Recently, I traveled to San Francisco for Blavity’s 3rd-annual AfroTech conference. It’s a highly anticipated weekend-long event filled with techies, aspiring entrepreneurs, and Black excellence. I didn’t go there with any expectations. I don’t even consider myself a “techie”, but I went with an open mind and loved the experience. Here are a few things I learned:
- Network. Network. Network. Our generation doesn’t know what work will look like as we grow in our careers. Even more so than our parents, our network matters and will likely play heavily as we pursue new jobs. Everyone came to the conference open to meet and discuss just about anything. I complimented a lady’s lipstick color and ended up in a conversation about her app, TipOff (You should get it!). This long-game networking reminded me of how important it is to put myself out there and invest in relationships. I met people in a variety of career stages: college students, early career, etc., and was able to connect with them all.
- This is a sprint, NOT a marathon, rest up. It’s only 3-days long and there’s a lot to see! I’d spend a full day talking, listening, and meeting people at the conference, and then head to one of the company sponsored happy hours. We’d party until 3am getting to know more people and listening to great music. Afterwards, I’d take a moment to rest, get up the following day, and do it all again starting at 9am.
- Sis, we in here! My STEM ladies were present and accounted for: recruiting, sitting on panels, pitching, and in the crowd gaining knowledge. I can’t express how happy I was to hear women share their stories and experiences. It was a great chance to soak up the wisdom of Valerie Jarrett, Valeisha Butterfield Jones, Megan Holston-Alexander, and Sevetri Wilson, just to name a few.
- Dress code? What dress code? I’m not sure if there was a suggested dress code, but in our typical way, we showed up and showed out! Whether in statement tees or suits it all worked.
- Brands. I’ve never thought of why brands sponsor or show up at conferences aside the fact that it’s a great place to recruit diverse talent. It’s important that brands show up to support our community and show consistency; not just run to us after they’ve received bad press. Companies like Deloitte, Uber, Lyft, American Airlines, AirBnb, and many more, sent their people plus free gifts. If you have a favorite company, they were probably there.
- Note to self: Figure out something to say to your faves that doesn’t sound stalkerish. I saw so many people that I have followed on Instagram for years! I had the odd realization that I don’t know what to say to someone who I only know through their social media or blog. Asking about how she enjoyed her recent trip to Italy seemed a tad stalkerish to me. Nevertheless, don’t miss the chance to introduce yourself (hopefully in a way that doesn’t make you seem like a total nut job). Afrotech gives you an opportunity to ask your questions and talk to people that you’ve befriended in your mind.
- The common thread of community. Nearly every fireside chat and keynote speech mentioned community and our obligation to it. The idea that we have a responsibility to one another is not unusual, but in the current political climate needs to be stated and we all need the reminder that we are not alone.
Overall, I really enjoyed myself. I can’t wait to hang out with my Sistas at AfroTech next year in Oakland!
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