasley’s career spans more than three decades, covering industries such as oil and gas, healthcare, government, and financial services. His journey began in the mid-1980s, working in engineering and IT roles that required not only technical expertise but also strategic oversight.

Throughout his career, Beasley has served in leadership positions across major corporations. He worked with organizations such as Mobil Exploration, Excel Telecommunications, First Horizon Home Loans, and First American Real Estate. In these roles, he was responsible for IT infrastructure, project management, and leadership teams that handled critical technological transformations.

In the early 2000s, Beasley’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish his own enterprise software company, Netwatch Solutions, where he served as founder and CEO. His company provided technology solutions for businesses, helping them achieve operational efficiency and stronger security. Running his own business for more than a decade, he gained deep insights into entrepreneurship, innovation, and the challenges of scaling in the tech space.

Founding BUiLT International

While Peter Beasley found success in his corporate and entrepreneurial journey, he recognized a larger problem—Black technologists remained underrepresented in the industry. Representation, equity, and career advancement opportunities were consistently lacking for Black professionals, despite their talent and capabilities.

In response, Beasley co-founded Blacks United in Leading Technology International (BUiLT) in September 2020, alongside other leaders from Dallas, Los Angeles, and Boston. The nonprofit organization was born with a bold mission: to increase the representation and success of Black professionals in technology.

BUiLT is not only about helping students or entry-level job seekers but also about supporting mid-career and senior professionals who face unique challenges in hiring, promotions, and leadership opportunities. Under Beasley’s leadership, BUiLT has grown rapidly, with more than 16,000 members and nearly 30 volunteer-led chapters across the United States.

Mission and Vision of BUiLT

At the heart of BUiLT lies a powerful vision: ensuring equitable representation in technology by 2030. One of its signature goals, known as #14in2030, seeks to raise Black representation in U.S. technology careers to at least 14% by the year 2030, matching the country’s overall Black population percentage.

Beasley and his team emphasize professional growth, mentorship, certification programs, and leadership development. By offering members access to networking, training, and industry connections, BUiLT helps individuals not only enter but also thrive in their careers.

Driving Diversity and Innovation

Peter Beasley’s leadership is defined by his ability to merge diversity advocacy with innovation. He believes that innovation cannot flourish without representation from diverse voices. His work focuses on helping Black professionals achieve certifications in high-demand areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, and IT management.

Through BUiLT, he also champions initiatives such as:

Mentorship programs for Black technologists.

Toolkits for managing bias in cybersecurity and IT fields.

Corporate partnerships that connect members to opportunities.

Workshops and training sessions to help professionals gain the skills needed to compete globally.

Recognition and Influence

Peter Beasley’s work has gained recognition across the technology and nonprofit world. Organizations such as ISC², CIO.com, and Dallas Innovates have highlighted his contributions to building equity in technology. His leadership at BUiLT has also attracted grants and partnerships, including support from Google’s Tech Equity Collective in 2024, which helped strengthen the organization’s impact.

Beyond awards and recognition, Beasley’s true influence lies in the thousands of careers shaped through BUiLT. By creating access to certifications, networking, and career advancement, he has helped open doors for Black technologists who otherwise may not have had the same opportunities.

Challenges Faced in the Journey

Despite his success, Beasley has openly discussed the barriers Black technologists face. He has shared how, early in his career, even with authority over budgets and projects, he often faced exclusion and bias in the workplace. These experiences shaped his determination to build a space where future generations of Black professionals would feel included and valued.

Challenges he continues to address through BUiLT include:

Hiring discrimination in tech companies.

Limited funding and venture capital for Black entrepreneurs.

Lack of mentorship and sponsorship for mid-career professionals.

Systemic barriers that prevent fair promotions and leadership roles.

By directly addressing these obstacles, Beasley ensures that BUiLT not only creates awareness but also provides actionable solutions.

A Global Perspective

Although BUiLT is headquartered in the United States, Peter Beasley’s vision extends worldwide. Technology is a global industry, and Beasley believes that Black technologists everywhere should benefit from equal opportunities. His work with international chapters and collaborations is part of building a truly global community of Black leaders in technology.

Future Goals and Legacy

Looking ahead, Peter Beasley envisions a tech world where diversity is no longer a talking point but a reality. His goal is to continue expanding BUiLT’s reach, scaling its chapters, and building stronger corporate partnerships that lead to real change.

His legacy is already being written. By creating a sustainable nonprofit organization with professional governance, dues-paying members, and volunteer-led chapters, Beasley has ensured that BUiLT will continue to thrive for years to come.

The long-term impact of his work will not only be measured in statistics but in the stories of individuals who found mentorship, career growth, and leadership opportunities because of his efforts.

Conclusion

Peter Beasley’s journey from electrical engineering graduate to executive leader and nonprofit pioneer is nothing short of inspiring. His ability to balance corporate leadership with a deep commitment to diversity makes him a rare and impactful figure in technology.

Through BUiLT International, he has transformed the lives of thousands of Black technologists, setting a clear path toward equitable representation in tech. His leadership demonstrates that when diversity and innovation come together, the entire industry benefits.

As the global technology landscape continues to evolve, Peter Beasley’s work stands as a beacon of progress, proving that true leadership is not only about personal success but also about lifting others along the way.