From the mainstage moments to the hallway meetups, AfroTech 2025 was all about connection and culture. It was a full week of learning, linking, and leveling up with Black innovators from across the globe. And when the panels and presentations wrapped, the energy didn’t stop—it just shifted. With the help of legendary DJs and live performances, conference goers sang, swayed, and danced till the sweat rolled down our… well, you know the rest. This year, with DELEÓN Tequila serving as the official tequila partner, AfroTech invited attendees to three blockbuster events over the course of three epic nights in three different venues. More than 3,000 guests turned up and turned out for the festivities. On Wednesday, Blavity House Party hosted five top-tier DJs for a nostalgia-fueled tribute to R&B. With fly ’fits on deck, partygoers raised DELEÓN cocktails, sang under the stars, and danced to the feel-good sounds of classic and contemporary favorites. What’s a better turn-up than a house...

When most people think of innovation in beauty, they picture lipsticks in luxe packaging, serums promising radiant skin, and campaigns that redefine representation. Beauty is often viewed through the lens of artistry, aesthetics, and culture, as reflected in what we see on shelves, in advertisements, and on social media feeds. But innovation in beauty is no longer limited to what meets the eye—it’s being redefined behind the scenes. At the intersection of science, technology, and self-expression, companies like L’Oréal Groupe are reshaping what beauty means and how it’s created. Today, innovation looks like AI tools that recommend your perfect foundation match, lab-developed molecules that transform your skin,  and personalized haircare products and tools to match your specific curl-type. With new tech breakthroughs like these, beauty can be innovative and revolutionary. What’s even more exciting is that the future of beauty is being reimagined by engineers, data scientists, and...

You can feel it the moment you step into AFROTECH™. The vibe is top-tier, the energy is contagious, and the Black excellence and brilliance are on every corner. AFROTECH™ isn’t just a tech conference; it’s a movement. It’s where ambition meets opportunity, where culture and innovation collide, and where your next big break might be one conversation away. That same spirit of innovation and opportunity is what’s driving this year’s collaboration between Bayer and Howard University . People may know Bayer as a familiar name in their medicine cabinet, but the company is much more than that. The global life sciences leader in health and agriculture is partnering with the Washington D.C.-based HBCU for the second year in a row to bring The Yard to AFROTECH™ — a dynamic space to connect, unwind, and get real-time resume feedback from Bayer volunteers. Whether you’re job-hunting, internship-seeking, or just leveling up your personal brand, this is the moment to make sure your resume is...

Estée Lauder is bringing a beauty tech moment to AfroTech and we’re here for it. By now we’ve established that the tech, AI, and the IoT are creating endless opportunities and innovation for every industry they touch, and the beauty industry is no exception. So what exactly happens when beauty science meets tech? Estée Lauder’s answer to that question is Color Capture , a tech-powered experience that takes foundation shade-matching beyond the makeup counter. And did we mention they’re debuting this new technology at the conference? Using a professional spectrophotometer (think: high-tech color scanner), Color Capture measures skin tones and instantly recommends the best foundation fit across the brand’s 55+ Double Wear shades. “Through the use of advanced color capture technology, we are able to ground shade development in both science and inclusivity. This ensures our shade portfolio continues to evolve with the right match for diverse skin tones and undertones worldwide.” Ashani...

F5 is one of the most important tech companies you’ve probably never heard of, even though you interact with its technology every day. When you book a plane ticket on an airline app, login to your banking app to check your balance, or order takeout for dinner, chances are F5 software and hardware facilitated and protected those transactions. The top 15 banks in the world are F5 customers, as are the 10 largest telecommunications companies, and the top 10 retailers. From social media to banking, to entertainment and more, if a business is reaching its customers through apps, F5 likely plays a critical role. “At F5 we’re on a mission to build a better digital world,” says CEO François Locoh-Donou. “For us, a better digital world is one where all these great things happen, but without the dangers and distortions bad people try to put into the digital world.” F5’s proprietary technology and the unique space it occupies in the B2B tech landscape played a key role in attracting...

At this point, nobody needs convincing that artificial intelligence is here to stay. It is in the way we work, the way we connect, and the way opportunities show up, sometimes before we even go looking for them. The real question is not whether AI will shape the future, but who is shaping AI in ways that actually move people forward. That is where Paychex enters the chat. As one of the nation’s leading providers of human capital management solutions, Paychex is proving that technology is only as good as the purpose behind it. The company is taking AI and data analytics far beyond surface-level automation. Their focus is on building tools that make work smarter, more equitable, and more human. This is not about chasing trends; it’s about rethinking the systems businesses rely on so they can hire with intention, grow with confidence, and create workplaces where people can thrive. With more than five decades of HR expertise, Paychex has a perspective that most tech-driven companies do...

If the bevy of look-alike summer event flyers flooding our timelines are any indication, we are fully in the AI era, and we won’t be turning back. While it seems like we’re just scratching the surface of end user applications of GenAI, companies are looking to adapt their businesses to incorporate GenAI. However, many are not quite sure how to do so in a way that is sustainable, both from a business perspective and in terms of environmental impact. Enter CoreWeave, where they are actively customizing AI innovation for a variety of clients to develop cloud infrastructure intentionally created with AI in mind. CoreWeave’s approach to creating a modern infrastructure stands out from that of other companies in this space in that they directly address the fact that so much compute capacity (up to 65%) is lost due to system inefficiencies once embedded in GPUs. With that and other factors in mind, the company built out data centers around GPU clusters powered by NVIDIA along with powerful...

Ladies and gentlemen, in case you haven’t been paying attention: we have fully entered the age of the pivot. Whether life changes are forcing you to consider a career change, you’re looking to give yourself a professional edge, or you’ve simply decided to boldly take steps towards the dream career you once considered out of reach, consider this article as the sign you’ve been waiting for to confirm that you can! Never have more resources been available for professionals looking to advance their careers or break into a new field. Take the programs at UC Berkeley Extension, for example. This specialized school of the University of California, Berkeley is on a mission to empower learners at every age and experience level to continue to pursue their career and educational goals. Five UC Berkeley Extension programs are specifically designed to equip you with the skills, credentials and network to help you thrive in business, healthcare, tech or global education. Could one of them be the...

The future of tech is being shaped by innovative minds, and at ServiceNow, the spotlight is on the brilliant individuals who are driving change. At the forefront of this narrative is Kendra Bailey, a Generative AI (GenAI) solutions architect at ServiceNow. Her testimony is one of perseverance, growth, and the power of embracing one’s unique perspective. Building skills to provide solutions Kendra’s journey began seven years ago as a tester and intern with a ServiceNow partner. In less than a year, she transitioned into a full-time developer role, taking the reins on her first project. Her trajectory within the ServiceNow ecosystem exemplifies what’s possible when skill meets opportunity. Now, as a GenAI solutions architect, she is committed to advancing generative AI solutions, ensuring customers have seamless experiences and successful outcomes with ServiceNow’s technology. Getting out of her own head For many Black professionals in tech, imposter syndrome and self-doubt can be...

In tech, where innovation reigns supreme, Celonis isn’t just playing the game—it’s changing it. As the global leader in process mining intelligence, Celonis is revolutionizing how businesses operate, cutting inefficiencies and driving real impact. But let’s be real—transforming industries is only half the mission. The real flex? Investing in people. And that’s exactly why Celonis has partnered with AFROTECH™—to open doors, create opportunities, and ensure Black tech professionals have a seat (and a voice) at the table. Celonis is taking businesses from “doing things the way they’ve always been done” to “doing things smarter, faster, and more sustainably.” By using AI-driven process mining, companies like Dell, Uber, and Johnson & Johnson are unlocking hidden value, making data-driven decisions, and stepping boldly into the future. But Celonis isn’t just about optimizing workflows—it’s about optimizing opportunities for Black tech professionals to lead, innovate, and drive change. At...

It’s said that growth comes with change. And when it comes to your career, a shift, pivot or upskilling might just be the key to unlocking your full potential. If you are ready to take your career to the next level this year, these new career-ready options from UC Berkeley Extension may be right for you. Career-focused, flexible and accessible, these educational options are tailored for Black professionals, millennials and non-traditional students. They are designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re looking to upskill, switch careers or simply grow in your current role. Here are three standout offerings from UC Berkeley Extension that can help you achieve your professional goals. UC Excelerator: Accelerate Your Career Potential Unlock new opportunities with the Career Exploration Award ! Designed for individuals who have not yet completed a bachelor’s degree, this award empowers those who’ve faced challenges like financial hurdles, social barriers or other adversities in...

Tish Archie-Oliver, Tamesha Hoppie-Henry For decades, Gap Inc.’s iconic American brands—Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta—haven’t just reflected culture; they’ve shaped it.  From inspiring authentic self-expression through fashion to marketing that celebrates humanity and its diverse stories, the company has consistently sought to bridge divides.  Gap Inc.’s approach to inclusion and belonging is proving that its purpose—“bridging gaps to create a better world”—extends far beyond fashion. At the heart of this movement is Tish Archie-Oliver, Gap Inc.’s Chief Inclusion & Belonging Officer, who describes the company’s commitment to inclusion not as a surface-level initiative, but as the fabric of Gap Inc.’s business, legacy and culture today. Tish joined Gap Inc. in August, wanting to approach her work from a global, more holistic perspective at an organization that has been committed to this journey since its inception. During the hiring process,  conversations with senior...

After creating a unique, Twix-powered and -inspired space for future Black technologists at AfroTech 2023, Mars Inc. returned to the conference this year ready to take things up several notches. The interactive installation’s effect on attendees started from a vibrant layout inspired by the iconic candy’s traditional gold and red packaging, arranged in such a way that they served as an instant pick me up for anyone in the area. Within the conference hall oasis, Mars, Inc. created a number of Twix-themed stations for candy and dessert fanatics, content creators, and techies looking for inspiration. The Creator Lab was all about connection and creativity. Attendees spent time at the Twix-inspired bracelet-making station, threading beads (in signature Twix colors) to craft fun pieces for themselves, friends, and family. The setup wasn’t just about making bracelets—it became a socializing and networking hotspot whenever attendees needed a break from the hustle and bustle on the...

In a world where the lines between technology and finance are increasingly blurred, finding an employer that embraces diverse talent and values transferable skills can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Bloomberg has firmly established itself at the intersection of these two dynamic fields, creating opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to build rewarding careers. Diversity as a Driving Force At Bloomberg, diversity is more than a buzzword—it’s an integral part of the company’s success. Calvin McCoy Jr., Head of Americas Enterprise Technology Services, explains that Bloomberg does not search for cookie-cutter candidates. Instead, the company welcomes diverse individuals who have a passion for finance and technology, along with a broad range of skills and experiences. “Our approach is multifaceted and purposeful,” McCoy shares, pointing to initiatives like the Enterprise Services Technical Training Program (ESTP), which attracts individuals ready to...

As the 2024 AfroTech conference approaches, anticipation builds for the impactful discussions that will celebrate Black excellence in technology. This year, Capital One, a tech leader committed to fostering diversity and innovation, is taking center stage with an exciting workshop on technology and product management. At the helm of this dynamic session will be two visionary leaders, Alexandra “Alex” Wood, Vice President of Product, and Jared Jordan, Managing Vice President, both of whom are driving the future of tech at Capital One. Their leadership exemplifies the company’s commitment to nurturing Black talent and pushing boundaries in the tech landscape. Meet the Leaders: Alex Wood and Jared Jordan Alex Wood and Jared Jordan bring diverse experiences and unique perspectives to their roles at Capital One. For Wood, the journey to Capital One wasn’t a linear path but rather a discovery of passion. “Like every good daughter of an immigrant, I wanted to be a doctor or scientist, but...