AfroTech

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. The tech industry has been experiencing a wave of layoffs, with many companies citing economic uncertainty and restructuring as the reasons. However, this trend has disproportionately affected Black tech professionals, who are already underrepresented in the industry. According to a report by Layoffs.fyi, Black employees are 1.5 times more likely to be laid off than their white counterparts.. In this article, we’ll explore the challenges faced by Black tech professionals in the current job market and provide guidance on how to stay resourceful and adaptable in the ever-changing tech landscape. The Rise of Layoffs for Black Tech Professionals The recent layoffs have been particularly devastating for Black tech professionals, who have worked hard to break into the industry. Some of the most notable layoffs include: Twitter’s layoffs, which affected 25% of its Black employees. Meta’s layoffs, which...

We often hear that the future is decided at the ballot box, and it’s true—voting matters. Electing leaders who shape policy is important. But let’s be honest, another, perhaps even more powerful force is quietly shaping our world. This isn’t happening in legislative chambers but in the coding rooms, the boardrooms, and the innovation labs. The future is being crafted by tech leaders who wield unprecedented influence over how we live, work, and connect. At AfroTech, this reality isn’t just understood—it’s celebrated. As our community prepares to gather for one of the most transformative experiences of the year, we’re not just networking and exchanging ideas. We’re stepping into a space that’s redefining influence for the 21st century. Here, tech dreams intersect with cultural revolution, and innovation is fueled by a collective drive to build a more equitable future. For years, political campaigns have dominated our conversations around change. We’re told that progress depends on who...

Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s (Lisa Mae Brunson) own and not those of AFROTECH™. The power of community. For many of us, showing up at events like AFROTECH™ Conference isn’t just about collecting business cards or finding the next big career move — it’s about immersing ourselves in a space that validates and celebrates our unique experiences as Black professionals, creators, and innovators. But here’s the thing: to truly make the most out of AFROTECH™ (or any other event for that matter), we have to show up with a plan. With years of experience organizing conferences and building spaces for marginalized communities, I’ve learned that being intentional about your goals and tapping into the power of community can make the difference between a fleeting connection and a transformative experience. Here are seven ways you can create impact and community at this year’s conference. Set Your Intention Before You Arrive I can’t emphasize this enough: Before you step...

In light of recent legislative changes and the evolving social and political climate, AFROTECH™ continues to stand firm in its commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the technology and business sector. Our mission, to highlight the talents and achievements of Black professionals in technology, has never been more critical. The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to overturn affirmative action and recent laws enacted in some states pose challenges to DEI initiatives, particularly at colleges and universities. However, it’s important to emphasize that this decision does not alter the law governing corporate diversity programs (New York State Bar Association Report on Advancing Diversity, 2024). Abandoning diversity initiatives at this juncture can pose significant risks for companies, including discrimination litigation, pay equity enforcement, public relations backlash, shareholder derivative suits, and more. We are immensely proud of our partners who have...

Written by: Carolynne Mims Christoff In a world where professional landscapes are ever-evolving, the pursuit of continuous learning has become more than just a choice; it’s a strategic move. For Black professionals navigating their career paths, staying ahead of the curve is not only a testament to resilience, but a key to unlocking unprecedented success. We all know there’s really no such thing as a “traditional career trajectory” anymore. Between the exponential speed at which technological advances keep changing every aspect of our work and lives and the way the market keeps shifting to keep up, professionals are recognizing the need to upskill continuously. UC Berkeley Extension is leading the way with this movement, offering a gateway to achievement through professional certificates and continuing education courses . The days of relying solely on a degree are a wrap. Instead, we are walking into an era in which specialized knowledge and skills hold the key to career...

So, Who Killed Silicon Valley Bank? Despite all the indicators of incompetence on the part of a senior leadership team consisting of over 60% men and 60% white people, the “Andy Kesslers” of the world flocked to The Wall Street Journal’s opinion section. The op-ed entertained the classic argument that focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion was distracting from the “real” business of running Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). How original and worthy of publication! Those who promote this idea seem oblivious to the fact that they are essentially admitting that homogeneous leadership teams are incapable of multitasking. If incorporating the perspectives of women, LGBTQ, and Black people is enough to cause a group of white men to fail in leading SVB, then they were not competent to manage a bank in the first place. So, let’s be clear — a focus and commitment to diversity is a strength and never a distraction. Research has shown that companies with diverse leadership teams are more likely...

The new big screen thriller “ Missing” may be a different viewing experience than many moviegoers are used to — in the best way possible. The film, which follows Reid’s character June trying to find her mother (Long) who has gone missing while on vacation with her boyfriend (Ken Leung), takes place across multiple computer and phone screens. The format and presentation is similar to “Missing’s” 2018 predecessor “ Searching ,” starring John Cho and Michelle La. The 2018 film was directed by Aneesh Chaganty and written by Chaganty and Sev Ohanian. Chaganty and Ohanian wrote the story for “ Missing,” which is written and directed by Will Merrick and Nick Johnson.

If you missed AfroTech Conference 2022, make it the last one missed because we had a time in Austin, TX. From Nov. 14-17, 2022, an estimated 25,000 people gathered for AfroTech Conference after meeting virtually in AfroTech World for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference sessions, the link-ups, the fashion, the music, and most of all — the connections — contributed to a one-of-one experience for Black techies.

The AfroTech Conference schedule has been released. And, needless to say, it proves that some things are worth the wait. After nearly two years of virtual conferences, thanks to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Blavity family is pleased to announce the return of an in-person gathering for the preeminent Black in tech conference in the United States. The AfroTech Conference schedule features fireside chats with thought leaders and intimate performances with some of the industry’s hottest artists. What’s more, it’s a chance to connect with a global community of more than 20,000 Black tech innovators during a series of digital and in-person events filled with dynamic programming on emerging trends, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and conversations with top tech recruiters. The 2022 installment of the conference will take place from November 13-17, 2022, at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX. Tickets are on sale now and are available for every budget and...

Marsai Martin is one of the brightest stars in Hollywood and the definition of young Black excellence. Born in 2004, she’s quickly made a name for herself in Hollywood and presents herself as a role model for young Black girls around the world. The young actress and producer has accomplished so much since her breakout role in “Black-ish,” describing the time right now as “surreal,” according to Good Morning America . Let’s get to know her more with the fun facts below. Editorial note: This article was initially published in 2019 and updated to reflect the most recent information. Her real name isn’t Marsai Martin. “Marsai” is actually her middle name. Her given name is Caila Marsai Martin. Marsai Martin made her first national commercial appearance at 5-years-old. Photo Credit: Screenshot via YouTube Before starring in ABC’s “Black-ish,” the young actress got her first start in the entertainment industry by nabbing a national commercial with Meineke. She made her big-screen debut at...

AfroTech Executive is still making its rounds, continuing to fuel leaders with the resources needed to not only succeed but smash ceilings, move the needle, and make room for generations to come. Before it makes its way to Los Angeles, CA, it stopped in D.C. for a sold-out event, where the room was filled with corporate executives, founders, and investors in an effort to cultivate connections and also build community. What’s more, spotlighting opportunities to cultivate Black wealth was the main course of the day on May 19, 2022, where panels included The Power Of The Black Dollar and Cultivating Capital In A Black Tomorrow. Plus, we ended the night with something sweet as DJ 5’9 set the vibes for a Networking Reception. Photo Credit: Jemal Countess

With the mission of improving equity in venture capital funding and providing support for compelling and representative Alexa applications, Amazon Alexa Fund , Alexa Startups , and BLAVITY are excited to announce the Black Founders Build with Alexa Program . This four-month, remote program seeks 10 Black-founded startups located in North America that are driving innovation in voice, artificial intelligence, and ambient computing. The selected startups will have an opportunity to receive a $100,000 investment from the Alexa Fund and individualized technology support from the Alexa Startups team. The goal of Black Founders Build with Alexa is to combat the lack of inclusiveness and underrepresentation of entrepreneurs of color in the tech industry. According to the Alexa Startups team, this initiative will lead to more diverse perspectives, bigger thinking, and ultimately better products and services for Alexa customers. Interested in applying? Here’s what you need to know. What Is...

Black women dominate every space they enter. Therefore, it’s only right that we continue to uplift, support, and equip them with the keys that they need to win. To take things beyond just highlighting women across the AfroTech platform during Women’s History Month, the brand took things a bit further and ended March with a bang. The AfroTech Executive Brooklyn event was a one-day, in-person leadership summit dedicated to addressing the lack of representation in boardrooms across America, the wage difference that women are up against, and the actions that need to be put into motion to lead more Black women to the wealth that they more than deserve. Held in Brooklyn, at the 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge on March 25, the experience included sessions from boss women like Ursula Burns, the first Black woman CEO in the Fortune 500; Merline Saintill, Fortune 500 board director and lead director of Rocket Lab; Heather Hiles, entrepreneur, technologist, and investor; Samantha Tweedy, the inaugural...

AFROTECH is honoring individuals across the tech industry — including the disrupters, innovators, wealth-makers, and overall game-changers in the industry in honor of Black History Month. The inaugural AFROTECH™ Future 50 list honors 50 rising titans in the tech industry. These are up-and-coming visionaries from sectors across CPG, FinTech, D&I, VC, Board Directors, Product Leaders, Beauty, Crypto/NFTs, Social Impact, and Entrepreneurship. You’ve seen their stories on here, and elsewhere. You’ve followed their journey and watched them change the face of technology. You even may have been inspired to begin your own entrepreneurial journey after reading about theirs. And that, really, is what they’re here for. AFROTECH prides itself on bringing you the best — and brightest — Black men and women who overcame impossible odds to become thought leaders, disruptors, and innovators. Black men and women certainly don’t get enough credit, and recognition, for their role in the ever-changing...

You don’t always need a traditional computer science background to make it in tech. Ashton Elizabeth is living proof of that. The Seattle-based software engineer didn’t take a straight path into the tech field but has now been at Indeed for the past three years. And she knows about navigating twists and turns in the career path. Having originally gone to school to study psychology, Ashton’s focus was working with children — particularly kids diagnosed with autism. From there, she worked in the nonprofit sector to develop after-school programs in low-income housing complexes. And while she remains passionate about working with kids, Ashton decided to challenge herself by jumping into something new: the for-profit sector. “I wanted to stay competitive,” says Ashton, “so I decided to add that technical toolbelt to my skill set.” From there, she enrolled into a bootcamp where she trained to become a software engineer. Not long afterwards she found herself at Indeed. As part of her role,...