Black Tech Saturdays

We are building the future we want to live in… the theme of the AFROTECH conference this year in Houston. I’m thankful for all the stages I get to be on to inspire, be inspired and tell my story of the future I want to see building Stimulus, Inc. and my other contributions (behind the scenes). Shoutout to Culture House Official, Microsoft for Startups, AFROTECH and other conference partners for bringing together amazing leaders, innovators, investors, entrepreneurs and cool students to celebrate - We need this space and #community ?? #ai #ceo #tech #travel #speaker #womenintech #afrotech #owner

Logo and Branding for Black Tech Saturdays Digital Empowerment Summit October 2024 View more here: https://bit.ly/4i0Wula Photos by Heart of The City Photography

I received the 2024 Gilbert’s Strength and Honor award at the 12th annual beNeFit event. #NFForward Gilbert Family Foundation this was like a dream come true to able to share my story and inspire so many people thank you all for your support. In the fight against NF Neurofibromatosis. I have NF but it does not have me! NF Forward Rocket Companies Woodward Original StockX #Detroit #NickGilbert

Two words: Customer Traction! The team has taken a leap of FAiThE and we are taking our technology around the country to learn how to better integrate it within the building energy management system (BEMs). I want to thank Martha Campbell, Mara Zimmerman, Peter Vichos, Tamara L. Rosanio, Tavis Ezell, David Whalley, Ebony Young, MSOL, Eden Stern-Rodriguez, Jenny Tromski and all the other unsung heroes who accommodated our last minute requests and delivered big time! We had to skip a couple of stops along the way, adjusted and scurried through the snowstorm in Pennsylvania. A word to the wise, don't drive anywhere in NYC, you might just get stuck behind a school bus! ?? A super big shoutout to my Detroit-based team (Khush Kapadia and Paixun Lin) for being agile, adaptable and dependable. I lost my voice in Syracuse, NY and Boston, MA and they stepped up in a big way, including pitching on behalf of the company.

On behalf of STRIVE, I had the privilege of attending Crain's Detroit Business 40 under 40 Gala. It is an incredible event for the City of Detroit, made more special seeing so many friends take the stage. These extraordinary leaders give me so much optimism. Our community will benefit for decades to come. Congratulations Amanda Lewan, Laura Grannemann, Johnnie Turnage, Alexa Turnage, Darren Riley, Jose L. Flores, Ian Conyers, and Ashok Sivanand among the other 40 under 40 champions.

What an experience #AfroTech24 was in Houston last week!! ?? The energy from this immersion in Black Excellence, Technology, Business Growth, and Networking is still radiating in me a week later. I was able to hear from industry experts on topics around AI, Cybersecurity, Health Equity, and Entrepreneurship. I formed new relationships and reconnected with some familiar faces as well. ??? Thanks again to GE HealthCare for making this opportunity possible! Always glad to see my BDPA family, and of course I represented Share The Vibes, LLC as well ?? Thanks to AFROTECH for an amazing conference..looking forward to returning again!

"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." This week feels like a dream—an end to a beautiful chapter and the start of something even greater. Alexa and I are deeply honored to be named to Crain's Detroit Business 40 Under 40, alongside so many friends, family, and changemakers who inspire us every day. It is humbling to stand in such brilliant company and reflect on the power of what we can achieve together. Earlier this week, we were also named to the Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40, a reminder that the work we’re doing is not just about us—it’s about us, all of us. These honors are milestones, but they don’t belong to us alone. They belong to the community, the mission, and the unwavering belief that we are the future. To our Black Tech Saturdays community: This is your win. This is a love letter to the brilliance, resilience, and courage that drives everything we do. Together, we are opening doors, changing narratives, and proving what’s possible when we dare to dream out loud. And this is just the beginning. Next year, we’ll be nominating so many of you for these awards, because this movement is about creating access and opportunity for the next wave of innovators, builders, and visionaries. To everyone who has walked this journey with us—thank you. Let’s keep going further, faster, together. "This victory belongs to you. It belongs to the organizers, the volunteers, the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy... This is your victory." – Barack Obama With love and gratitude, Johnnie & Alexa Turnage ?? ?????? Myk ("Mick") Rambus Mickey Ciokajlo Anna Fifelski Wafa Dinaro #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #bridgethedivide #closethegap #blackintech #womenintech #latinxintech #diversityintech #Detroittech #blackexcellence #blackjoy #blacklove #togetherwewill #tech #40under40

Dear Black Tech Saturdays, For everything you’ve accomplished, for the dreams you’ve nurtured, and for the legacy you’re building—you deserve it all. Let these words remind us why we’re here and what we’re fighting for: [For every good soul that passed away, we’re here to make the impossible stay. Pray for those who prayed against me, every reason why my ancestors sent me. Waking at 6 a.m., six miles a day, conditioning my wind I deserve it all. ~Man at the Garden, Kendrick Lamar] To the nearly 200 founders who submitted their ideas for the pitch competition: we see you, and we are so proud. This is going to be something truly special. Over the next week, we’ll select 30 companies to take the stage. If you don’t make it this round, know this—there will be more opportunities to pitch, and your energy and passion inspire us every step of the way. To help you shine, we’ll be providing pitch prep guides, resources, and virtual pitch practice sessions to get you ready to share your vision with the world. And for the first time, we’re launching a community choice round on Instagram and LinkedIn. Every applicant will have the chance to record their pitch and collaborate with us on our socials to amplify your incredible work. [A better life for my daughter, made my son take it further than his father. A close relationship with God, whisper to me every time I close my eyes. "You deserve it all." ~Man at the Garden, Kendrick Lamar] This is more than just a pitch competition. It’s a movement. Black Tech Saturdays is about building legacies, breaking barriers, and proving that we are worthy of every success. Let these words fuel your journey. Keep striving. Keep dreaming. Because the best is yet to come. With Love & Excitement, The Black Tech Saturdays Team #BlackTechSaturdays #keepgoing #togetherwecan #strongertogether #bridgethedivide #closethegap #blackintech #womenintech #latinxintech #diversityintech #Detroittech #blackexcellence #blackjoy #blacklove

I'm going to be growing my team soon. Looking for some intellectually curious people who want to learn our product, help build our processes, and help grow our community. We're a venture-backed startup with a unique legacy, comprised of 30 of the most talented, genuine people I've ever met. New team members will need to have the the right mix of heart, head, and hustle. Yes, you'll make some money, but more important, you'll help define the next era of tech-enabled ecosystem building. Targeting Q1 2025 for expansion. If you wanna know more, hit me up, [email protected].

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