Joe Darko

The best career hack isn't a course. It's showing up. Last week I attended an event hosted by NVIDIA's Black employee network Nicole Magnus Nikki P. Sabrina K. Steven Dalton a follow-up connection from AFROTECH Blavity Inc.. Here's what most people miss about events like this: They're not just networking. They're distribution channels for opportunity. NVIDIA didn't just talk about diversity. They built infrastructure for it: → A dedicated job portal for attendees to track roles of interest → Direct access to team members who could speak to the work → A path from "I'm interested" to "Here's how to apply" That's not a mixer. That's a funnel. Why NVIDIA matters right now, this is one of the powerhouses in tech right now: They are building the foundation for everything else to run on. GPUs powering AI. Automotive. Data centers. The chips that make the software possible. Their CEO Jensen Huang has been everywhere: Forbes, podcasts, keynotes always talking about how the company is laying the groundwork for the future of compute. But what got my attention years ago wasn’t just the valuation. It was a talk he gave at Stanford University about being a curious founder who was willing to chase hard problems long before they were trendy. Here's my invite: AFROTECH will be back in City of Houston this year, and if you’re trying to break into tech or level up from where you already are, this is one of the highest‑leverage rooms you can be in. You’ll connect with people from NVIDIA and Apple (hardware), to ServiceNow (workflows), Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Datadog, and beyond. The value doesn’t end when the four-day conference is over. The intros, referrals, and collaborations keep compounding long after you fly home. I've walked away with: ✓ Forbes features ✓ Employee referrals from people I met in person ✓ Connections that turned into real role conversations If you’re wondering, “Okay, but what do I actually do?” here’s a simple, product‑strategy way to think about it: 1. Treat events like a product funnel, not a field trip. Go in with a clear “activation” goal: Is it 3 meaningful conversations? 1 referral? 1 new company you deeply research afterward? 2. Do your discovery before you land. Research the companies attending, learn about what they’re shipping in AI, hardware, workflows, or developer tools and come with specific questions. 3.Use the tools they give you. If a company creates a dedicated job portal or talent channel for the event, treat it like gold. Fill it out thoughtfully. Follow up. Reference the conversation you had in person. 4. Build relationships, not transactions. The people pouring into these events, especially the employee resource groups, are often doing it because they care, not because it’s in their job description. Respect that. Stay in touch. Share your wins. Planning to be at AFROTECH or talk about how to use events as a career strategy, drop a comment. Let’s make sure you’re not the best‑kept secret in the room.

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Start your week with this perspective on strengthening communication around black founders and female founders in the tech industry. Cyphr founder and KC SourceLink Community Network Navigator Jannae Gammage shares her thoughts on City Entrepreneur.

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We’re Celebrating Big News in Small Business + AI 🚀 Atlanta Black Tech is proud to share that Goodie Nation is partnering with Google to power the next generation of small business leaders with accessible, practical AI and digital skills training. This collaboration brings the Grow with Google Coaches program to life — training thousands of entrepreneurs across the country in areas like AI-powered productivity, digital marketing, analytics, and storytelling. What this means for founders and small business leaders: 👉 Hands-on, community-driven workshops designed to help you put AI to work in your business. 👉 Focus on real-world impact — not just theory. 👉 A shared mission to close opportunity gaps and equip owners with tools that fuel growth and sustainable success. This partnership builds on ongoing efforts to democratize access to technology and equip entrepreneurs with skills that matter now. 🔗 Read the full announcement from Goodie Nation here: https://lnkd.in/e926GneB

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Closing The Abyss Black female founders get less than 1% according to an article from Cynthia Newberry, Communications Manager at Stanford University. The only way to close the abyss is by supporting every initiative that can help closing The Abyss. That is why collaborating with catalyst noir and Leyla F Karaha feels so important to me. #startupbootcamp #blackfemalefounders #venturecapital #investment

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At Spotify, we spoke to Patris Gordon, the leader of the BLK community group and one thing was clear… the culture hits different. From championing Black women in tech to creating real opportunities for networking and cross-networking, it’s not just talk, it’s action. A space where: ✨ Creativity is encouraged ✨ Freedom is trusted ✨ And people from all backgrounds are genuinely supported Because when people feel seen and valued, they do their best work. This is what an intentional culture looks like. Tag another organisation with a workplace culture like this. We'd love to celebrate them. 👇🏾 #BlackWomenInTech #WomenInTech #WorkplaceCulture

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The quest for the first Black-owned tech unicorn on the Westside is heating up. Fabrice Jordan of Raw Marketing, alongside the TechStart crews, is actively reshaping the landscape. This event celebrates technology and cultural empowerment, featuring engaging tech activations and emphasizing the crucial role of supporting local Black history and wealth. It's inspiring to see such vibrant community engagement driving innovation and economic growth. #TechInnovation #BlackOwnedBusiness #CommunityEmpowerment #WestsideTech #CulturalImpact

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The AfroTech AI track in 2025 was a powerful blend of innovation, culture, and real-world impact. With voices like Microsoft AI leaders, Stacy Abrams, and Jidenna, the event showed how AI is reshaping everyday life and creative expression. I saw how AI is becoming more personal—supporting mental wellness, managing our homes, and enhancing creativity. Microsoft’s push for “frontier firms” through tools like Copilot and Azure AI Foundry stood out, while Stacy Abrams reminded us that AI must be built on democratic values to avoid reinforcing bias. Jidenna inspired me with his take on AI as a creative partner, emphasizing the importance of Black creators shaping the future of tech. What really resonated with me were the sessions focused on users with access needs and neurodivergent users. Jason Mayden spoke about designing for human connection in a digital world, urging us to prioritize authenticity over artificiality. He reminded us that tech should amplify our humanity, not replace it. Pinterest’s Malik Ducard shared how inclusive content design is central to their platform—ensuring accessibility, representation, and creativity for all users. These sessions made it clear: inclusive design isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for building tech that truly serves everyone. #AfroTech2025 #AITrack

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The Power of Community: Moving from Gatekeeping to Door-Opening. Persistence in tech depends on more than just the tools, it depends on the community. As I wrap up this mini appreciation series on the Lift Every Voice in Tech report, the final takeaway is clear: the bridge between learning tech and advancing in tech is built by people. For many Black workers and learners, the greatest barriers aren't just technical skills; they are the limited professional networks and limited guidance on how the industry actually works. To move the needle in 2026, we have to shift our mindset from gatekeeping to door-opening. SO! How do we open the door? -Program leaders emphasized teaching the hidden job market; finding roles through networking and skills rather than just course titles. -Success is often fueled by peer connections partnering new learners with those who have just recently navigated the same path. (Nod to NearPeer) -Established professionals can provide the navigation strategies that aren't taught in a certification course. -Employers and training providers must work together to ensure that program completion actually leads to job placement. Weekend Challenge The report reminds us that never shying away from making a connection is how many people get their next good gig. This weekend, I’m challenging myself (and you!) to be a door-opener. Send a note to someone starting their journey, share a resource without being asked, or offer a 15-minute coffee chat to a non-traditional learner. The persistence of talent in our industry is a collective responsibility. Let’s make sure the voices we "lift" are given a seat at the table. #Networking #Mentorship #TechEquity #CommunityBuilding https://lnkd.in/epRcBBbG

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Latest Black Tech Green Money episode, out today, is my 10 AI Predictions for 2026. This is a big one: the upcoming ambiance of AI. You can hear the full episode now at afrotechpodcast.com.

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💚 AFROTECH Know Before You Go ✅ Whether you're heading to AfroTech for the first time or just need a refresher, here are some tips to help you show up, stay ready, and make the most of the experience: ⏰ Be Early: Sessions fill up fast. Aim to arrive 10–15 minutes early for the ones you care about most. You’ll get a better seat and maybe even a chance to chat with the speaker.  🤝🏾 Buddy System FTW: You can’t be everywhere at once. Team up with a friend and split sessions—take notes for each other and share key takeaways. 📁 Stay Organized: Create a dedicated email folder for all your AfroTech RSVPs, tickets, and confirmations. Trust me, it’ll save you time and stress.   💻 Build in Work Time: Block off time to check emails or handle urgent tasks. You’ll thank yourself later for not trying to do it between sessions. 🗓️ Plan Ahead: Download the app and start mapping out your schedule now. AfroTech is packed with panels, meetups, and activations, you’ll want to prioritize what matters most to you. 💊 Health First: Start boosting your immune system now—elderberry, Vitamin C, hydration, sleep. AfroTech is high energy and high contact. You want to be present, not sick. ___________________________ AfroTech is a networking goldmine. Make sure your LinkedIn is ready to work for you: ��� Update your headline to reflect your current role and interests. 🔷 Make sure your profile picture is set to PUBLIC, nothing worse than getting a connection request from 👤 🔷 Connect with intention: When you meet someone, send a personalized LinkedIn request with a quick note about how you met or what you discussed.   🔷 Download your QR code and set it as your lock screen for faster networking What did I miss? If you've been before, share your top tip for first-timers in the comments. #AfroTech #ConferenceTips #KnowBeforeYouGo

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Black women in tech are shaping the future of product development, strategy, and innovation across industries—from AI to fintech, media, and retail. They’re not just leading teams; they’re building ecosystems, redefining inclusion, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in tech. Several of these trailblazers will be taking the stage at BUILT DIFFERENT, our upcoming panel + mixer in London for product and cybersecurity professionals (Oct 2). Ahead of the event, here are some Black women to watch. 🔗 https://buff.ly/75zNZKV

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100 Black Men of America, Inc., the nation's preeminent African American mentoring and leadership development organization, today announced its partnership with Operation HOPE's newly launched HOPE AI initiative, a national strategy designed to transform financial literacy and expand equitable access to artificial intelligence education and tools. https://lnkd.in/eDwDDh5M #100BlackMen #OperationHope #HOPEAIinitiative 

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At We Are Black America, we’ve developed a curated tech stack specifically for Black entrepreneurs. This means you’ll have access to practical, powerful tools that streamline processes and drive growth. Imagine spending less time on tech issues and more time innovating and serving your clients—it's all possible here (custom solutions for entrepreneurs like you). Signing up is absolutely FREE, so take the first step towards elevating your business today! https://lnkd.in/gqSHRhB4 #techStack,#businessGrowth,#blackEntrepreneurs,#support,#innovation,#community,#toolkit

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🔥History was made yesterday! We powerfully kicked off Cohort 6 of the award-winning Generative AI Accelerator Program. Designed by BlackTECH AI and business strategy experts working at leading global companies, the program has already upskilled the careers of 300+ Black professionals and counting….. Our Gen AI alumni are seeing real outcomes: * Some have leveled up faster * Some have earned promotions * Some have joined their org's AI committees * Some have built scalable AI agents * Others have launched AI consulting gigs Generative AI is redefining how work gets done. It is no longer optional. It is your competitive advantage. Over the next 7 weeks, we look forward to the incredible outcomes these highly motivated professionals will achieve. BlackTECH Academy - Upskilling and transforming professionals💪

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#AfroTech gave the exposure. The Afterglow gave the strategy. At BX Inc’s AfroTech Afterglow, entrepreneur and culture architect Chantell G. and our own Craig Smith shared reflections on what this moment in tech and culture is really calling for. 💎 Tech is not a title—it’s a terrain. Your expertise belongs here, even if you didn’t “code your way in.” 💎 AI doesn’t replace people, and we won't let it replace us. Position yourself as the partner, not the afterthought. 💎 Security comes from skill and adaptability. Invest in yourself, expand your toolkit, and build leverage beyond one lane. These conversations are core to BX Inc’s mission—helping Black professionals move from hustle to power, and from participation to ownership. Watch the recap and tap into the gems. 🖤 #BlackExcellence #AfroTech #FutureOfWork #PowerMoves #BXInc

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Howard University Students Launch “Founders on the Yard” to Connect HBCU Entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley A new accelerator initiative aims to close the venture capital gap by giving HBCU founders access to mentorship, capital networks, and a Silicon Valley demo stage. #hbcu #hbcustudents #hbcuconnect Founders on The Yard https://lnkd.in/ek3QpTHi

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AfroTech isn’t just for engineers; it’s for everyone building the future of culture, creativity, and innovation. On the Roland Martin Show, I shared why this year’s AfroTech experience is expanding beyond traditional tech to spotlight health, entrepreneurship, and creativity, including how AI is shaping every industry. This is where community, culture, and innovation intersect. Looking forward to next week's Afrotech conference.

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