AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 in Houston, TX, was packed with powerful conversations, spotlighting trailblazers across tech, business, and culture.
Day 3 of the four-day conference, which wrapped on Nov. 16, 2024, featured several dynamic discussions, including a fireside chat with actress, activist, and tech entrepreneur Angelica Ross. The “Pose” actress led an inspiring talk on creating access and opportunities for LGBTQIA+ talent in tech.
“Unfortunately, what happens is America loves symbols of change and not real change. So they will pluck a few of us out of obscurity and make it look like change is happening. And now everybody who’s trans can kind of live this great life,” Ross shared. “But what you realize is, for the most part, celebrity separates us from reaching it. It no longer seems as accessible. So I have to model from my own experience and with TransTech that I’m someone who became successful. I also have to teeter this line to show what it means to develop balance around your own development. Again, you can’t become a better person if you don’t have a path. You learn about this, that the world doesn’t create that environment for you, you have to create it yourself.”
As AFROTECH™ previously reported, Ross has long dedicated her time and efforts to being a powerful advocate and resource for the trans community.
An early tech enthusiast, she founded TransTech Social in 2014 with the goal of bringing more trans, queer, and gender-nonconforming individuals into the tech industry. By 2017, she expanded her efforts with the TransTech Summit, a free event designed to educate attendees on how to advance their careers and thrive in the tech world.
“Well, I had been going to tech summits all over the place, not just tech summits, but just conferences, from LGBTQ-focused conferences to tech-focused conferences,” Ross previously told ESSENCE. “I just realized that there was probably a space missing that is centered by trans people, one in which we are centered enough so that everybody who is in our environment is not only watching out for the violence, but it’s like they’re also educated and informed so we can truly be an asset to one another.”
In addition to Ross, Day 3 of AFROTECH™ 2024 also featured a fireside chat with Hip-Hop legend and entrepreneur Bun B, who discussed using influence beyond music. Maryland Governor Wes Moore then joined Blavity Co-Founder and COOJeff Nelson to share his thoughts on fostering equitable economic growth and workforce development.
Nigerian-American artist and entrepreneur Tobe Nwigwe shared insights into his creative process and the role of his family in his work, while Anton Vincent, president of Mars Wrigley, and Carla Vernón, CEO of The Honest Co., discussed building purpose-driven brands.
Looking to attend AFROTECH™ Conference 2025? Secure your early bird tickets now — Oct. 27 – 31, 2025, in Houston, TX.
