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Shon Jones traded what would have been a career in pharmacy for a future in technology, where he found a lifelong passion. The Houston native was raised by parents who both worked in technology. As a teen, he recalls going to work with his father to put computers together for the summer and later working for Compaq for a few years. His career took a pivot, one that nearly led to him become a pharmacist. In 1997, he geared his studies around that career field but had a change of heart after considering the impact of charging $100 for medicine he said was valued at 30 cents. “That didn’t seem to align with my spirit. That’s not for me,” he told AFROTECH™ in an interview. Jones decided to focus on computer information systems. He enrolled at the University of Houston while simultaneously working as a network administrator, according to his LinkedIn. When he obtained a degree in c omputer and information technology administration and management at the University of Houston, he already...
Sola Babatunde reveals his standout experience that attracted major tech companies within the UX/UI sector. The Dallas area native’s foray into technology can be traced back to studying film in high school. He did not have a knack for the camera or other areas of film such as director of photography or acting. However, he discovered his strong suit was within the tech side of the field in sound engineering and editing, and as his skills strengthened it would introduce him to UX and UI. “Both of those have these modules you can script like a plugin,” he explained. “So I practiced scripting and coding plugins, and that was my first entry into the world of tech. And eventually those plugins had graphical user interfaces, and that was my first exposure to UX/UI.” Babatunde didn’t take an immediate detour into the field as a career . He obtained a bachelor of science degree in mechatronics engineering. According to his LinkedIn, he then landed a role as a part-time s ystem software...
Data analyst Hervé Aniglo is on a mission to make coding fun through music. The University of Memphis alum’s passion for technology began in elementary school. Over the years, he gained experience as a software engineer and business analyst, but it was his love for using data to tell compelling stories that ultimately led him to his current role. “I just like working with data — gathering information and seeing what I can do with it. I love to tell stories,” he told AFROTECH™ in an interview . “So that, being a data analyst, it shows the world and it shows people like what stories you can tell from it in a sense. You can predict the future. You can see what’s going to happen with the current trend.”‘ Personal Call To Action In Tech Aniglo is also dedicating time within the industry to give back, guided by two personal calls to action. The first is to help people find roles and support their professional development. This mission, which began in college, includes reviewing resumes,...
Expect to have a more seamless experience at this year’s AFROTECH™ Conference. The event, which is the largest gathering of Black tech professionals and entrepreneurs, will t ouch down in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center and run Oct. 27–31, 2025. This marks the conference’s second consecutive year in the city and builds on its momentum, having attracted over 40,000 attendees since its inception. It’s clear the conference is the place to be, and you won’t want to miss what’s next. We’re leveling up the experience for ticket holders to help you customize your scheduling for various sessions to ensure you achieve your conference objectives and professional goals. Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got it. We’re targeting core areas including Cybersecurity and Risk, Engineering, Data, Government and Civic, Product and Design, Future of Work (HR), Esports, Energy and Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Marketing, and Advertising. And we’re not stopping...
Artificial intelligence (AI) now touches nearly every aspect of life — from health care and national security to smartphones and entertainment. At AFROTECH™ 2024 , Tanneasha Gordon , U.S. data and digital trust principal at Deloitte & Touche, joined Jarell Oshodi, privacy executive and counsel, to explore balancing AI innovation with protecting sensitive information and maintaining trust in a data-driven world. Diving deep into ethical frameworks, Gordon described AI as a “broad field of computer science, really focused on designing and deploying systems that mimic human intelligence,” viewing it through three paradigms: Our five senses, creativity, and consciousness. Purchase your ticket to AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 now! View this post on Instagram A post shared by AFROTECH (@afro.tech) When asked about AI’s benefits, Gordon pointed to increased productivity, efficiency, and cost savings across individuals and enterprises. However, she highlighted five key risks: Deepfakes and...
Representation matters now more than ever — a key theme highlighted during the AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference panel discussion, “Fueling Ambition For Women On The Rise.” The Summit Stage came alive with an inspiring conversation between two powerhouse leaders: Gabrielle Wesley , chief marketing officer of Mars Wrigley North America, and Jennifer Lynne Williams, chief development officer at the USA Basketball Foundation. Moderated by Zuhairah Scott Washington, founder and CEO of Unlimited Ventures, the session explored bold leadership, inclusive innovation, and the fearless pursuit of impact. Through personal stories and hard-earned insights, the panelists offered attendees tangible strategies to fuel their own ambition and rise in their careers. Both Wesley and Williams reflected on the impact of seeing Black women who looked like them in leadership roles and how mentorship shaped their own journeys, expressing a deep commitment to doing the same for the next generation — serving as...
UX designer Roderick Wilkins strives to make the tech industry more inclusive. Tech Journey The Quincy, FL, native has always had a deep interest in technology and began fixing computers at a young age, which guided his educational pursuits at Florida A&M University (FAMU). He earned a bachelor’s degree in information technology in 2019 and went on to Louisiana State University, where he earned a master’s in digital media art and engineering with a focus on UX in 2021. “When you open that app and you see the first screen, you’re scrolling and you’re interacting with it, I always say someone had to design that,” Wilkins told AFROTECH™. “So I would say, within UX, there are designers, which is what I am, and someone designed that whole page that you’re seeing and you’re interacting with.” While UX includes various verticals one can explore — such as research and accessibility — Wilkins’ interest in graphic design aligned with his goal of becoming a UX designer, which was affirmed...
Jackson Aimiuwu was 19 years old when he first got his hands on a computer, and now he is paving the way at a major technology company. Aimiuwu attended the University of Calgary and earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science. His first year was the most challenging due to not having a computer, but it solidified his interest in the field. He also credits his cousin, who studied computer science and was able to bridge tech and business in his career. Aimiuwu is now doing the same through his role at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Prior to this, his career trajectory included a role at EMC’s (now part of Dell) headquarters in Toronto, Canada, as a senior solutions architect and team lead (pre-sales), which gave him the opportunity to manage a team at Canadian Tire — the second-largest retailer in the country — from 2016 to 2019. He provided support to the company’s chief technology officer and helped build its first private cloud. “They were trying to really change how they went to...
Awnya Creque’s journey into tech was informed by her mother. The Williamsburg, VA, native, currently residing in Dallas, TX, recalled during an interview with AFROTECH™ where her unconventional entryway into technology began. Her mother had been a branch manager for Bank of America and was robbed at gun point. Creque was 12 years old at the time, and it sparked an interest for criminal justice. “Her whole life changed because she couldn’t sleep. She suffered from PTSD, had to take medication. And from that day forward, I was just like, ‘I wanna take bad people off the street or people who are changing people’s lives for the worst.’ And so that’s where I got my start in my passion for criminal justice. And I knew that I wanted to be an investigator and a police officer as a young teen,” Creque explained. She went on to attend the University of Maryland, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminology in 2009 and completed a one-year master’s program at Norfolk State University between...
At a time when rising data breaches and scams enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) are dominating headlines, it is more crucial than ever to go the extra mile to protect one’s data privacy and boost digital security . From phishing scams that mimic a loved one’s voice to deepfakes , fabricated USPS texts, identity theft, and fraud, modern-day threats are far more frequent and sophisticated. During AFROTECH™ 2024 , Kunmi Akingbade of Deloitte , Anietie Umoh of Meta , and Cortney Worthy of Dropbox took the Cybersecurity Stage to share insights on navigating a high-stakes digital landscape where personal data is constantly collected, analyzed, and exploited. The 40-minute panel warned of rising threats and offered tips for those looking to build or grow a career in cybersecurity, data privacy, and risk management. “In cybersecurity, it is common that you wear multiple hats,” Umoh said , emphasizing the importance of prioritizing and juggling multiple tasks. “Oftentimes you may have...
Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect from the 2025 AFROTECH™ Conference. Returning Oct. 27-31, 2025 , to the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX, for its second year, the conferences promises to deliver endless networking opportunities at what has become the largest gathering for Black professionals, entrepreneurs, and disruptors in technology. Be prepared to see top industry leaders grace the stage to share insights on what’s next in culture and technology as well as find empowerment through various workshops. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AFROTECH (@afro.tech) There will be something for everyone, from students and mid-level professionals eager to level up in their industries to founders staying ahead of the curve and C-suite executives driving innovation. Here’s a preview of the upcoming stages to keep on your radar. Innovation/Main Stage The Innovation and Main Stage will highlight dynamic conversations centering leadership, innovation for...
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...
The tech event of the year is approaching once again. For the second year in a row, AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 is making its splash in Houston, TX. Attendees can connect with change-makers and leaders through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and workshops and find community at networking events. “Conferences like AFROTECH™ are full of opportunities you can’t predict, like running into someone hiring for your dream role or stumbling into a session that shifts your perspective completely,” HR leader Arianny Mercedes said in an email Q&A with AFROTECH™. Be among the first to secure your spot with early bird specials, available from the student tier to all-access passes. If you are struggling to decide which ticket level will be the best for your conference needs, we’ve got you covered. View this post on Instagram A post shared by AFROTECH™ Conference (@afrotech.conference) Student Pass Students and recent graduates interested—especially those interested in technology— are...
Considering a sponsor to invest in your career journey this conference season? Terri Evans, a senior technical program manager with a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina A&T State University, was able to further her decade-long career thanks to securing a sponsor for her first AFROTECH™ Conference in November 2024. She has worked in several project management roles across companies that include Northrop Grumman, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and Equinix. Her next steps within her career were to move into leadership, and this was an incentive to attend the conference. “I’m looking to expand to being in a space of manager of a PMO (Project Management Office) or as director of a PMO. I work primarily in the infrastructure and data center space, so there is a lot of growth in that space due to artificial intelligence (AI) and all of the cool and things that are in machine learning that are coming into the space,” she told AFROTECH™. “So because of that, there is a deep...
Ramatu Kandakai wants to help you level up ahead of AFROTECH™ Conference 2025. The personal brand consultant leading her own agency attended the annual tech mecca for the second time, but her appearance at its Houston, TX, debut in November 2024 marked her first time attending in person. She invested in her ticket, and through her AFROTECH™ Insider membership at the time, she received a corporate ticket discount. Photo Credit: Ramatu Kandakai Now, Kandakai shares tips and strategies to help future attendees stand out and make lasting impressions. Pre-Planning Before stepping into the conference arena to secure your badge, it is essential to set a clear intention and pathway to success. This includes researching panels and events that align with your career goals, networking opportunities, and personal branding. The AFROTECH™ Connect app is a valuable tool to maximize your experience, offering access to events, tickets, and the ability to create a personalized schedule. “I wouldn’t...