Students approached mentors.
And journalists photographed the honorees.
The CEO moved through the room with her white cape flowing behind her.
Her black sequined skirt glittered beneath the lights.
Her small designer handbag rested against her hip.
People recognized her.
Some because of her company.
Others because of the viral police video.
A young Black American woman approached while the CEO was speaking with several guests.
She was twenty-two, with bright eyes and a nervous smile.
“Excuse me.”
The CEO turned.
“Hello.”
The young woman hesitated.
“I hope I'm not interrupting.”
“Not at all.”
She took a breath.
“I watched what happened to your car.”
The CEO nodded.
The woman continued.
“And I watched the investigation afterward.”
Her expression became serious.
“I'm studying computer science.”
The CEO smiled.
“That's wonderful.”
“I want to work in public technology.”
The CEO looked interested.
“What part?”
“Systems people rely on.”
The young woman hesitated.
“Transportation. Records. Public services.”
The CEO nodded.
“Important work.”
The student smiled faintly.
Then asked, “Can I tell you something?”
“Of course.”
“When I watched those officers search your car, I kept thinking that someone as successful as you shouldn't have to explain why you deserve respect.”
The CEO remained quiet.
The young woman continued.
“Then I realized nobody should.”
For several seconds, the CEO simply looked at her.
Then she smiled.
“Exactly.”
The student looked relieved.
She continued.
“My classmates kept talking about your outfit and how expensive your car was.”
The CEO laughed softly.
“They were certainly noticeable.”
The student smiled.
“But I was thinking about the records.”
The CEO raised an eyebrow.
“What about them?”
“How the officers thought they could take one device and make the evidence disappear.”
The CEO nodded slowly.
The student continued.
“They didn't understand how the system worked.”
“No.”
The student smiled.
“And they underestimated the person who built it.”
The CEO looked toward her.
For a moment, she seemed to recognize her younger self.
A girl fascinated by machines.
Numbers.
Records.
And the possibility that understanding a system could help someone who had been treated unfairly.
She reached into her handbag.
Removed a business card.
And handed it to the student.
“Send our recruiting team your résumé when you're ready.”
The young woman's eyes widened.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
The CEO smiled.
“And don't assume you need to know everything before you apply.”
The student laughed.
“Thank you.”
Then she looked toward the couture outfit.
“Also, your cape is incredible.”