Howard University Launches “The Yard At AfroTech U”

By Cedric Mobley

Howard University today activated “The Yard at Afrotech U: Celebrating HBCU Culture, Alumni, and Tech Contributions” at the Afrotech Conference in the George R. Brown Convention Center, Houston, Texas.  In partnership with Blavity/Afrotech, Howard is helping to curate novel programming for students and early career professionals in technology to address the underrepresentation of people of color in the technology industry. The programming will include sessions on product development, tech industry success, and resume development. “The Yard” will be connected to the “Afrotech U” seminar space on the convention floor. Howard’s activation is being led by Dr. Kweli Zukeri, assistant vice president for web innovation and strategy for Howard’s Office of University Communications.

Afrotech is a major technology conference spotlighting Black innovators, professionals, and entrepreneurs. Howard’s “The Yard at Afrotech U” represents the first time a university has helped create an educational space at the conference to engage those new to the industry.

“The Yard at Afrotech U” is a first of its kind activation,” said Lydia Sermons, vice president and chief communications officer at Howard University. “It was created to celebrate HBCU resilience and unity and provide a convening and networking space for HBCU alumni and supporters who are increasingly emerging as trailblazers in the tech sector.”

The activation space is named after the iconic quadrangle called “The Yard” on Howard’s campus, where countless civil, business, thought, and cultural leaders have gathered for performances, speeches, gatherings, and fellowship.

Featured programming includes a panel discussion entitled “Resources, Relationships, and Respect – Building Success in Tech and Entrepreneurship” on Friday, November 15 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CST on the Afrotech U Stage. The session will explore the essential tools and strategies involved in accessing capital, leveraging technology, finding mentorship, and building strong networks and partnerships. Additional topics include commanding respect in the workplace, navigating bias, and fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity. Panelists are Howard alumni and university leadership, including:

• Etoulia Salas-Burnett, M.S.Ed, founding executive director of the Howard University Center for Digital Business.
• Erin Horne McKinney, inaugural national executive director of the Howard University & PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship (HUxPNC Center). Prior to her current position, she served as the executive vice president of innovation and strategy for the Association of Enterprise Opportunity, CEO of WomenVenture, and senior-level positions with JumpStart Inc. and the Executive Office of the Mayor of Washington D.C. McKinney is the founder of the globally recognized membership community, Black Female Founders.
• Dr. Amy Yeboah Quarkume, associate professor at Howard University, where she leads the Data Science program. Her work intersects race, AI, edtech, and environmental justice, focusing on data bias in Black, Brown, and Native American communities. She is the founder of CORE Futures Innovations, developing solutions like Worlds of Hello, HBCU SolarEdge, and HBCU Horizon.
• Rodney Williams, co-founder of SoLo Funds, the largest community finance platform in the US. Since 2018, SoLo has surpassed one million loans funded and redefined access to capital and returns for 1.5 million users. Prior to founding SoLo, Rodney founded LISNR and led the company to over $40M in funding. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including Ad Age’s 40 Under 40 in 2012, Cannes Gold Lion award in 2015, and the CNBC Disruptor 50 List in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019 and 2023.
• Dr. Kweli Zukeri, assistant vice president of web innovation & strategy at Howard University. Dr. Kweli is an inaugural member of Howard’s recently formed Presidential Artificial Intelligence Council and hosts Howard’s HU2U podcast.

Other Howard University events during Afrotech include:

• AfroTech Alumni & Friends Networking Social, Nov 15, 2024 at 6:00 PM at Agora Haus, 1614 Center Street in Houston.
• Culture & Conversations: The Living Room Series, Nov 13, 2024 at 6:00 PM at 3 Stories, 2206 Emancipation Avenue in Houston. Presented by JQ Lifestyle Group and Divine Tree, this is an intimate gathering where professionals, creatives, and innovators from various industries come together to share experiences and insights.