On September 13, 2024, we participated in Tech Futures Day at Cambridge Tech Week, a dynamic event focused on inspiring the next generation of tech professionals. With numerous tech companies in attendance, our stall served as a hub for youth engagement, highlighting our mission to address the Black talent skills gap in STEM. We believe that fostering an inclusive environment is crucial for the future of the tech industry, and this event provided an excellent platform to share our vision.

Throughout the day, we conducted interactive activities designed for students to raise awareness about unconscious bias and explore how perceptions are formed based on appearance. Our goal was to engage young people in meaningful conversations about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and understand their views and knowledge on these vital topics.

Panel Discussions

The event featured insightful panel discussions in which members of our community participated. Our Ambassador, Anthony Adiotomre, shared his journey of navigating opportunities and challenges in tech, detailing the obstacles he faced and how Black Talent and Leadership in STEM supported him along the way. Additionally, students Alfa Saleh and Elijah Ohiwerei from ARU, provided their perspectives on the impact of AI on education today, making for a highly engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

Volunteer Contributions

We are immensely grateful to the dedicated volunteers from our community, whose enthusiastic participation was key to the success of the event. Their hard work and commitment were greatly appreciated by the Cambridge Tech Week team. It was through their efforts that we effectively engaged with attendees and promoted our vision at the event.

Call to Action

Tech Futures Day highlighted the critical need to equip young people with the tools and insights necessary to thrive in the tech sector. By addressing unconscious biases and fostering open discussions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable tech industry. This initiative ensures that individuals from underrepresented communities have equal access to the resources and opportunities required to build successful careers in technology.

Join us in our mission to create an inclusive future where diverse talent is recognized and nurtured. By advocating for equitable opportunities in STEM we can collectively inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders. Together, let’s ensure that every aspiring tech professional receives the support they need to thrive!