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Technology never stops evolving, and neither does Matthew Robinson. As a senior UX design manager at Google Photos, Robinson’s motivation in his career is rooted in the “understanding that design and technology will undoubtedly continue to change the world as we understand it.” “It’s critical to have a seat in the rooms that are making the decisions that ultimately affect all of us,” said Robinson in an interview with AFROTECH™. “My roots as a designer with a knack for all creative endeavors will always be my foundation. Still, I’m increasingly interested in creating products that balance innovation with what’s ultimately good for the world around us.” Robinson says that due to his firsthand glimpse at how strategic design can frame products and define humans interactions , he is passionate about bringing his expertise to this year’s AFROTECH™ Conference. A speaker on day 2, he will lead a conversation titled “Creative Summit: Diverse Design: User-Centric Innovation.” View this...
Here are some tips to consider to become a well-paid creative. The creator economy is projected to reach $500 billion by 2027, according to Sprout Social. If you are a creator, you don’t want to miss out on your piece of the pie. At NAB Show 2025 (National Association of Broadcasters) held in Las Vegas, NV, Rhea Allen, president and CEO of Peppershock Media, moderated a discussion that offers real-world strategies that can be applied by creators to increase your value and income. Niche Down And Specialize While it is OK to be a jack of all trades, it will be a better bet to narrow your focus on mastering one niche and to establish trust among an audience that will gravitate towards you for a particular subject matter. This can also be helpful as more companies seek expert commentary. “Companies tend to hire experts, and they’re more willing to pay for the expert,” Allen explained. “And so if you position yourself as the go-to person for a specific skill or industry, you naturally...
In an era where the boundaries between technology, law, and culture constantly shift, Blake Richardson, Esq., is one of the few professionals standing firmly at the intersection. As chief legal officer at Gala Games, Gala Music, and Gala Film, Richardson navigates one of emerging tech’s most complex regulatory environments: blockchain. But her journey — from working behind the scenes at NBCUniversal, Lionsgate, and the Phoenix Suns to helping shape blockchain legal frameworks — is more than a personal evolution. It’s a case study in how legal minds are increasingly essential to the tech sector’s future. Understanding Legal Tech In The Age Of Blockchain At its core, legal tech encompasses tools that streamline how users interact with and interpret the law. From document automation and case law research to e-discovery platforms and client management systems, legal tech is transforming how firms and in-house departments operate. But as Reuters notes, it’s not just about efficiency —...
By now you’re surely aware of generative AI software , since the newly-developed tech has become the hottest craze on the internet in recent years. One of the leading services in this niche, OpenAI’s ChatGPT , has been utilized by millions to create stylized images, videos and text from brief descriptive prompts. Though this technology is quite impressive, it has drawn heavy criticism from those who share concerns about AI’s impact on the environment , its effect on artists and the frequently incorrect information it delivers as fact. Now, OpenAI has released the latest model for their GPT software, titled GPT-4o. The 4o iteration allows GPT users to generate uncanny recreations of specific art styles, including those in the image of a Studio Ghibli film. As you can imagine, this new OS has wrought tons of use from curious users all over the world, and drawn criticism from fans of the Ghibli franchise. If you’re at all active on social media, you’ve no doubt encountered a sudden...
In a political landscape where economic promises often shift with the news cycle, one topic has managed to grab headlines and public curiosity alike: DOGE checks. Tied to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) — an initiative linked to Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s administration — the proposed stimulus would direct billions in alleged government savings back to American taxpayers. But is this an actual policy shift or a high-profile thought experiment? Here’s what we know. What Are DOGE Checks? DOGE checks are a proposed stimulus payout drawn from cost-cutting measures implemented by DOGE. Since its launch in January, DOGE claims to have saved the federal government $130 billion by downsizing federal agencies and eliminating redundancies. According to Newsweek, the Trump administration has set a $2 trillion savings goal, with the potential for Americans to receive direct financial benefits from these efforts. The term “DOGE checks” gained traction following a...
Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the most influential self-improvement books of all time. First published in 1936, the book remains widely read today, offering timeless advice on communication, leadership , and building meaningful relationships. The book teaches practical strategies for improving social interactions, gaining influence, and fostering genuine connections—skills that are valuable in both personal and professional life. This summary explores the key principles and lessons from Carnegie’s book, breaking down the strategies that have helped people around the world build stronger relationships and succeed in business , leadership, and everyday interactions. The Core Idea Of The Book Carnegie’s philosophy centers around understanding human nature and using that knowledge to create positive interactions. The book argues that people respond best to appreciation, encouragement, and genuine interest rather than criticism or manipulation....
It’s a full-circle moment for Carmelo Anthony as he finds himself back where his journey first began. In 2022, the former NBA player made his foray into the wine sector with the launch of the global wine estate brand VII(N), as AFROTECH™ previously told you. He had shown an interest in wine more than a decade ago. While playing for the New York Knicks, he drank a bottle of Petrus, which played a pivotal role in his desire to create a wine profile, but instead for daily use. “I obviously know I couldn’t drink Petrus as my go-to wine every day, but I was chasing that taste profile, and it’s impossible to find it anywhere else. You just can’t. But I had to come down to earth and start figuring out what I could drink on a daily basis. I do have a very high taste profile, I must say,” he explained, according to Haute Living. While playing in New York, Anthony also adds that he was expanding not only his palette but also his network. His time in the city cemented his need to become a more...
Allow your money to work for you. Financial experts Carter Cofield and George Acheampong are bridging the gap in financial literacy among Black entrepreneurs and professionals. Through their platform, Melanin Money, they aim to close the $100 billion wealth gap and help their users achieve their first seven-figure net worth, its website notes. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, the platform launched as an e-commerce brand but scaled into a financial social network in 2017. It offers courses on personal finance, wealth building, and entrepreneurship led by educators. In 2024, these workshops reached 20,000 people. “We decided to create this hybrid educational model where every other month we’re basically doing a virtual conference where people who may be not in a position to hire an advisor or are curious if an advisor is right for them, they get to learn our top strategies over the course of five days,” Acheampong said on the “Black Tech Green Money” podcast, which AFROTECH™ Brand...
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...
Neil deGrasse Tyson is one of the most recognizable figures in modern science, known for making complex astrophysical concepts accessible to the public. With a career spanning decades in academia, television, and publishing, Tyson has built a brand that extends beyond traditional science communication. His earnings come from multiple sources, including books, speaking engagements, television appearances, and his role as director of the Hayden Planetarium. But just how much has this made him? Let’s break down his financial journey before revealing his net worth . How Neil deGrasse Tyson Became a Science Icon Tyson’s passion for astrophysics began at an early age. After earning degrees from Harvard, the University of Texas at Austin, and Columbia University, he became a leading voice in the field. He gained widespread recognition in the early 2000s as the director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History. His ability to explain complex scientific theories in...
Issa Rae refers to Sienna Naturals’ expansion with Sephora as a “dream come true.” Rae co-founded the award-winning hair care brand Sienna Naturals, which was first envisioned by Hannah Diop in 2012. Diop, reflecting on her own challenges in finding hair products that met her needs, recalls how clarifying shampoos fell short in restoring her hair’s health during her time on the swim team. This firsthand experience played a pivotal role in shaping Sienna Naturals, a brand founded on a proprietary clean chemistry approach that prioritizes scalp health , according t o the brand’s website. The haircare line is powered by hydrating, abiotic, pH-balanced ingredients (H.A.P.I.). “The first impression I want people to have when they use Sienna Naturals is how beautiful their hair is. So that wet-feel design is very intentional,” Diop told AFROTECH™. Photo Credit: Sienna Naturals When Rae discovered Sienna Naturals, she was in the process of learning how to best care for her natural hair...
Addressing the talent gap is essential to mitigating cybersecurity risks effectively. The United States has seen a wave of cybersecurity attacks over the years. In 2024, The Guardian reported that Volt Typhoon, a Chinese hacking group, infiltrated the networks of critical infrastructure organizations, including aviation, rail, mass transit, highways, maritime, pipelines, water, and sewage systems. U.S. intelligence revealed that the group had maintained access to some victim IT environments for over five years. Among the high-profile incidents, MGM Resorts faced a staggering $100 million loss. They were hit with cybersecurity attacks, leading them to shut down their systems in September 2023 “to mitigate risk to customer information,” according to NBC News. This meant workers could not access company emails, slot machines were inaccessible, and some customers could no longer enter their hotel rooms. Despite these measures, the hackers were still able to retrieve sensitive...
Editorial Note: Opinions and thoughts are the author’s own and not those of AFROTECH™. Venture capital has transformed over the last 15 years from a little-known industry to one of the most sought-after fields, thanks to the rise of iconic tech companies and the media spotlight on their stories. Movies, television, and digital media have brought the narratives of this once-obscure sector to screens worldwide. The first major story to captivate global attention was “ The Social Network” in 2010, chronicling Mark Zuckerberg’s journey from founding Facebook (now Meta) in his Harvard dorm room to building one of the world’s largest companies, with a market cap of $1.5 trillion. The allure of startups also made its way to the small screen with the hit HBO series “ Silicon Valley ”. Over six seasons, the show followed Richard Hendricks and his fictional startup , Pied Piper, portraying the highs and lows of launching, scaling, and exiting a startup. Each week, viewers gained insights into...
If the workforce were a playlist, 2025 would give “Renaissance” by Beyoncé — a vibe shift, a reset, and a clear signal that the world of work is hitting some new high notes. The game is changing, and whether it’s artificial intelligence (AI) running point, the return of curated travel experiences, or frontline roles making a comeback, one thing is clear: opportunities are out here, but they won’t fall into your lap. For Black professionals, the stakes are high. Job competition is fierce, with 2.5 applicants per role compared to 1.5 in 2022. Confidence is shaky, and hiring managers ghost candidates like they forgot the assignment. However, according to LinkedIn’s Jobs on the Rise 2025 report , nearly 60% of these roles are fresh on the scene, signaling change and opportunity. “Fields like AI, experiential industries, and frontline jobs are booming, offering fresh opportunities to break into spaces where we’ve historically been underrepresented,” says Andrew McCaskill. AI: The...
Embrace new opportunities in the coming year. The new year often brings a time of reflection and a renewed focus on personal growth and professional development. This includes strengthening one’s professional brand, enhancing skills through customized learning paths, obtaining industry-recognized certifications, and cultivating meaningful connections within one’s field. One key opportunity to consider in the new year is the AFROTECH™ Conference. This event has helped professionals land their dream roles in tech , secure speaking engagements, attract new clients, and open doors to countless other opportunities. The annual event empowers the next generation through insightful discussions led by industry change-makers, hands-on activations, recruitment opportunities from leading companies, and exposure to cutting-edge technologies. This year’s event — held in Houston, TX, at the George R. Brown Center between Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, and Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 — drew in a crowd of...