Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving a wave of transformation, reshaping how organizations adapt and compete — making it essential to foster a culture of innovation and adaptability to navigate disruption and ensure long-term success. At AFROTECH™ 2024, Temi Soleye, the senior director of learning & performance at Merlin Labs, and Ashley Gatewood, the change & transformation leader at Google, came together to discuss the opportunities and challenges AI presents for businesses, how to lead effective transformations and what it takes to build a future-ready workforce. When it comes to AI and transformation, Soleye noted that AI has productivity tools, such as support for coding and coders — but its challenges and opportunities go hand in hand. “High performance culture depends on the people, but it also depends on the processes and the systems,” Soleye said. Adding that, to streamline workflow, people should consider what the person currently does and how artificial intelligence...

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced plans to implement a phased pause in operations at its nearly 100 contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide by June 30, 2025, according to a department press release. This marks a significant change that will affect workforce development for underserved youth. The decision to wind down the Job Corps centers follows an internal program review and stems from significant issues, including financial deficits, safety concerns, and underwhelming student outcomes. The residential career training and education program is focused on low-income young adults ages 16 to 24. Job Corps Closing: Breaking Down The Numbers The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration released a report in April 2025 that details the Job Corps program’s performance and return on investment. The average graduation rate is about 38.6%, according to the report, as cited by Fox News. Other findings show that the average cost per graduate was up to...

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky sought out Barack Obama’s mentorship. During an interview with former First Lady Michelle Obama, Chesky revealed that he sought advice from Barack after the conclusion of his presidency in 2017. He believed that Barack was well-positioned to offer guidance that could inform his leadership at Airbnb, a vacation rental company that now boasts more than 5 million hosts and over 2 billion guest arrivals, its website mentions. “Airbnb is a community. Who’s the most famous community organizer in the world,” Chesky said, alluding to Barack while speaking to Michelle. Chesky’s time learning under Barack Obama as a mentee involved completing various homework assignments that he said changed his life. By 2018, he says his daily routine included attending night school with Barack’s lessons and participating in weekly one-hour phone calls. While practical, he points out one piece of advice that has stood the test of time: to become more intentional. “He literally said,...

Tuesdays often feel like the forgotten middle child of the workweek. The initial energy of Monday has waned, and the weekend still feels distant. It’s a day where motivation can dip , making it an ideal time to seek inspiration. Motivational quotes can serve as a quick pick-me-up, offering a fresh perspective and renewed energy. Whether you’re facing a challenging project, leading a team meeting, or simply trying to get through the day, here are some motivational quotes that can pump you up for work on Tuesdays. Starting the Day Right “Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.” — Dalai Lama Starting your Tuesday with positivity can set the tone for a productive and fulfilling day. “Today is Thoughtful Tuesday. Try doing something nice for someone else whether it is a kind gesture or a positive remark.” — Anonymous Acts of kindness can uplift both the giver and the receiver, fostering a positive work environment. “Tuesday is a huge day.” — Ian Mcdougal...

Artificial intelligence (AI) now touches nearly every aspect of life — from health care and national security to smartphones and entertainment. At AFROTECH™ 2024 , Tanneasha Gordon , U.S. data and digital trust principal at Deloitte & Touche, joined Jarell Oshodi, privacy executive and counsel, to explore balancing AI innovation with protecting sensitive information and maintaining trust in a data-driven world. Diving deep into ethical frameworks, Gordon described AI as a “broad field of computer science, really focused on designing and deploying systems that mimic human intelligence,” viewing it through three paradigms: Our five senses, creativity, and consciousness. Purchase your ticket to AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 now!   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by AFROTECH (@afro.tech) When asked about AI’s benefits, Gordon pointed to increased productivity, efficiency, and cost savings across individuals and enterprises. However, she highlighted five key risks: Deepfakes and...

Representation matters now more than ever — a key theme highlighted during the AFROTECH™ 2024 Conference panel discussion, “Fueling Ambition For Women On The Rise.” The Summit Stage came alive with an inspiring conversation between two powerhouse leaders: Gabrielle Wesley , chief marketing officer of Mars Wrigley North America, and Jennifer Lynne Williams, chief development officer at the USA Basketball Foundation. Moderated by Zuhairah Scott Washington, founder and CEO of Unlimited Ventures, the session explored bold leadership, inclusive innovation, and the fearless pursuit of impact. Through personal stories and hard-earned insights, the panelists offered attendees tangible strategies to fuel their own ambition and rise in their careers. Both Wesley and Williams reflected on the impact of seeing Black women who looked like them in leadership roles and how mentorship shaped their own journeys, expressing a deep commitment to doing the same for the next generation — serving as...

Icebreaker questions are an easy practice that can make a big difference in the workplace. Whether you’re kicking off a Monday morning meeting, onboarding a new team member , or leading a company retreat, icebreaker questions are one of the best ways to create an atmosphere of openness and engagement. They can ease tension, reveal common ground, and jumpstart conversations that otherwise wouldn’t happen in a strictly professional setting. When used well, icebreakers can build team cohesion and make each team member feel safer and more included. They’re especially valuable in hybrid or remote workplaces with limited opportunities for informal interactions. The key is to choose questions that are light enough to be low-pressure but interesting enough to invite genuine responses. Here’s a mix of fun, thoughtful, and creative workplace-appropriate icebreaker questions , grouped by themes. Get-To-Know-You Basics What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? This question reveals team...

Jackson Aimiuwu was 19 years old when he first got his hands on a computer, and now he is paving the way at a major technology company. Aimiuwu attended the University of Calgary and earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science. His first year was the most challenging due to not having a computer, but it solidified his interest in the field. He also credits his cousin, who studied computer science and was able to bridge tech and business in his career. Aimiuwu is now doing the same through his role at Amazon Web Services (AWS). Prior to this, his career trajectory included a role at EMC’s (now part of Dell) headquarters in Toronto, Canada, as a senior solutions architect and team lead (pre-sales), which gave him the opportunity to manage a team at Canadian Tire — the second-largest retailer in the country — from 2016 to 2019. He provided support to the company’s chief technology officer and helped build its first private cloud. “They were trying to really change how they went to...

No matter who occupies the White House, Maryland Governor Wes Moore remains steadfast in his commitment to three core pillars for his state’s 6.2 million residents: work, wages, and wealth — and creating pathways for all three. At AFROTECH™ Conference 2024, Moore — Maryland’s 63rd and first Black governor — joined Blavity Inc. Co-Founder and COO Jeff Nelson for a powerful fireside chat focused on economic empowerment, youth engagement, public safety, and sustainable community development. The governor shared insights on building resilient, self-sufficient communities, equipping the conference room of innovators, entrepreneurs, and changemakers with tangible steps to create a lasting impact. Buy your AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 ticket now! Reflecting on his personal journey into public service, Moore shared that he didn’t come from a political dynasty — far from it. Now, he says he sees the world in two categories: Marylanders and future Marylanders. “I had to convince members of my...

Cliff Worley Sr., head of portfolio marketing at Oakland, CA-based venture firm Kapor Capital, believes artificial intelligence (AI) is going to make us all entrepreneurs. Based on its website, Kapor Capital invests in businesses that improve the lives of low-income communities and communities of color. It was also an early investor in Blavity Inc. At AFROTECH™ Conference 2024, Worley led a dynamic workshop offering a comprehensive overview of the most effective AI tools for founders. The workshop aimed to equip attendees with the knowledge and strategies  to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and optimize budgets using cutting-edge AI innovations for business success. Purchase your ticket to AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 now! “If you’ve ever had that idea that you’ve always wanted to build, now is the time to do it,” Worley said while on stage.   View this post on Instagram   A post shared by AFROTECH (@afro.tech) Drawing parallels to the internet in 1988 and the release of...

Artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) may dominate today’s conversations, but beneath the innovation lies traditional software engineering — the bedrock that makes these systems work. At AFROTECH™ 2024 , Kunle Oshiyoye, a software engineer at GitHub, shared insights from his work on AI technologies, his background as a graduate student at Georgia Tech studying machine learning, and his hands-on experience building and maintaining robust software systems. During the workshop, Oshiyoye explored idiomatic patterns and practical strategies for writing effective tests in the Go programming language, emphasizing why testing serves as both a safety net and a validation strategy. “Testing, to me at least, is a way to validate, to verify what you’re writing,” Oshiyoye said. He referenced a favorite quote: “A good programmer is somebody who always looks both ways before crossing a one-way street.” Purchase your ticket to AFROTECH™ Conference 2025 now!   View this post...

Books have long been a source of wisdom for business leaders, offering guidance on everything from financial strategy to leadership development. Certain books have stood the test of time, selling millions of copies and earning praise from business icons, investors, and top executives. Whether you’re looking to sharpen l eadership skills , build a profitable company, or develop a better financial mindset , here are the most famous books for business success. Think And Grow Rich By Napoleon Hill Originally published in 1937, Think and Grow Rich has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. It’s earned distinction as one of history’s best-selling personal development books. The book is based on Napoleon Hill’s research into the habits of wealthy individuals, including Andrew Carnegie and Henry Ford. It presents a blueprint for achieving financial success through mindset and persistence. Readers often praise the book for its emphasis on the power of visualization and goal-setting. Some of...

Cybersecurity remains one of the most important — and unpredictable — topics shaping today’s technology landscape. At AFROTECH™ 2024, Nicole Dove, director of security engineering at Riot Games, led a session on how bad actors use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance cyberattacks and how defenders are evolving to stay ahead. Moderated by Dr. Christine Izuakor, founder and CEO of Cyber Pop-up, the session also included Oluwadamilola Obamehinti, who has over a decade of experience at major tech companies including eBay. During the session, Dove and Obamehinti were presented with high-stakes real-world scenarios to respond to live. “We’ve all heard a lot of the nightmare stories over the last year, especially when it comes to security,” Izuakor said. “Everything from unprecedented amounts of data being leaked to social media hacks to a global IT outage — and it’s important as leaders for us to be able to respond in ways that are efficient, to remain calm, to think critically while...

Black women workers lost more jobs than other demographics in April, according to a report. While the overall unemployment rate for April 2025 remained unchanged, stats released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic show that Black women lost 38,000 jobs and their unemployment went up by 106,000, according to Creative Investment Research. Bloomberg notes the unemployment rate for Black women was a full percentage point higher at 6.1% (compared to 5.1% in March), and this rate has been on the rise since February 2024. Some of the steady decline in their employment is partially attributed to the decline in the workforce as a result of initiatives being pushed by the Trump Administration. As AFROTECH™ previously told you, it struck down diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at the federal level, and many corporations have followed suit to ensure their policies are in alignment. Black women workers at the federal level have declined by an estimated 33% within the last year...

As data remains the backbone of digital advertising and regulatory scrutiny continues to grow, technologists are uniquely positioned to influence the industry’s future. At AFROTECH™ 2024 , Juliette Stancil, senior assistant general counsel of data privacy at Intuit Inc. — the parent company of TurboTax, QuickBooks, Mailchimp, and Credit Karma — led a workshop tackling the intersection of digital advertising and data privacy. Stancil unpacked current challenges, evolving platform rules, and privacy-first innovations — equipping attendees with the insights needed to navigate and influence a rapidly shifting landscape. “I would encourage anyone to really read through privacy settings and the privacy policy of any of the places you tend to visit or where you ingest content,” Stancil shared early in the session. “And you might be surprised at the number of capabilities you have to set permissions around what gets collected and what gets used, particularly for marketing and advertising...