This past week, I had the privilege of attending AfroTech for the first time, representing ACT | The App Association. It was an inspiring gathering of leaders, innovators, and creatives from across the tech industry.
Some highlights from my week:
? #ACTivationLounge – The App Association’s inaugural event where we celebrated and connected with brilliant founders, developers, VCs, and policy leaders in tech! Special shoutout to Shawna Young, MBA of Camelback Ventures, and Alexus Hall and David C. Hughes, PhD of Give Black for your continued support to further increase accessibility and success of diverse entrepreneurs and founders.
? AfroTech’s Inaugural Cohort of Founders – The founders building groundbreaking solutions that are simplifying lives and revolutionizing the digital world. A huge shoutout to Muscle Up Mommy, The Dev Difference, Roam, InovCares, WriteSea, ELROI and Trustedcopy!
? Gov. Wes Moore – It was a privilege to hear from Maryland’s Governor as he shared his vision for the state in front of thousands at the Innovation Mainstage.
? Black Legislative Leaders Network’s Inaugural AfroTech Policy Roundtable – In partnership with Fund II Foundation, Qualtrics, and Texas Southern University, BLLN hosted a dynamic policy roundtable at #AfroTech 2024 in Houston, TX. It brought together some of the most innovative minds in #tech and #policy to explore solutions to health disparities and equity in our communities.
I had the honor of joining 12 state legislative leaders to discuss trends in AI, healthcare, and tech policy. A critical discussion focused on the intersection of AI and technology to reduce and eliminate Black maternal and infant mortality. I’m deeply grateful to the state legislators who joined us – Karen Camper, Tonya P. Anderson, MBA, MDiv, Amos O'Neal, Jamila E. Taylor, Marcus C. Evans, Jr., Clyde Vanel, Cherrish S. Pryor, Willie Preston, Toni Rose, Daryl Porter, and Jolanda Jones – for their commitment to advancing equitable policies. Your leadership and vision are essential in bridging the gap between innovation and real-world impact.
A special thank you to Jasper Hendricks, III, William G. Hudson, students like Kailen B., and founders like Ijeoma Uche, MPH and Mercy Oladipo of Birth By Us, and Kimberly Seals Allers of #IrthApp for your tireless work to combat maternal and infant mortality.
This past week, while busy, gives me hope for the future of innovation. Our future remains bright and we need to ensure policy promotes innovation, not stifles it.
#AfroTech #TechForGood #Innovation #Founders #TechPolicy #HealthEquity #BlackLeadership #AI #DigitalTransformation #DiversityInTech #Entrepreneurship #StartupCommunity #PublicPolicy #MaternalHealth #TechInclusion