As a Black woman in tech, attending AFROTECH has always been a dream of mine. For years, I had heard about how empowering and community-driven the conference was; and after finally being able to experience it in person, I can confidently say that it exceeded all my expectations. AFROTECH was the perfect balance of professionalism and actual genuine, meaningful conversations. From the lively socials and networking events to the NBA hosting an entire basketball tournament at their booth, the energy was palpable, and I left each day feeling inspired. And the best part is even with all the fun and excitement, the conference still did a great job of achieving its overall purpose: empowering Black professionals in technology.

One of my biggest takeaways from AFROTECH was the importance of building with purpose. Technology, at its core, is no more than a tool. A tool we should wield in order to uplift communities, solve problems with empathy, and create ethical solutions that serve others. Several speakers emphasized that AI should not be viewed as a means to replace humans, but rather as a way to enhance our work and expand our potential. It reminded me that as I continue my journey in data and technology in an ever-changing AI landscape, my work should always be grounded in integrity, compassion, and the desire to make a meaningful impact.

One highlight of my AFROTECH experience was attending the session “What Recruiters Look For in New Grads,” led by recruiting leads from Bloomberg and Riot Games. Hearing directly from recruiters offered invaluable insight into the hiring process. As students and early-career professionals, we often wonder what makes an application stand out among the thousands of applicants received for each opening. The speakers shared practical advice on crafting strong resumes, demonstrating confidence in interviews, and communicating both technical skills and personal growth. I learned that authenticity and curiosity are just as important as technical ability, and it is important to showcase why you are passionate about the work—not just that you’re good at it.

Overall, I left AFROTECH feeling inspired, motivated, and more confident in my ability to leave a mark in the tech industry. Most importantly, I was reminded that purpose drives every innovation, and the true power of technology lies in how we use it to uplift others and create opportunities that inspire lasting social change.