Tish Archie-Oliver, Tamesha Hoppie-Henry For decades, Gap Inc.’s iconic American brands—Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta—haven’t just reflected culture; they’ve shaped it.  From inspiring authentic self-expression through fashion to marketing that celebrates humanity and its diverse stories, the company has consistently sought to bridge divides.  Gap Inc.’s approach to inclusion and belonging is proving that its purpose—“bridging gaps to create a better world”—extends far beyond fashion. At the heart of this movement is Tish Archie-Oliver, Gap Inc.’s Chief Inclusion & Belonging Officer, who describes the company’s commitment to inclusion not as a surface-level initiative, but as the fabric of Gap Inc.’s business, legacy and culture today. Tish joined Gap Inc. in August, wanting to approach her work from a global, more holistic perspective at an organization that has been committed to this journey since its inception. During the hiring process,  conversations with senior...

In a world where the lines between technology and finance are increasingly blurred, finding an employer that embraces diverse talent and values transferable skills can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Bloomberg has firmly established itself at the intersection of these two dynamic fields, creating opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to build rewarding careers. Diversity as a Driving Force At Bloomberg, diversity is more than a buzzword—it’s an integral part of the company’s success. Calvin McCoy Jr., Head of Americas Enterprise Technology Services, explains that Bloomberg does not search for cookie-cutter candidates. Instead, the company welcomes diverse individuals who have a passion for finance and technology, along with a broad range of skills and experiences. “Our approach is multifaceted and purposeful,” McCoy shares, pointing to initiatives like the Enterprise Services Technical Training Program (ESTP), which attracts individuals ready to...

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...

BET+ and Braze to Provide 1:1 Mentorship Guidance in Branding, Email Advertising, and Engagement Strategies to Select Companies through First-ever Partnership In 2023, startups founded by Black entrepreneurs in the US received less than 0.5% of venture funding, and woman-founded startups just 2.2% . To help address this imbalance, Braze, a leading customer engagement platform, has developed Tech for an Equitable Future, a product grant program. The initiative is designed to help underrepresented founders accelerate their company’s growth with the use of Braze technology, increasing their chances at securing future VC funding. The innovative initiative selects 20 startups from APAC, EMEA, and North America with founders from underrepresented backgrounds—including Black and women entrepreneurs. These businesses will receive 12 months of free access to Braze technology, as well as a range of supporting resources aimed at driving business growth and scalability. Each company will...

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, Dr. Jackie Jakes could not have even imagined the career he has today. That’s because cyber security, his field of expertise, simply wasn’t a thing at the time. Soon after he joined the military, however, he was introduced to cyber security in one of its most serious real life applications. “I started out as what we call an information system technician, doing traditional IT such as setting up networks. But then as our military networks started to be exploited, I was one of the people that was called upon because our leadership team thought I had the necessary skills and the ability to transition into this new field. “And it became real and personal for me once I started seeing that people were in effect being killed because of cyber attacks–whether it be an intel report being stolen or a malicious attack. So for me, it really became, ‘Hey, this is something we need to take seriously.’ And that’s when I developed a passion for it.” While the concept of...

Long known as the main hub for America’s automotive industry, Michigan is also building a reputation as a leader in tech innovation, medical device technology and electronics. From vibrant urban communities to serene natural settings, Michigan offers a unique combination of professional opportunities and a quality of life. Below, we explore how the state is quickly becoming a go-to destination that has more Black professionals saying they can in Michigan!

Meshach Jones joined Bloomberg straight out of college in 2017, and quickly became a member of the company’s Asset and Investment Manager (AIM) Compliance team. In his role as a software engineering team lead, Jones found a way to excel while serving his clients and creating his own lane within the company. “As a Bloomberg engineer, there are no specific levels,” Jones explained. “It’s really about allowing engineers to get involved wherever they deem fit and not creating barriers based on titles that might discourage people.” Jones became part of the company’s Black Professional Community (BPC) and has served as a lead within the Bloomberg Black in Tech (BBIT) group, which is focused on representation and supporting engineers and technologists in their careers. He took his role even further, making sure these groups found a way to recruit potential engineers by giving them better insight into the industry. “We created Tech Labs,” Jones recalled. “Those labs allow potential...

Holidays and major events all introduce the need for traveling and recreational fun. With planning happening in group chats across the globe, all good planning must include organizing the trips’ logistics. Traveling and lodging are mandatory, but they don’t have to be cumbersome. Marriott is stepping up with its technological offerings to ensure patrons can easily book and enjoy their stays. Global Chief Technology Officer at Marriott International, Naveen Manga is confident in the future direction of Marriott’s technology and its impact on its consumer base. The global lodging provider is creating innovative solutions for its consumers and establishing itself as a workplace of choice, leading the way in the future of travel. “At Marriott, we have made a concerted effort to identify opportunities to address pain points and delight customers across all experiences via technology innovation. The impact of these technologies vary across the target personas,” Manga described. A part of...