Josh Rodgers

“Houston, we have a problem” took on an entirely new meaning as AFROTECH™ Conference 2024 transformed the city into a hub of innovation and inspiration. Over 37,000 participants, 237 dynamic speakers, and 168 leading corporations came together to create a groundbreaking experience that redefined networking and collaboration. Over four electric days, Houston, TX, became the epicenter of innovation, wealth-building, and culture. From groundbreaking tech demos to impactful conversations on economic empowerment, AFROTECH™ delivers it all with unmatched innovation and purpose. Innovation At The Forefront This year’s conference lived up to its promise, showcasing the forefront of technological innovation. Attendees got a first-hand look at product demos from SnapChat, showcasing its latest hardware, and NVIDIA, which wowed the crowd with groundbreaking 3D imaging technology. The Learning Labs offered AI demonstrations and outlooks for the future, with Google unveiling its advanced Gemini...

In January 2023, Wes Moore became Maryland’s first Black governor as well as the 63rd person to serve in the state’s highest seat. Since his election, Moore has proposed several initiatives that his administration believes improve the overall quality of life for the state’s residents. During AFROTECH™ Conference 2024, Nov. 13-16, Moore brought some perspectives to the Innovation Stage , joining Jeff Nelson, co-founder and COO of Blavity Inc., for a fireside chat called “Work, Wages, and Wealth: State-Led Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact.” While there he discussed navigating Maryland’s political shift after a Republican administration and how his “work, wages, and wealth” mantra drives equitable economic growth. A core part of Moore’s administration is also working to fulfill his vision of making Maryland an innovation hub. Moore and his team have been building out that innovative approach since before the most recent election results. “We’ve been battle planning no matter what the...

Who ever thought the end of AFROTECH™ 2024 would evoke the feels of Boyz II Men’s classic “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday?” And now that AFROTECH™ has wrapped up, those lyrics hit differently as we say farewell to an unforgettable week. Houston, TX, welcomed 37,500 industry leaders for four days of groundbreaking discussions and networking. The city was buzzing with Black excellence — from entrepreneurs and tech innovators to corporate powerhouses, all owning their futures and reveling in the experience. Every day, attendees dived into immersive sessions that were as empowering as they were culturally on point. With a lineup of standout speakers — like Bun B, Tobe Nwigwe, will.i.am, Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins, Kendrick Sampson, Angelica Ross, and Rashad Robinson — AFROTECH™ made sure every moment was full of inspiration. AFROTECH™ Conference also showcased groundbreaking initiatives and discussions aimed at driving innovation, equity, and community empowerment. Angel...

When it comes to AFROTECH™, think of its offerings like an Oprah Winfrey giveaway. Everyone gets a session. Although the conference has tech in its title, the annual convening is more than a gathering of tech professionals. AFROTECH™ Conference is a vibrant, inclusive event crafted for tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and professionals from all walks of life. On Day 2, Nov. 14, the agenda offers a deep dive into what attendees can expect from this year’s gathering. Regardless of your field, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s break down what to expect on Thursday. If you’re just arriving, head to the registration booths to get everything you need for a smooth experience. The Mall Of Opportunity The Expo Hall opens today, with resources and engaging experiences for all attendees. This year, the space is designed for you to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge products, participate in hands-on workshops, check out sponsor booths, and stay ahead of industry trends...

AFROTECH™ Fam, the 2024 conference is here, and things are off to an amazing start to build the future we want to live in. As thousands of attendees land in Houston, TX, one of the first orders of business is picking up registration materials, which offer access to various learning sessions, impactful speakers, and limitless opportunities the conference has in store. This year’s convening is pivotal for Black tech innovators and inclusive tech companies. The annual gathering offers attendees a platform to engage in technical deep dives, participate in learning labs, and seize networking opportunities with industry leaders. It also aims to foster a community for Black tech professionals and provide dynamic programming on emerging trends as well as facilitate conversations with top tech recruiters. Wednesday’s opening of the Culture Park Stage, presented by Lexus (Nov. 13) , offers an immersive experience blending music, community, and diverse programming. The unique, inclusive...

Black culture has long been a driving force in shaping fashion, yet that influence is not fully represented in the industry’s creative leadership. According to data from Zippia.com , only 7.3% of American fashion designers are Black. McDonald’s Change of Fashion program is committed to addressing this disparity and helping to elevate Black talent within the fashion industry. By working with five rising fashion designers, matched with five Black industry experts, the Change of Fashion program includes a year-long mentorship filled with access to valuable resources, education, and national exposure to industry experts, including the launch of a capsule collection. As we gear up for the 2024 AFROTECH™ Conference, blending style with purpose is more relevant than ever. Whether you’re into innovative streetwear or eco-conscious resort attire, the McDonald’s Change of Fashion designers are revolutionizing the game and helping people stand out, speak up, and show up as their most authentic...

Have you ever had the perfect bowl of food? It’s like all the ingredients merged perfectly, making that meal the go-to recipe in the family. The same can be said when opportunity meets values; it creates a powerful recipe for success. This synergy is at the heart of Stripe’s continued partnership with AfroTech, where innovation and community unite to uplift the next generation of tech leaders. Stripe isn’t just any technology company; it’s the backbone of the economic infrastructure for the Internet. From bustling e-commerce platforms to ambitious startups, Stripe enables millions of businesses to accept payments, boost their revenue, and unlock new avenues for growth. Think of them as the financial engine that keeps our entrepreneurial dreams on the road. Stripe’s Vision for Economic Growth At the core of Stripe’s mission is a bold vision: to increase the global GDP of the Internet. They believe everyone should have a seat at the table, including you! Stripe’s suite of solutions is...

There is no right or wrong pathway to fulfilling your dreams. With so many options, from traditional education to finding resources on apps like YouTube and TikTok, people have several ways they can tap into how they begin or pivot into the working path of their dreams. Within this ecosystem are also groups providing traditional education alternatives like accelerators and development programs that allow people from diverse backgrounds to have a leg up in industries. NPower exists within this ecosystem and is doing its part to ensure those who want access to tech have it. According to the company website, NPower’s mission is to “create pathways to economic prosperity by launching digital careers for military veterans and young adults from underserved communities.” However, there are nuanced hurdles that women experience, leading the company to launch Command Shift. The goal is to increase the number of women entering the tech industry by focusing on three key areas: attract and...

The special thing about AFROTECH™ Conference is that even as new people are introduced to it each year, there are also those who have been there since the beginning in 2016. The “OGs” of the conference have not only seen AFROTECH™ grow but have also experienced their own development over the years. Among those who jumped on board since the inaugural conference in San Francisco, CA, is Ruben Harris, CEO of Career Karma and OutRival. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ruben A. Harris (@rubenharris) Harris’ work is centered on education and career placement, helping people and organizations connect with top talent while simplifying workflow and integrating efficient models through technology and AI. The admissions teams at Career Karma use OutRival’s technology to create conversational AI agents to serve millions of people a month who visit the site for career advice. Currently, OutRival owns Career Karma, and Harris is the leader of both entities. Because of his emerging...

There is something special about new things. They are exciting and have an energy associated with them that is almost tangible. Many absorbed this feeling at the AFROTECH™ Conference 2023 when the Sports Summit stage was introduced. One of the voices on this inaugural stage was then-first-time AFROTECH™ speaker Nate Thompson. Thompson is an entrepreneur and tech founder with a proven track record in the Houston Mayor’s Office heading innovation and as the leader of HTX Sports Tech. He specializes in navigating complex environments to drive growth and foster collaboration. Thompson’s focus is expanding HTX Sports Tech’s influence as a trusted advisor in the sports innovation space while simultaneously launching the Future of Sport Foundation. This nonprofit venture aims to democratize access to technology and education, preparing the next generation for the future through the lens of sports innovation. Thompson’s journey has been marked by perseverance, passion, and persistence....

Election season can be one of the most exciting and anxiety-inducing times in America. Every four years, two major party candidates campaign to become the next leader of the free world, along with lesser known independent candidates. This election’s major candidates are current Vice President Kamala Harris as a Democrat and former President Donald Trump as a Republican. Regardless of candidate choice, one critical component of the democratic process is access to voting. Throughout U.S. history, voting has not always been a right for everyone, particularly for women and people of color. Slowly but surely, change began to take hold. The journey toward voting rights for Black Americans began with the 14th Amendment in 1868, granting citizenship to formerly enslaved people. This was followed by the 15th Amendment in 1870, which prohibited racial restrictions on voting. However, barriers like poll taxes and literacy tests persisted, limiting true access. The 1965 Voting Rights Act,...

You work hard for your money, so how you spend, invest, or save it is your business — and it’s critically important for managing your life. Since money plays a vital role in almost everything we do, budgeting and money management tools are essential for long-term sustainability. One of the nation’s leading experts on this topic is The Budgetnista, Tiffany Aliche. Aliche’s path to becoming “The Budgetnista” started with her passion for teaching. After 10 years as a schoolteacher, she transitioned into personal finance — a topic she was familiar with, having grown up as the daughter of a CFO father. Raised in a Nigerian household, financial literacy and negotiation were ingrained early on, with her mother being a master negotiator. This blend of professional teaching, family financial wisdom, and cultural influence laid the groundwork for Aliche’s successful personal finance brand. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tiffany Aliche (@thebudgetnista) The former preschool...

Landing the right job is a skill. It involves marrying your abilities and interests with an organization that aligns with your values and perspectives about the future. While the concept seems simple in theory, it’s a bit more complicated–but not impossible– in practice. And is the story and experience of Katie Slaughter and Komatsu. Komatsu is a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of equipment and technology solutions for industries such as construction, mining, forestry, and industrial machinery. With a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, Komatsu strives to improve customer operations through advanced products and services. Their solutions are designed to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and support the efficient use of resources, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of a diverse range of industries worldwide. In addition to its strong industrial presence, Komatsu is also a tech company, leveraging cutting-edge practices to...

Attending a traditional four-year college is a life-changing experience. Many students who choose that route consider it crucial to their formative era of adulthood. From making lifelong friends and unlearning things that no longer serve you to developing a sense of independence and greater resiliency — the collegiate experience can be life-defining. Now, add that perspective to a predominantly Black environment, and this is the HBCU experience. Founded to provide access to academia that systemic racist policies and laws would not traditionally allow, HBCUs are spaces of higher learning, homes, and safe spaces for students to be cultivated, developed, matured, and uniquely nurtured. Regardless of this context, one thing that is consistent for all college students is the journey of discovery, particularly around career goals and continued livelihood. Whether it is choosing the best major or navigating whether or not one should pursue an internship over a fellowship, college students...

It is no secret that women face more challenges than men in the workforce. From pay discrepancies to patriarchal views on leadership, many women have found it harder to navigate pathways to career success. Although these circumstances are true, they do not eliminate the reality that many women have overcome social constructs and systemic barriers to excel across several industries. But does career success equal happiness? A report from the National Library of Medicine (NLM) indicated that work happiness is strongly influenced by engaging in meaningful work, feeling valued by coworkers, and enjoying daily tasks. For women, however, the context is more nuanced. According to Forbes, job satisfaction differs significantly between men and women. The Conference Board’s latest survey reveals that women are notably less satisfied than men for the seventh consecutive year in nearly all aspects of their jobs. This wasn’t always the case — between 2011 and 2016, satisfaction levels were nearly...