By Kamsiyochukwu Arinze, Student in the M.S. in Technology Management Program, School of Professional Studies
Attending AfroTech 2024, the largest Black tech conference of the year, was nothing short of a transformative experience for me as a Columbia HBCU Fellow and M.S. in Technology Management (TMGT) student. This experience was made possible thanks to the Columbia HBCU Fellowship Program, which sponsored my attendance. Anne Louis (candidate for the M.S. in Technology Management) and 2024 Columbia HBCU fellows Victor Akpan (candidate for the M.S. in Technology Management) and John Josiah (candidate for the M.S. in Applied Analytics) also attended.
AfroTech 2024 was the organization’s largest event to date, with more than 200 tech and enterprise companies and 35,000 attendees. The conference connects a global community of more than 20,000 Black tech innovators through a series of digital and in-person events featuring dynamic programming on emerging trends, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and conversations with top recruiters. The energy, ideas, and shared ambition of thousands of innovators made it a space where possibilities felt endless.
One of the highlights of my experience was the career fair, where companies showcased opportunities and actively sought out talent. Industry giants like NVIDIA, ServiceNow, Meta, Adobe, Google, Canva, and Pinterest were all present and eager to connect with attendees. Speaking with recruiters and representatives from these companies gave me an inside look at how they’re pushing boundaries in tech, particularly in their adoption of AI and user-focused innovation. These ideas are also explored in the TMGT program, where we examine tech advancements and ethical leadership.
My conversations with Adobe and Canva stood out. The representatives shared how they’re integrating AI into their products—not just to add new features but also to empower creators and make design more accessible. This push for AI is rooted in enhancing creativity while prioritizing user-centric design, a recurring theme throughout AfroTech. These discussions challenged me to think deeply about how thoughtful design and advanced technology can unlock opportunities for users, regardless of their skill levels.
This really hit home as I reflected on Kasi AI, a platform I’m developing to help small and medium-sized businesses create marketing content more efficiently and creatively with AI. Hearing how industry leaders like Adobe and Canva are simplifying workflows and amplifying user potential gave me a fresh perspective on the possibilities for Kasi AI. It’s not just about streamlining the content creation process; it’s about empowering users with tools that are intuitive, impactful, and tailored to their needs.
Beyond the career fair and tech demos, the AfroTech conference was a masterclass in innovation and community building. From panels on emerging technologies to informal conversations with fellow attendees, I left feeling inspired and enlightened.
AfroTech not only broadened my understanding of what’s possible with AI and thoughtful design but also gave me the tools and motivation to apply these lessons to my studies in TMGT and my own work. I’m leaving this experience ready to take Kasi AI and my future projects to the next level, ensuring they’re as impactful for users as the products that inspired me.
I thank the entire AfroTech team for organizing such an incredible event. Their vision and dedication created a space that empowers and inspires the next generation of Black tech innovators. I’m truly grateful to have been part of this experience.
About the Program
Columbia University’s Master of Science in Technology Management is a hands-on technology leadership development program designed to train professionals for equal fluency in tech fundamentals, business operations, and ethical leadership.
The fall 2025 application deadline for the Technology Management program is June 1. Learn more about the program here.
Views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Columbia School of Professional Studies or Columbia University.
