Josh Rodgers

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 no right or wrong pathway to fulfilling your dreams. With so many options, from traditional education to finding resources on apps like

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to AFROTECH™, think of its offerings like an Oprah Winfrey giveaway. Everyone gets a session.

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

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.

“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 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 AI...

A game changer is someone who, through their successful impact, changes the trajectory of an industry. In the world of live streaming, “Kai Cenat” and “game changer” have become synonymous. According to CNBC, the 22-year-old streamer reportedly shattered the boundaries of live streaming with his “Mafiathon 2,” a continuous 30-day broadcast that captivated millions and set a new Twitch subscriber record. “Mafiathon 2” was a subathon — a format where each new subscription extends the stream’s duration — broadcasting 24/7 throughout November 2024. By the conclusion of it, Cenat had 50 million unique viewers and an estimated 727,700 subscribers tuned in. Tech Times reports that this number surpasses the previous record of 326,250 held by virtual streamer Ironmouse. “I love y’all so much,” Cenat said during the concluding moments of the 30-day event, per Tech Times. “Without y’all, I am nothing.” Twitch subscriptions are typically priced at $4.99 per month, offering perks like ad-free...