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AfroTech 2024: A Celebration of Innovation, Networking, and Social Change

Jan 22

3 min read

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Written by: Bria Williams and Kristian Toole


AfroTech 2024 was a monumental event that brought together Black professionals from all corners of the tech world, creating a space for learning, networking, and empowerment. This year, Zimpatica supported two of its employees in attending the conference, Bria Williams and Kristian Toole. The experience offered the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, explore innovative solutions in healthcare and social issues, and gain insights from some of the brightest minds in the field.


Networking and Mentorship Opportunities from AfroTech 2024

Attendees including Bria Williams and Kristian Toole from Zimpatica at AfroTech 2024

One of the most exciting aspects of AfroTech is its ability to foster organic, meaningful connections. The conference cultivates engaging discussions with peers, mentors, and influential figures in the tech space. 


For Bria, one of the highlights was an unexpected meeting with Jon Laster, the CEO of Blapp, a mobile app that connects consumers with Black-owned businesses. A casual conversation at an AWS-hosted mixer, turned into an engaging discussion about Laster’s journey as an entrepreneur. This organic moment exemplified the kind of open, down-to-earth networking that AfroTech is known for, where attendees can connect with founders and leaders without typical formalities.


Bria and Kristian also made valuable connections with fellow professionals, including Berea College alumnus, which provided an opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, and offer guidance.


Health Tech Innovation and Social Impact

AfroTech 2024 is focused on using technology to tackle some of society's most pressing challenges. For those like Kristian with a passion for health innovation, the conference offered a wealth of valuable insights. One notable highlight was a demonstration from the founder of SickleSense, a health tech app designed to support individuals living with sickle cell disease. This app is a prime example of how technology can be harnessed to address healthcare challenges that disproportionately affect Black communities, and a powerful reminder of the role tech can play in improving lives.


Throughout the conference, several sessions were attended on healthcare and social impact. Attendees heard from experts such as Dominique Young-Smith, Program Manager at Fund2Foundation, an organization committed to addressing the maternal health crisis in the U.S. These discussions highlighted how important it is for professionals in tech to be mindful of social determinants of health and consider how their work can contribute to a more equitable healthcare system.


Thought-Provoking Speakers and Sessions at AfroTech 2024

AfroTech 2024 featured an impressive lineup of speakers who addressed both technical innovations and social issues that intersect. From climate change to social justice, the sessions covered a range of topics that challenged attendees to think beyond their work in tech and consider its broader societal impact.


One of the most inspiring talks was given by actor Kendrick Sampson and Rashad Robinson, President of Color of Change. Their session focused on how individuals can make a difference in their local communities and beyond—emphasizing the importance of activism and engagement in efforts like climate justice and policy reform. Another powerful moment came from Wawa Gatheru, founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, and Julia Collins, CEO of Planet FWD, who discussed urgent actions needed to combat environmental challenges.


Additionally, Imani Dunbar, Head of Equity at LinkedIn, led an interactive session on making tech products more inclusive and equitable. This session resonated deeply with attendees, encouraging them to think critically about how the products and services they build can better serve diverse communities.


Looking Ahead: Continued Empowerment and Impact

AfroTech’s focus is on being a catalyst for growth and empowerment, with a commitment to supporting minority voices in tech. Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to diversity and inclusion in tech. Kristian and Bria left the conference with a sense of renewed purpose, having expanded their network and gained new perspectives.


AfroTech 2024 offered valuable takeaways for every attendee and remains an essential gathering for Black professionals in tech. For those who were fortunate enough to attend this year, including Bria and Kristian, the experience was a reminder of the importance of community, mentorship, and a shared vision for a more inclusive tech future. 

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