HER-STORY 

Kathy Bratcher, Founder and CEO of LogikSavvy Solutions LLC is the epitome of strength and perseverance. Kathy’s background consists of 20+ years of experience in enterprise technology, primarily within large global firms. Her specialized expertise in the areas of data science, software engineering and process automation has laid the foundation for her as a founder in enterprise IT. Kathy’s wide range of expertise from computer programming to leading global technology teams in enterprise organizations has shaped her passion for innovation.

At the start of her career, Kathy knew that it was not going to be enough to be good, but she would have to be the best. In a white male dominated industry and being one of few women, it was unheard of to be a black woman in North Carolina specializing in enterprise technology.

“I never saw anyone that looked like me. For a long time, I did not understand why there were not more women and especially more black women in enterprise IT. Only after a brief time of working in this industry, I realized why there were not more women in this space. At times I felt as if I were invisible when my white male counterparts would talk over me or make disparaging comments. I quickly learned to play the 4F’s in my mind: Be Firm, Be Forward, Be Factual and the fourth F would play only if the first three did not work (LOL)”.

The unlevel playing field would not discourage Kathy from voicing new ideas or making certain that when she spoke, her voice was heard. As a single mother of two boys and challenges that came with that; it was important that Kathy showed her sons that they could be anything that they wanted to be. Kathy had both of her sons before graduating high school and had lived on her own since the age of seventeen. She would often tell them that it doesn’t matter how you start but how you finish and that they can do anything they set their minds to. She knew that the only thing that truly differentiates us, are our minds.

Kathy's heritage derived from a long line of strong black women, so she didn’t view these factors as challenges but as opportunities. Kathy had the unique privilege of spending time with her great, great grandmother: Lula Watson (shown above) who was a child slave. Kathy always attentively listened to the stories of slavery that her great grandmother had endured.

“Grandma Lula (as we would call her) would always tell us that what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger. At that time, she was the oldest woman in Siler City and passed away at the ripe old age of 104. She traveled on the road with Charles Kuralt during Black History Month to various HBCU’s and nursing homes to tell her story of being a child slave and playing the accordion to entertain the old folk (as she would say). Although short in stature and as spry as they come, she did not play any games and demanded respect. This is the fabric of which I am bred. I know that the strength that exist in me stem directly from her, my great grandmother: Mamie Davis and my grandmother: Lula Lowery. These women taught me how to be strong, face adversity head on and never give up even when the odds are stacked against me. I have carried this with me throughout my years in this industry. As a black woman founder in innovative technology, I stand on those same values and strive for excellence. Therefore, what makes me truly unique is MY VISION, MY WALK and MY STORY!”

Kathy continues to inspire women with a passion for technology to be disruptive, intentional and groundbreakers in this industry. She has recently founded LogikSavvy Innovations LLC, a research and development (R&D) firm headquartered in Atlanta, GA. LogikSavvy Innovations will work with technology partners, universities and government agencies in the advancement of new and innovative technology that will impact the world and empower our community.