Showing 156 results for:
speakers
Popular topics
All results
The AFROTECH ™ 2024 Conference kicks off in Houston, TX, on Wednesday, with will.i.am and Tobe Nwigwe joining an already impressive lineup of speakers. Tobe Nwigwe — a visionary, artist, and entrepreneur known for his albums “The MonuMINTal,” “moMINT,” and “HOOD HYMNS” — will take the Innovation Stage for a fireside chat on visual storytelling. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AFROTECH™ Conference (@afrotech.conference) will.i.am, the multi-platinum artist, producer, tech entrepreneur, and philanthropist, brings over two decades of experience leading at the intersection of music and technology. From chart-topping hits to impactful tech solutions, he will participate in a fireside chat, offering insights on building a multi-faceted career that intersects creativity and innovation. As AFROTECH™ previously reported, will.i.am sees significant value in the upcoming conference. What particularly piques his interest are the activations planned for this year, which he...
If you step outside, you can likely smell the Black excellence in the air. And that is an indicator that speakers, attendees, and businesses are getting ready for AfroTech Conference 2023. Last year, the team went down to Austin, TX, and took over, proving the power of influence by Black entrepreneurs, technologists, and corporate baddies. Conference attendees were immersed in a deep, empowering, thought-provoking cultural experience packed with tools for leveling up each day. The specially curated schedule was doubly impactful with AfroTech speakers including heavy hitters: Mark Cuban, Touré Roberts, and Tanya Sam. From the wisdom and insight on the Main Stage to the consistent gems dropped at the Learning Lab to the innovative insight shared on the Product & Engineering, Executive, and Web3 stages — there were constant moments filled with “oohs and ahhs” as attendees digested everything the speakers gave out. But tapping in with AfroTech isn’t just for business. Those who work...
An event software company used facial recognition technology to analyze the gender diversity of more than 60,000-panel speakers at tech conferences and events in the last five years. The results: tech event speakers are made up of mostly men. Bizzabo today released the Gender Diversity & Inclusion in Events Report compiling data from thousands of the world’s largest professional events across 23 countries. The survey found Internet-focused event speakers were 79 percent male and 21 percent female. Information technology event speakers were 80 percent men and 20 percent women and venture capital event speakers were 82 percent male and 18 percent female. IT services speakers were 80 percent male and 20 percent female. Computer software event speakers have a slightly higher percentage of women speakers at 25 percent female and 75 percent male. “Every event benefits from having greater gender diversity and balance across its speaker lineup,” said Alon Alroy, Bizzabo ’s co-founder and...
Books have long been a source of wisdom for business leaders, offering guidance on everything from financial strategy to leadership development. Certain books have stood the test of time, selling millions of copies and earning praise from business icons, investors, and top executives. Whether you’re looking to sharpen l eadership skills , build a profitable company, or develop a better financial mindset , here are the most famous books for business success. Think And Grow Rich By Napoleon Hill Originally published in 1937, Think and Grow Rich has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. It’s earned distinction as one of history’s best-selling personal development books. The book is based on Napoleon Hill’s research into the habits of wealthy individuals, including Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford. It presents a blueprint for achieving financial success through mindset and persistence. Readers often praise the book for its emphasis on the power of visualization and goal-setting. Some of...
There are clubs that no amount of charm or charisma can get you into. The kind where wealth isn’t enough if it isn’t old, where opportunity depends not on merit but on access, and where the real decisions are made behind velvet ropes and closed boardroom doors. For far too long, the world of professional sports ownership has been one of those clubs. This is where Jaia Thomas and Diverse Representation enter the chat. What started as a digital directory for Black agents and publicists has evolved into a movement to radically shift the face of power in sports and entertainment. Through events like the recent Black Ownership in Sports Symposium in Atlanta, GA, Founder and CEO Thomas is not just asking for a seat at the table. She’s building new tables altogether. The symposium brings together current and aspiring Black owners, investors, and leaders to discuss tangible pathways into one of the most exclusive spaces in business. Paxton Baker was one of the speakers at this year’s...
Industry leaders Nancy Twine and James D. White share invaluable insights to help you accelerate your career. Both were featured as speakers at AFROTECH™’s Board Readiness Summit, which was held virtually from 10 a.m. ET to noon ET on March 25, 2025. The event offered keen insights on securing a board seat. Twine’s panel was moderated by Avary Bradford, founder and consultant at The Hive Consulting Co. White’s panel was moderated by Salah Goss, Mastercard’s head of social impact for North America at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Twine’s Panel Insights Twine and White reflected on their paths to securing their first board positions. Twine, who currently serves on the boards of Room to Grow and Cosmetic Executive Women, spoke first, detailing her transition to Vera Bradley, where she served from June 2021 to June 2023, according to LinkedIn. This opportunity came nearly eight years after she founded Briogeo Hair Care—a clean, natural hair care brand designed for all hair...
Carmelo Anthony’s intro into solo investing paid off big time. In 2006, Daniel Huang and Shawn Dougherty bootstrapped mStation with a $250,000 investment, developing speakers and cases for iPods and MP3 players, according to Forbes. Within their first year, they generated $1 million in revenue, most of the earnings coming from North America. The founders went on to make some power moves with the help of Carmelo Anthony, who was an active NBA player at the time. Here’s how. The Carmelo Anthony Effect In 2007, Huang and Dougherty acquired Mophie, which was responsible for creating the OG portable battery for iPhones. Forbes notes the pair created a battery-powered case, and Mophie’s revenue scaled from $2.6 million in 2008 to $200 million by 2013. Mophie’s revenue was predicted to reach $1 billion within the next five years. “What we got from them that we didn’t have was a global Apple retail presence, customers in 60 plus countries, and a diversification into the case business,”...
TJ Maxx is a popular budget store that many people have come to love. As shoppers are increasingly drawn to retailers that offer both value and variety, TJ Maxx thrives thanks to its mix of designer brands and discount prices. It’s not just about the thrill of finding a great deal for fashion enthusiasts – it’s also about the experience of uncovering hidden gems. Whether you’re looking for trendy clothing, home decor or even unique accessories, they offer an ever-changing treasure trove of options. Although the store has been a reliable favorite for years, there has been some speculation about the popular chain recently as consumers keep an eye out for their stance on diversity, equity and inclusion. In the past, TJX Companies (the parent company of TJ Maxx) has publicly stated its commitment to building a more inclusive and diverse workplace . Yet with the DEI frenzy over the last few weeks, shoppers are not entirely convinced that the budget store is fully onboard with the DEI...
Teyana Taylor has become a household name thanks to her work throughout the entertainment industry. Although she comes from a well positioned family, the mother of two has come into her own. Over the years, Taylor has developed her own image, style and money, even going on to coach other starlets into their most confident selves. W hether she’s topping the charts with her latest album, exercising her famous abs for a photoshoot or working on brand collabs , the multi-talent is making money moves. Teyana Taylor has built her own financial empire that just keeps on giving. Although she has been making headlines for her multi-million dollar divorce from NBA champion Iman Shumpert, she’s still got it . Here is what we know about Teyana Taylor’s net worth in 2025. How Did The “Rose In Harlem” Hitmaker Become Famous? (Brian Ach/WireImage) Teyana Taylor’s fame stems from a number of sources dating back to the mid-2000s. The performer grew up in Harlem, New York, as fans who listened to her...
Students from across the country can benefit from the AFROTECH™ Conference. You don’t need to be a professional or a graduating college student to make an impact at the annual Black tech mecca. Learning is a lifelong process, and by attending the conference, you’ll gain access to a dynamic lineup of speakers and corporations covering topics such as entrepreneurship, wealth building, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. Additionally, attending AFROTECH™ presents countless networking opportunities—its first year in Houston, Texas, in November 2024 drew more than 37,000 attendees. Morgan State University junior Mivette Garcia had several expectations when she attended the AFROTECH™ Conference for the first time in 2024—expectations shaped by her pursuits as a business administration and management major, an intern at the university’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center, and the owner of a virtual beauty boutique that she hopes to expand to include beauty...
Technology is enabling fans to immerse themselves in the music of legendary artists like Janet Jackson. The “Anytime, Anyplace” songstress is currently headlining a residency at Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, NV, running through May 31, 2025. Fans can relive 42 of her timeless hits, including “I Get Lonely” and “When I Think of You.” The latter, released in 1986 as the third single from her “Control” album, became her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as Billboard notes. Jackson’s Vegas residency carries deep significance. Her career began when she was seven years old at MGM Las Vegas. She performed alongside sisters Rebbie and La Toya, as noted in Las Vegas Magazine. “I will always have a very, very special place in my heart for Las Vegas. I started my career here 51 years ago. I love you so much,” Jackson said during her performance on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Photo Credit: Resorts World Theatre L-Acoustics With a career spanning five decades, Jackson’s passion for performing...
The AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference took Houston, TX, by storm from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17, uniting Black innovators worldwide to connect, discuss trends, and network with industry leaders and recruiters. A highlight of the conference was the Women in Tech Luncheon, presented by Yahoo. This event brought together an inspiring group of pioneering Black women in technology for an empowering and supportive celebration. Celebrity wellness and lifestyle expert and birth doula Latham Thomas, known as Glow Maven, opened the luncheon with welcoming remarks. She has been recognized as one of Oprah Winfrey’s Super Soul 100 and named one of Mindbodygreen’s “Top 100 Women to Watch in Wellness,” according to her Instagram profile. Notable speakers included Giselle Battley, head of global emerging careers and learning & development at Yahoo. According to her LinkedIn profile, Battley was recognized as one of Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women in Business for 2024. The luncheon opened the door for Black women...
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...
Tom Nyuma was awarded second place at the 2024 AFROTECH™ AI Hackathon , where innovators gathered to collaborate on impactful solutions for their communities and industries. Nyuma, who started programming in college, created Sickle Sense to “truly make a difference in the lives of those with sickle cell,” he shared in his submission to AFROTECH™. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AFROTECH™ Conference (@afrotech.conference) As someone living with sickle cell disease, Nyuma initially planned to develop an app to help people find jobs. However, after reflecting on his own experiences, he decided to address a long-standing issue he had been passionate about for years — sickle cell disease management. While researching, Nyuma found a 2023 paper titled Artificial Intelligence in Sickle Cell Disease, which explored how AI could transform the management of sickle cell disease through areas like early crisis detection, personalized treatment, and risk stratification. He said...
“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...