The AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference took Houston, TX, by storm from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17, uniting Black innovators worldwide to connect, discuss trends, and network with industry leaders and recruiters.
A highlight of the conference was the Women in Tech Luncheon, presented by Yahoo. This event brought together an inspiring group of pioneering Black women in technology for an empowering and supportive celebration.
Celebrity wellness and lifestyle expert and birth doula Latham Thomas, known as Glow Maven, opened the luncheon with welcoming remarks. She has been recognized as one of Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul 100 and named one of Mindbodygreen’s “Top 100 Women to Watch in Wellness,” according to her Instagram profile.
Notable speakers included Giselle Battley, head of global emerging careers and learning & development at Yahoo. According to her LinkedIn profile, Battley was recognized as one of Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women in Business for 2024.
The luncheon opened the door for Black women of diverse shades and backgrounds to network with fellow tech professionals, share experiences, and form meaningful relationships that might not have been possible otherwise — all while enjoying delicious food and desserts.
The technology sector has traditionally been male-dominated. Forbes, citing Pew Research, reported that the percentage of Black workers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) jobs has remained unchanged since 2016.
As a luncheon sponsor, Yahoo further emphasized its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. In 2022, the global media and tech company named Alicin Reidy-Williamson as its chief diversity and culture officer. She oversees DEI efforts while fostering Yahoo’s team culture.
Reidy-Williamson brought over 25 years of experience leading culture, purpose, and DEI initiatives for top companies, Yahoo said in a news release.
“In my conversations with leaders across Yahoo, it is clear the company’s DEI culture runs deep – and impacts every employee at every level,” Reidy-Williamson said after being named to the position. “By leveraging the power of this culture, we can drive business results while accelerating employee engagement and experiences that create access, advocacy, and community.”
She added, “Yahoo’s long-standing commitment to an inclusive workplace coupled with its new transformation makes it an exciting time to join the company.”
Tickets for AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 are on sale now. Looking to attend? Secure your early bird tickets now — Oct. 27 – 31, 2025.
This year’s conference, which will also take place in Houston, promises to build on the momentum from 2024 and offer an even greater platform for Black professionals.
Visit afrotechconference.com to secure your spot, and follow @afrotech.conference and @afro.tech on social media for updates and highlights.
