Josh Rodgers

In tech, where innovation reigns supreme, Celonis isn’t just playing the game—it’s changing it. As the global leader in process mining intelligence, Celonis is revolutionizing how businesses operate, cutting inefficiencies and driving real impact. But let’s be real—transforming industries is only half the mission. The real flex? Investing in people. And that’s exactly why Celonis has partnered with AFROTECH™—to open doors, create opportunities, and ensure Black tech professionals have a seat (and a voice) at the table. Celonis is taking businesses from “doing things the way they’ve always been done” to “doing things smarter, faster, and more sustainably.” By using AI-driven process mining, companies like Dell, Uber, and Johnson & Johnson are unlocking hidden value, making data-driven decisions, and stepping boldly into the future. But Celonis isn’t just about optimizing workflows—it’s about optimizing opportunities for Black tech professionals to lead, innovate, and drive change. At...

The music industry can be a tricky game — one minute you’re up, and the next you’re left wondering where all the money went — an intricate maze of talent, timing, and business. Few stories illustrate its complexities as vividly as Dawn Robinson’s. As a founding member of En Vogue, she was part of a movement that redefined contemporary R&B, blending impeccable harmonies with a bold, sophisticated image that commanded attention. Yet, the same industry that lifted her to legendary status ultimately left her to navigate an unrelenting financial storm. Robinson, now 59, recently revealed in a profoundly personal YouTube video that she has been living in her car for the past three years, according to The Hollywood Reporter. This revelation is more than a personal hardship — it is a case study of what happens when artists, especially Black women in the music industry, are not given the tools to own their success beyond the stage. Her story is not about missteps alone but about an industry...

Billionaires have long found ways to minimize their tax burdens, using loopholes and financial strategies that allow them to pay far less percentage-wise than everyday Americans. While many assume the ultra-wealthy contribute significantly to the nation’s tax revenue, the reality is that their effective tax rates — what they pay relative to their total wealth — are far lower than those of middle-class and working-class individuals. Their methods to shield their fortunes are legal, yet they contribute to widening economic inequality and an ever-growing fiscal deficit. The disparity between billionaire and working-class tax rates was highlighted in a live chat hosted by The Washington Post. Journalist Jeff Stein responded to a user asking about billionaires paying their fair share in taxes. He pointed out that while billionaires pay large sums in taxes, their effective tax rate remains much lower than that of the average American. He explained that one key reason is the ability of...

For generations, the idea of retirement was wrapped in images of palm trees, golf courses, and pastel-colored condos lining the Florida coast. But for today’s retirees, those images are changing. The decision of where to retire is no longer just about sunshine and tax incentives; it’s about affordability, quality of life, and long-term stability. Instead of heading south, many retirees are opting for places like the Midwest, trading palm trees for pine forests, ocean waves for mountain peaks, and high insurance rates for financial security. And this shift isn’t random. For decades, Florida has been synonymous with retirement. The Sunshine State’s warm climate, tax advantages, and retirement-friendly communities made it the ultimate destination for older Americans. However, recent trends suggest that the tides are turning. A new study from Mirador Living, titled “Retirement Expectations vs. Reality: Factors that Impact Retirement Decisions,” reveals a surprising shift in where...

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, while much of the country slept, President Donald Trump made yet another grand declaration. It was reminiscent of his past bold claims—Mexico paying for the wall, immediate healthcare overhauls, the return of American manufacturing—statements that electrified his base but often failed to materialize in the real world. This time, the promise was more personal. “I’m going to buy a brand new Tesla tomorrow morning as a show of confidence and support for Elon Musk, a truly great American,” Trump announced, as reported by CNBC. And yet, as the day unfolded, there were no White House photo ops, no congratulatory X posts from Musk, and no sign of a freshly delivered Tesla in the presidential motorcade. What initially seemed like an act of economic defiance against Tesla’s plunging stock price quickly revealed itself as something else entirely—another carefully staged performance in the political theater that now defines the Trump-Musk alliance....

Historically, Black communities have moved in pursuit of economic opportunity, from the Great Migration during the 1900s to today’s evolving workforce. Generations before sought dignity through factory jobs, public sector roles, and emerging industries, carving out spaces in a labor market that was never designed for them. In 2025, the landscape remains precarious, demanding strategic maneuvering in a system that continues to shift beneath workers’ feet. The latest employment figures reveal a market struggling under the weight of governmental shifts, corporate hesitancy, and economic uncertainty. According to The Wall Street Journal, February’s 151,000 new jobs were an improvement from January’s 125,000, but still fell short of the projected 170,000. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate inched up to 4.1%, signaling that more people are looking for work but not necessarily finding it. A Workforce Shaped By Policy, Not Just Performance Beneath the surface of job reports lies a deeper...

New AI tools pop up constantly, promising to make work easier and more efficient. But with so many options, the real question isn’t which AI is the best—it’s which fits your workflow. To help navigate this evolving landscape, we looked closely at two significant platforms, ChatGPT’s Custom GPTs and Google’s Gemini. The goal? To see how they handle real-world tasks and which delivers the best experience. Custom GPTs: Smarter AI, Less Effort According to a previous AFROTECH™ report, Custom GPTs are tailored versions of ChatGPT designed for specific tasks. Instead of repeatedly typing the same prompts, users can set up a Custom GPT once and let it do the heavy lifting. Whether drafting emails, generating research summaries, or assisting with customer support, these AI assistants streamline workflows by eliminating redundancy. The right setup lets users focus on results instead of processes, making work more efficient. Gemini: Google’s Integrated AI Assistant According to its website,...

For a company that prides itself on pushing the boundaries in space exploration , SpaceX just hit another major roadblock—literally. The highly anticipated test flight of its Starship mega rocket ended in disaster (again) after controllers lost contact with the upper-stage vehicle just minutes into the launch. This marks Starship’s second consecutive failure, raising serious questions: What’s causing these explosions? Has this happened before? And what is SpaceX doing to fix it? Let’s break it all down. Why Did This Happen? According to an NBC News report, the launch kicked off with promise. Near Brownsville, Texas, on Thursday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. ET, Starship blasted off from SpaceX’s Starbase for its eighth test, soaring toward the skies with the power and spectacle you’d expect from the world’s most advanced rocket. But then—like déjà vu—disaster struck just over eight minutes in. Live video showed the upper-stage vehicle spinning uncontrollably, and within seconds,...

Stephen A. Smith has officially signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with ESPN, solidifying his role as the face of “First Take” while also gaining greater flexibility to expand his presence beyond sports. According to Sports Illustrated, Smith confirmed the extension on First Take, expressing gratitude for the deal while acknowledging the lengthy negotiation process. “It took too d-mn long,” he remarked with a smile, adding that he remains proud to be part of the “Worldwide Leader in Sports.” His co-host, Molly Qerim, responded lightheartedly, “Yeah, you’re telling me! I saw those mood swings.” Evolving Role at ESPN Under the new agreement, Smith will continue as the primary voice of “First Take” but will scale back appearances on other ESPN programs, including a reduced role on the network’s NBA pregame show, The Athletic noted. This shift allows him to explore additional media opportunities, including political commentary, a space he has engaged with more...

The thing about economic policies is that they don’t operate in a vacuum. Every decision — every tax, every regulation, every tariff — sends ripples through the system. Some people surf the waves. Others get drowned by them. Tariffs have long been used as a tool of economic warfare, a way for nations to protect their industries or punish their rivals. But under President Donald Trump, tariffs have become something else entirely: a high-stakes bargaining chip in a trade war that seems to have no end. According to CNN, his latest round of 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, along with another 10% levy on Chinese goods, has thrown American businesses, workers, and consumers into a state of economic uncertainty. The White House insists tariffs will protect American industries, but history tells a different story. Prices are rising, businesses are struggling, and working-class families — many already battling inflation — will be forced to make tough choices. Tariffs In Context:...

The future isn’t coming — it’s already here. Artificial intelligence has moved beyond sci-fi speculation to become an integral part of our daily lives, reshaping the way we work, create, and connect. At the forefront of this transformation is the rise of custom GPTs — AI models designed to meet specific needs with precision and adaptability. Whether it’s streamlining content creation, enhancing customer engagement, or optimizing complex workflows, these intelligent assistants are revolutionizing productivity. By tailoring AI to fit unique goals, professionals aren’t just working smarter, they’re redefining what’s possible in real time. The question isn’t whether AI will shape the future — it’s how we’ll harness it to shape our own. How Custom GPTs Are Changing The Game The ability to craft precise and effective prompts is essential when working with AI. As discussed in the previous AFROTECH™ article on Advanced AI Prompting Techniques , mastering AI communication is crucial to...

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool, but its effectiveness depends on how well you communicate with it. Whether you’re drafting emails, creating social media content, or tackling complex problem-solving, refining your approach to AI prompts can make a significant difference. By understanding key prompting techniques, you can guide AI to generate more precise, relevant, and valuable responses. How Different Prompting Techniques Shape AI Responses Zero-shot prompting allows AI to generate responses without any prior examples. This method helps brainstorm fresh ideas, generate unbiased perspectives, or explore open-ended requests. For instance, if you ask AI to “Write a social media post about the benefits of remote work,” it will create a response based purely on its training data without any specific context. However, when you need a more structured response, few-shot prompting offers a way to refine AI’s output. By providing a few sample responses, you help AI understand the...

This year, Morehouse College’s A Candle in the Dark Gala shattered expectations, raising an unprecedented $6.8 million for scholarships that will directly impact the lives of current and future students. As one of the most prestigious fundraising events, the gala in Atlanta, GA, celebrates Morehouse’s legacy and its unwavering commitment to empowering young men and strengthening the community. Among the evening’s most compelling moments was the heartfelt address from Rashaun Williams, a Morehouse alum, investor, and philanthropist, who is a 2025 recipient of the Bennie Award and recognized as a Trailblazer. He spoke about the institution’s transformative role in his life. Williams, who has built a career investing in emerging businesses and supporting economic empowerment, credited Morehouse with stepping in when he needed guidance, structure, and a sense of belonging. “Morehouse was my first investor. You’re looking at the return on investment that you get when you invest in...

The rhythm of ambition often starts quietly—a hum of potential that builds into a bold symphony. For IntusCare, the journey began in the halls of Brown University, where co-founders Evan Jackson and Robbie Felton turned their vision for eldercare into reality, with Stevie Wonder’s song “Sir Duke,” setting the tone for their path forward. Much like a timeless Stevie Wonder groove that lingers long after the music fades, IntusCare’s journey from pitch competitions to industry innovation has been driven by harmony, persistence, and an unwavering belief in its mission. Rooted In Mission: A Personal Commitment To Equitable Care Founded five years ago, IntusCare set out to disrupt the healthcare status quo and deliver high-quality care to low-income older adults — a population often left behind by systemic inequities. Their mission is deeply anchored in serving diverse, marginalized communities, including Black, Latino, and Asian American populations, who have historically faced...

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how we create, problem-solve, and engage with technology. But success with AI doesn’t happen by accident — it happens by design. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini can be powerful creative partners, but only if you know how to guide them. The key lies in crafting prompts that provide direction, clarity, and context. Whether you’re drafting marketing copy, generating ideas, or solving complex problems, understanding how to talk to AI is essential. Let’s explore the strategies that can turn your prompts into powerful tools for smarter, sharper results. Understanding The Art Of AI Prompting AI thrives on clarity and specificity. Great prompts act like roadmaps — clear directions lead to clear destinations. Yet, crafting those directions requires more than guesswork; it demands strategy. Blavity COO Jeff Nelson developed a six-part engineering framework that turns vague requests into actionable responses. Persona: Anchor the AI’s...