Afrotech

NBA and Houston Rockets Bring First-Ever Tech Challenge and Empowering Programming to AfroTech

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The NBA and Houston Rockets collaborated to bring exciting initiatives to the AfroTech conference in Houston from Nov. 13-16. One of the key highlights was the first-ever NBA Foundation Tech Challenge, where 25 students from local universities like the University of Houston, Rice University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University presented business ideas based on real-world challenges.

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Houston Rockets CMO Julian Duncan judged the challenge, NBA All-Star Baron Davis, and Amplitude’s Nikki Lasley. Prairie View A&M took home the top prize, with each student receiving $1,000 and a scholarship funded by a $25,000 donation from Amplitude.

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The NBA Foundation also sponsored 100 Houston-area students to attend AfroTech, giving them access to valuable networking opportunities and career insights from top tech professionals. On the Executive Stage, NBA President of Basketball Operations Byron Spruell, WNBA Head of League Operations Bethany Donaphin, and Rockets GM Rafael Stone participated in a panel discussing the intersection of tech and basketball, offering advice on career development.

Additionally, Baron Davis engaged in a Fireside chat about entrepreneurship and innovation, sharing his expertise on blending business and basketball.

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Issa Rae, Timbaland, and Maxine Waters Set for 2023 AfroTech Conference

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Blavity Inc. has unveiled the star-studded lineup for the 2023 AfroTech Conference in Austin, Texas, from Nov. 1 to 5. This annual event connects Black professionals with inclusive tech companies and influencers shaping major corporations’ diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Speakers include Issa Rae, Timbaland, Maxine Waters, Sade Muhammad, and Bernard Coleman. Leading brands like Google, Meta, and Microsoft will share DEI insights.

AfroTech Music will provide live performances from artists like Rick Ross, DJ Spinderella, and others, with an exclusive after-party featuring Jadakiss.

Summits will cover women, sports, health, product development, and tech innovation. Over 100 speakers will discuss timely topics like responsible AI, sports and tech, leadership in a remote world, and DEI’s impact on marketing and VC trends.

Culture Park will host a marketplace for local Black-owned brands collaborating with Black Makers Market.

The 2022 event had an $18.2 million economic impact on Austin and supported 148 jobs. The 2023 AfroTech Conference is set to continue its legacy of promoting DEI in the tech industry. Don’t miss this transformative event!

AfroTech Conference’s 2023 full agenda is now live HERE and will feature:

  • Issa Rae, Emmy-award nominated actor, producer and writer 
  • Timbaland, iconic producer, artist and entrepreneur
  • Maxine Waters, U.S Representative for California’s 43rd congressional district since 1991
  • Doug E. Fresh, rapper, record producer, and beatboxer
  • Sade Muhammad, TIME CMO
  • Detavio Samuels, CEO, REVOLT, the world’s largest Black storytelling engine 
  • Zinhle Essamuah, award winning journalist and co-anchor of NBC News Daily and network correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC
  • Bernard Coleman, Chief Diversity and Engagement Officer at Gusto, a cloud-based payroll, benefits, and human resource management software for businesses
  • Wes Eugene, Chief Information Officer, IDEO

The post Issa Rae, Timbaland, and Maxine Waters Set for 2023 AfroTech Conference first appeared on The Source.

The post Issa Rae, Timbaland, and Maxine Waters Set for 2023 AfroTech Conference appeared first on The Source.