Reflections from AfroTech 2024: Inspiration, Innovation, and Community

Last month, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 AfroTech Conference alongside 15 of my Rocketeer colleagues, and it was a truly transformative experience! AfroTech is more than just a conference; it’s a movement that celebrates Black excellence in technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. As a woman of color in the technology industry, being part of such a dynamic gathering of brilliant minds, innovators, and change-makers left me and the team energized and inspired.

Highlights from an Unforgettable Week

One of the first things I noticed was the sheer energy and optimism in the air. The conference offered a wealth of opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, from sessions on the importance of cybersecurity, led by experts like Nicole Dove, head of security at Riot Games, to discussions on AI and privacy that underscored the need for security and inclusivity across all departments. Each session reminded us of the rapid advancements in technology and the critical need to stay ahead—not just as professionals but as a unified community.

The women’s summit featuring female leadership from Gap was especially inspiring, emphasizing the power of representation and the importance of fostering diversity at every level of leadership. Additionally, Derek Johnson, CEO of NAACP, delivered a thought-provoking session on how technology can bridge economic and gender inequality, showcasing tech's role as a driver of social progress.

Our team was also struck by the importance of addressing complex issues head-on. Whether through fostering intentionality in supporting minority employees or engaging in sometimes uncomfortable but necessary conversations about diversity and inclusion, the conference stressed that real progress requires courage and collaboration.

Building Bridges and Elevating Community

AfroTech excels at creating spaces for meaningful connections, and this year was no different. The expo hall buzzed with activity, showcasing companies that value diversity and inclusion and foster invaluable networking opportunities. It was especially moving to see so many of our customers actively engaging with the next generation of leaders, reinforcing the importance of mentorship and community in driving innovation.

The personal conversations and connections at AfroTech left a lasting impression, underscoring the human side of our work in technology. Recognizing the individuality and diverse perspectives of every attendee, the conference reminded us that empathy and care are foundational to both personal and professional growth.

Empowerment Through Intentionality

Rocket Software's support for our team to attend AfroTech was empowering, reflecting the company’s commitment to its employees and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The conference reaffirmed that intentional efforts in the DEI space aren’t just “nice to have” but essential for the bottom line. Meaningful collaboration in this area is critical for driving innovation and ensuring every voice is heard.

Looking Forward

This year’s AfroTech was an enlightening celebration of progress and potential—a powerful reminder that our collective success depends on breaking down barriers and elevating one another. I left Houston with immense gratitude for the journey I’ve had in tech and a renewed sense of purpose to continue creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and impact.

To my fellow attendees, partners, speakers, and the incredible AfroTech team: thank you for creating such an inspiring event. I’m already looking forward to what AfroTech 2025 has in store!

Check out our events page to see where Rocket Software will be next.