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 result was. And really saying, ‘how are we going to make sure everybody in our state is good no matter who sits in the Oval Office?,” Moore said during his fireside chat.
The 46-year-old believes convenings like AFROTECH™ Conference are critical to advancing how the government can leverage and support education policy, economic advancement, innovative strategies, and the future of work.
“Technology and the proper usage of technology have been one of the greatest mechanisms we have to level a playing field to make sure that no matter where you call home, no matter what your family background is, no matter what resources that you come into, our ability to use technology to be able to help provide opportunity is huge,” Moore stated in an interview after the fireside chat.
He continued, “If we’re going to have a technological revolution, then it needs to benefit everybody, not just the people who have access; that’s what we mean when we’re talking about proper education usage. It’s about how you are helping people expand their worlds to know what else is out there.”
The Maryland governor believes education is pivotal in empowering young people to become employees and envision themselves as employers and innovators. It’s about equipping them with the skills to access opportunities they may never have imagined. By leveraging technology strategically, it becomes a powerful tool to open doors and expand horizons for students. Using technology wisely, with education at the forefront, transforms it into a critical catalyst for growth and opportunity.
Moore sees that perspective as the catalyst for job growth and the future of work. The governor noted that future proposed changes by President-elect Donald Trump, such as eliminating the Department of Education, could hinder the reliability of citizens and their ability to earn an income. Doubling down on education efforts centered around innovation and technology allows people not to be overly reliant on the government or the person who serves as commander in chief. Pushing innovation and technology is core to the mission of AFROTECH™, a mission Moore wholeheartedly agrees with.
“One of the beautiful things about AFROTECH™ is when you come here, you don’t leave alone. You leave connected, right? You leave connected with entrepreneurs from all over the globe doing really interesting work,” Moore stated in an interview with AFROTECH™.
He continued, “ No one’s walking away thinking, ‘I want everybody to fail.’ You’re here because you’re rooting for everyone else here. Because if we all win, we all win. And that’s the beautiful thing that I think people are taking from AFROTECH™ Conference.”
Looking to attend AFROTECH™ Conference 2025? Secure your early bird tickets now — Oct. 27 – 31, 2025, in Houston, TX.
