Kenyatta Powers-Rucker is an award-winning visionary leader, international speaker, leadership coach, and technology executive with nearly 30 years of experience in government IT leadership, enterprise modernization, and organizational transformation. As the former Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Maryland Department of Human Services, Kenyatta made history as the first African American woman to hold this role. In her position, she oversaw a $100M IT budget, managed more than 400 technology professionals, and led statewide digital transformation initiatives, including cybersecurity advancements and the transition from waterfall to agile project delivery.

During her tenure as CIO, Kenyatta spearheaded the shift from traditional waterfall methodologies to agile project management, driving increased efficiency, adaptability, and improved outcomes across the organization. She modernized legacy systems, strengthened cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhanced service delivery for thousands of users across hundreds of locations statewide. Equally important to her was developing people—she invested deeply in coaching, mentoring, and leadership development to ensure her teams were supported, empowered, and positioned for long-term success.

Kenyatta is the CEO of KD Powers Consulting LLC, a leadership and empowerment firm focused on helping women and underrepresented communities grow, lead, and thrive in male-dominated industries. Through her firm, she leads signature initiatives including the Rise and Lead Leadership Coaching program, the Ladies in Tech platform, and Taste of Technology—delivering executive coaching, publishing, community outreach, and transformative events that elevate leadership capacity and confidence.

Having spent nearly three decades navigating the technology sector—often without access to mentorship, sponsorship, or guidance early in her career—Kenyatta is deeply committed to becoming the resource she once needed. Her lived experiences fuel her passion for helping women become confident, visible, and equipped leaders who can advocate for themselves, lead with intention, and claim their space at decision-making tables.

Through her Rise and Lead Leadership Coaching program, Kenyatta helps women define their leadership identity, sharpen communication skills, and lead with clarity and purpose. The program blends live coaching, leadership assessments, actionable assignments, and personalized feedback to create transformational breakthroughs. Participants leave with renewed confidence, strategic leadership plans, and the tools needed to influence teams, navigate complexity, and excel in their careers.

Kenyatta is the visionary founder of the Ladies in Tech platform, a thriving community designed to amplify, celebrate, and support women—particularly those in male-dominated industries. The platform includes the best-selling Ladies in Tech Anthology series (Volumes 1, 2, 3, and the upcoming Volume 4), awards ceremonies, youth and school outreach, professional development experiences, and visibility campaigns that ensure women in tech are seen, heard, and valued.