As the 2024 AfroTech conference approaches, anticipation builds for the impactful discussions that will celebrate Black excellence in technology. This year, Capital One, a tech leader committed to fostering diversity and innovation, is taking center stage with an exciting workshop on technology and product management. At the helm of this dynamic session will be two visionary leaders, Alexandra “Alex” Wood, Vice President of Product, and Jared Jordan, Managing Vice President, both of whom are driving the future of tech at Capital One. Their leadership exemplifies the company’s commitment to nurturing Black talent and pushing boundaries in the tech landscape.

Meet the Leaders: Alex Wood and Jared Jordan

Alex Wood and Jared Jordan bring diverse experiences and unique perspectives to their roles at Capital One. For Wood, the journey to Capital One wasn’t a linear path but rather a discovery of passion.

“Like every good daughter of an immigrant, I wanted to be a doctor or scientist, but I found myself drawn to a broader range of interest ultimately wanting to make lives better by removing friction and adding delight,” she reflects. Wood’s path has seen her working with startups as well as large multinational organizations. All of those experiences led her to a leadership role at Capital One, where she leads the HR product and data organization team, designing technology systems that enhance the experience of Capital One’s associates globally, from recruitment to payroll, to talent management and learning.

Jared Jordan, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience from tech giants like Google, YouTube and Netflix, where he led groundbreaking engineering projects. At Capital One, Jared focuses on customer identity, data management and messaging systems to protect against fraudulent access to accounts and to ensure customers receive information at optimal times through preferred channels

“Capital One’s mission to change banking for good resonates deeply with me,” he shares. “Financial freedom and access are essential to building a more equitable world, and Capital One’s commitment to both technology and diversity made it an easy choice for me.”

A Commitment to Diversity and Innovation

What makes Capital One stand out is its dedication to embedding diversity at the heart of its tech initiatives. Both Alex and Jared emphasize the importance of this approach.

“In many organizations, HR is seen as a back-office function, but at Capital One, we recognize that to change banking for good, we need to invest in the best people and create the infrastructure that allows them to thrive,” says Alex. Capital One’s Blacks in Tech (BIT) Business Resource Group is committed to cultivating, inspiring, educating, and supporting Black technologists at all stages of their careers. BIT’s goals are to create an impact, amplify the voices of BIT members, engage peers to strengthen our inclusive culture and help to recruit, attract and retain top talent from all backgrounds. 

Jared echoes this sentiment, highlighting how diversity drives innovation.

“Building diverse products requires diverse teams,” he states. “At Capital One, we’re putting our resources where our values are, ensuring long-term success for our company and our communities.” He sees the company setting the standard for inclusivity in tech, with a focus on leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly to improve access and outcomes for all.

What to Expect at AfroTech 2024

Attendees at AfroTech 2024 can look forward to an enlightening workshop led by Alex and Jared, where they will dive into Capital One’s technology strategies and product management frameworks.

“Our goal is to show that no matter what you look like, where you come from, or what your background is, you can make an impact in tech,” Jared shares. He and Alex plan to offer insights on aligning product and tech to drive innovation and deliver value.

The workshop promises to be more than just a learning opportunity; it’s about empowerment and inspiration.

“Building great technology and products is a team sport,” Alex adds. “We want to help attendees see that each person brings unique strengths, and when those strengths are combined, magic happens.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tech at Capital One

As they look to the future, both leaders are enthusiastic about what lies ahead. Alex is excited about creating consumer-grade experiences for Capital One’s associates, ensuring that internal processes are as seamless and engaging as the best digital platforms. 

“Imagine a world where we know what you’re great at and we can match you with the perfect role and team,” she envisions.

For Jared, the future lies in pushing the boundaries of financial technology while maintaining inclusivity at the core.

“I see Capital One leading in AI, machine learning and data analytics to enhance financial access for everyone,” he says. His advice to aspiring technologists is simple but profound: “Stay curious and never stop learning.”

Join Us at AfroTech 2024

Capital One is excited to participate in AfroTech 2024 and engage with the brilliant minds shaping the future of technology. Mark your calendars for Alex and Jared’s session on Thursday, Nov. 14, and make sure to stop by the Capital One booth to chat with technologists and of course, grab some great swag.