Technology, Innovation, and Entertainment will Collide November 1-5 in Austin, Texas, at AfroTech. Founded in 2016 by Blavity, Inc., the tech conference serves as the biggest annual recruiting event for companies to connect with Black tech innovators. With top technology and business executives, entrepreneurs and innovators from America’s leading corporations, including Netflix, Google, Apple, TikTok, Disney, and Salesforce present, AfroTech goers can make impactful connections that have the potential to shape their future. With Austin continuing to cement itself as a thriving tech hub, attracting entrepreneurs and investors worldwide, the choice for AfroTech to continue hosting its tech conference in the city was a no brainer. The conference will feature ten to fifteen local Austin-based Black-owned brands through Culture Park in collaboration with Black Makers Market. This nonprofit organization provides a platform for Black businesses in Central Texas to showcase their brands in Central Texas communities.
Black professionals comprise 12 percent of the US workforce, with only 8 percent occupying tech jobs and Black households standing to lose out on more than a cumulative $350 billion in tech job wages by 2030. AfroTech is committed to increasing Black representation and closing the equity gap by connecting Black professionals with inclusive tech companies and innovators dedicated to shaping DEI initiatives at some of America’s most impactful corporations. Attendees will also learn from heavy-hitting speakers from various disciplines, like Emmy-winning actress, producer, and writer Issa Rae, iconic record executive, rapper, and singer Timbaland, U.S Representative Maxine Waters, Bernard Coleman, Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer at Gusto, a cloud-based payroll, benefits, and human resource management software for businesses Wes Eugene, Chief Information Officer, IDEO, legendary film producer Will Packer, and TIME CMO Sade Muhammad.
Blavity executives Jeff Nelson (COO) and Simone White (SVP, AfroTech) answered questions on the future of DEI efforts in America, the mission and impact of this year’s AfroTech, and more. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Stephanie Tharpe: AfroTech has over 100 heavy hitter speakers from various professional disciplines, including Issa Rae, Maxine Waters, and Detavio Samuels. What can attendees expect from the talks and panels this year?
Jeff Nelson: We have an exciting lineup of panels, fireside chats, and workshops. Attendees can expect to hear from business leaders across venture capital, marketing, media, entrepreneurship, and more disciplines. These conversations will dive deep into landing a role across many desired industries, managing money when you finally get that 6-figure role you’ve worked towards, relationship building in corporate environments, and ways to level up your skills.
Simone White: Some conversations we’re looking forward to include Beyond Capital: What Comes Next? – A panel session among three leaders in VC, partnerships, and funding to discuss how to support companies after the funding round / The Kaleidoscope Effect: Redefining Boardrooms with Diverse Perspectives – A fireside session discussing how diverse perspectives infuse boardrooms with fresh insights, creating a dynamic tapestry of redefinition in the business landscape / Paving Your Path in Media – A panel session where experts will navigate the intricate landscape of media.
Stephanie Tharpe: What has been the impact on Black representation in tech since AfroTech was founded?
Simone White: We created AfroTech to address the systemic barriers that make it difficult for Black and multicultural professionals to enter the tech industry. Black people comprise 12 percent of the US workforce but only 8 percent of employees in tech jobs. While there is still much work to do to close the Black talent gap in tech, AfroTech has laid the foundation for the Black tech ecosystem, and we will continue our mission to make a large global impact. Since hosting the first conference in 2016, AfroTech has become a national hub for tech companies to recruit diverse talent. Companies such as American Express, Uber, Expedia, and Morgan Stanley, to name a few, invest in job interview rooms on-site to meet with talent right at the conference.
We’ve seen talent leave the conference with multiple six-figure job offers. Last year, one company interviewed over 50 individuals and sent out offers to 95% of them before the end of the conference. Our impact is evident in how much of the recruiting process occurs on-site and how many connections we’ve fostered over the years.
Stephanie Tharpe: What more can be done to increase the occupancy of Black Professionals in the tech space?
Jeff Nelson: We are strong advocates for creating programming and initiatives that speak directly to Black professionals and those who have the power to influence hiring decisions. These programs should serve the dual purpose of amplifying Black talent’s skills while directly connecting Black professionals with decision-makers. In addition to that, we need to increase mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, with an emphasis on sponsorship. Mentor programs are great – Black professionals succeeding in these spaces can and should offer direction and guidance. Beyond giving advice, more senior employees and organizations should be willing to write checks to help emerging talent break into these spaces. That can look like sponsoring a ticket to a conference like AfroTech or covering the fees for professional organizations that help junior employees advance to the next level.
Stephanie Tharpe: Why did Blavity decide to take on this initiative and start AfroTech?
Simone White: Our intention behind AfroTech has always been to connect thousands of Black professionals with inclusive tech companies and innovators to expand job opportunities. There was a significant opportunity in the market for a live event where employers and diverse talent could benefit through authentic conversation and timely topics related to the tech industry.
Stephanie Tharpe: What sets this year apart from previous years?
Simone White: Last year, we did something different and introduced a musical element to the conference. This year, we’re going even bigger and have a full AfroTech Music experience, delivering world-renowned entertainment through live musical performances featuring award-winning artists and hands-on activities that amplify Black joy. Hip-hop legend Rick Ross will headline along with DJ Spinderella and Soulection’s Joe Kay, Andre Power, and Jadab0o. Following AfroTech Music, there will be an official after-party with an exclusive performance by hip-hop veteran Jadakiss.
Stephanie Tharpe: What is the significance of “Culture Park” at this year’s AfroTech?
Simone White: Culture Park is an immersive space blending music, community, and diverse programming and is open to the general public. As a nod to Austin’s entrepreneurial spirit, Culture Park will host a small business marketplace featuring 10-15 local Austin-based Black-owned brands. In collaboration with Black Makers Market, a nonprofit organization that provides a platform for Black businesses in Central Texas to showcase their brands in Central Texas communities, attendees can explore offerings and services from these Black businesses that align with AfroTech’s values.
Stephanie Tharpe: Why Austin?
Jeff Nelson: We launched in Austin in 2022 because we recognized the city’s ability to be a global gathering hub of inclusive tech companies and innovators.
Stephanie Tharpe: How has the city responded to hosting the conference?
Simone White: Our 2022 event significantly impacted Austin, totaling $18.2M over the six-day conference, generating over $216,000 in local property tax, and supporting 148 jobs in Austin.
Stephanie Tharpe: What is the future of AfroTech?
Jeff Nelson: We are growing our experiential offerings and continuing to find ways to build these connections year-round. Earlier this year, we launched a recruiting tool called Talent Infusion. The software helps enterprise organizations find diverse candidates for hard-to-fill roles by increasing their talent pipeline.
Stephanie Tharpe: Lawmakers have introduced 40 anti-DEI bills since 2022. Why do you think there has been such a big push to end all DEI initiatives?
Jeff Nelson: There’s a disconnect between what people understand as DEI and its real-life impact. DEI initiatives are misunderstood as goodwill when people should focus on how they drive business goals. This push to end DEI initiatives ignores the economic benefits of ensuring business leaders have the same cultural context and understanding as their audience. Political agendas are clouding strategic business decisions. The Black Economic Alliance recently announced their latest Harris Online Poll results that found 81% of Americans believe corporate America should reflect the nation’s diversity.
We’re seeing firsthand just how committed tech companies are to workplace equity. Top companies like Google, Meta, Morgan Stanley, and Salesforce will have executives speaking at our event and will exhibit, recruit, and sponsor employees to attend the conference. In addition to having a presence on the expo floor, American Express, Uber, Expedia, Morgan Stanley, and other leading companies have invested in on-site job interview rooms, doubling down on commitments to hiring from a diverse talent pool.
Stephanie Tharpe: Where do you see DEI trends headed going into 2024?
Jeff Nelson: We predict 2024 will be the year of clarity around DEI intentions. For some, the focus on creating an equitable workplace was a reactive response following the murder of George Floyd, among other Black Americans. 2024 will be a time to hone in on DEI intentions and to get more creative and proactive about it.
Stephanie Tharpe: In this “war on DEI,” how will AfroTech hold to its mission to “connect America’s fastest-growing businesses with best-in-class Black professionals?”
Jeff Nelson: The conference serves as a platform for education and awareness, featuring sessions, workshops, and discussions that underscore the significance of DEI in tech. AfroTech.com also spotlights success stories of Black professionals and entrepreneurs who have excelled in the industry, inspiring others and showcasing the tangible benefits of diversity. AfroTech will continue to drive the message that diversity is an asset and a catalyst for innovation by fostering a strong sense of community, forging collaborative partnerships, and maintaining thought leadership. We aim to provide actionable insights, support Black entrepreneurs, and adapt our strategies to remain at the forefront of DEI advocacy, leading by example and empowering change within the tech ecosystem.
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