Hundreds Attend AfroTech Executive 2024: A Showcase of New Jersey’s Diverse Innovation Economy

AfroTech’s Inaugural Newark Event Highlights City’s Innovation Community

TRENTON, N.J. (July 11, 2024) – On Friday, June 28, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and AfroTech celebrated AfroTech Executive 2024, with over 240 people in attendance. Held during this year’s North to Shore Festival, the event brought together corporate executives, founders, entrepreneurs, and investors for vital discussions on tech innovation, financial literacy and responsibility, and generational wealth creation.

“AfroTech is just one of many events held during North to Shore that showcased New Jersey’s commitment to diversity and innovation,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “When we bring together corporate executives and entrepreneurs in the City of Newark, one of the birthplaces of American innovation, we do our part in increasing access to economic opportunity and improving the prospects for generational wealth for all New Jerseyans.”

AfroTech brought together executives, entrepreneurs, and investors for vital discussions on innovation, financial literacy, and generational wealth creation. (Photo: AfroTech)

“Under Governor Murphy’s leadership, we have prioritized breaking down barriers to opportunity for minority and women entrepreneurs, especially in the tech and innovation sectors,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “AfroTech exemplifies the NJEDA’s commitment to supporting a diverse innovation economy, which in turn, leads to job creation, thriving communities, and a stronger New Jersey for years to come.”

Held at Prudential Tower in Newark, AfroTech Executive 2024 included two fireside chats and a panel discussion, followed by a networking reception. Award-winning host, social justice advocate, lawyer, commentator, and entrepreneur Angela Rye served as the keynote speaker.

“Our week hosting the North to Shore Festival, and the City of Newark itself are the perfect combination of time and space to showcase the brightest and most spirited African American innovators, investors, makers, moguls, and mavericks,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Newark is at the crossroad of diversity and next-level technology, making it the ideal location for a dynamic exchange of insights and visions. It’s a thrilling time to be in Newark and we’re proud to be at the center of paradigm-shifting conversations.”

“This was a collaboration which confirmed the possibilities are limitless when you close your eyes to false perceptions and allow the finest minds to intersect with a mutual goal of excellence,” said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President, & CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. “I applaud all contributing parties that enabled Afro Tech to happen in the most diverse state in the country. Let’s keep it going.”

“AfroTech Executive 2024 was a great success, bringing together prominent voices in tech and innovation in Newark to discuss breaking down barriers for Black Americans while showcasing technology, entrepreneurialism, and innovation,” said NJEDA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Michelle Bodden. “Conversations like these are essential for our communities and businesses, fostering greater upward mobility for members of the Black community.”

The fireside chat featured Angela Rye, Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies Global. (Photo: AfroTech)

The session was moderated by Vaughn Crowe, Managing Partner at Newark Venture Partners, and featured Erica Duignan Minnihan, Founder and General Partner at Reign Ventures. Together, they discussed how diversity is essential in fostering creativity and resilience, explored the innovative economies of New Jersey and the funding opportunities driving them forward.

The second session was a panel exploring practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications to streamline workflows, reduce biases, and promote inclusivity. The AI-focused panel included Sam Caucci, Founder and CEO of 1Huddle, Michele Alcazar, Head of HR for Global Technology & Data at Prudential, and was moderated by Daniel Adeyanju, Director of Partnerships at The Knowledge House.

The fireside chat explored the importance of providing funding opportunities and access to fueling an innovative landscape. The chat featured Angela Rye as the keynote speaker and was moderated by Will Lucas, Brand Manager at AfroTech. Rye currently serves as the Principal and CEO of IMPACT Strategies Global, a political advocacy firm based in Washington, D.C. She is a special correspondent on ESPN and was formally a Political Commentator on CNN.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with NJEDA for our AfroTech Executive event in Newark, marking an important milestone in our mission to highlight and foster diverse innovation,” said SVP of AfroTech and Live Events, Simone Tyler. “This event underscored the power of collaboration and the critical need to create economic opportunities that include all voices, driving forward both technological advancements and generational wealth within our communities.”

“Prudential was honored to host this energizing, impactful event at our Newark headquarters during the North to Shore Festival,” said Robert Gulliver, Chief Talent & Diversity Officer at Prudential Financial, Inc. “As an organization committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse, best-in-class workforce supported by an inclusive culture, we applaud AfroTech’s work to connect tech talent with meaningful career opportunities and look forward to continuing our partnership.”

AfroTech Executive 2024 included two fireside chats and a panel discussion, followed by a networking reception. (Photo: AfroTech)

AfroTech Executive 2024 was held during the Newark portion of the North to Shore Festival. The festival is an annual three-week long festival that celebrates New Jersey’s leadership in entertainment, film, innovation, technology with over 300 events across 100 venues in Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Newark. Last year, the North to Shore Festival drew an audience of nearly 250,000 to more than 300 shows. This year served as the second North to Shore festival, running from June 10th – 30th. To date, the festival has recorded over $7.6 million in ticket sales and is expecting over 250,000 attendees.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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