For decades, Gap Inc.’s iconic American brands—Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta—haven’t just reflected culture; they’ve shaped it.  From inspiring authentic self-expression through fashion to marketing that celebrates humanity and its diverse stories, the company has consistently sought to bridge divides.  Gap Inc.’s approach to inclusion and belonging is proving that its purpose—“bridging gaps to create a better world”—extends far beyond fashion. At the heart of this movement is Tish Archie-Oliver, Gap Inc.’s Chief Inclusion & Belonging Officer, who describes the company’s commitment to inclusion not as a surface-level initiative, but as the fabric of Gap Inc.’s business, legacy and culture today. Tish joined Gap Inc. in August, wanting to approach her work from a global, more holistic perspective at an organization that has been committed to this journey since its inception. During the hiring process,  conversations with senior leadership and Gap. Inc. CEO Richard...

After creating a unique, Twix-powered and -inspired space for future Black technologists at AfroTech 2023, Mars Inc. returned to the conference this year ready to take things up several notches. The interactive installation’s effect on attendees started from a vibrant layout inspired by the iconic candy’s traditional gold and red packaging, arranged in such a way that they served as an instant pick me up for anyone in the area. Within the conference hall oasis, Mars, Inc. created a number of Twix-themed stations for candy and dessert fanatics, content creators, and techies looking for inspiration. The Creator Lab was all about connection and creativity. Attendees spent time at the Twix-inspired bracelet-making station, threading beads (in signature Twix colors) to craft fun pieces for themselves, friends, and family. The setup wasn’t just about making bracelets—it became a socializing and networking hotspot whenever attendees needed a break from the hustle and bustle on the...

In a world where the lines between technology and finance are increasingly blurred, finding an employer that embraces diverse talent and values transferable skills can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Bloomberg has firmly established itself at the intersection of these two dynamic fields, creating opportunities for individuals from all walks of life to build rewarding careers. Diversity as a Driving Force At Bloomberg, diversity is more than a buzzword—it’s an integral part of the company’s success. Calvin McCoy Jr., Head of Americas Enterprise Technology Services, explains that Bloomberg does not search for cookie-cutter candidates. Instead, the company welcomes diverse individuals who have a passion for finance and technology, along with a broad range of skills and experiences. “Our approach is multifaceted and purposeful,” McCoy shares, pointing to initiatives like the Enterprise Services Technical Training Program (ESTP), which attracts individuals ready to...

As the 2024 AfroTech conference approaches, anticipation builds for the impactful discussions that will celebrate Black excellence in technology. This year, Capital One, a tech leader committed to fostering diversity and innovation, is taking center stage with an exciting workshop on technology and product management. At the helm of this dynamic session will be two visionary leaders, Alexandra “Alex” Wood, Vice President of Product, and Jared Jordan, Managing Vice President, both of whom are driving the future of tech at Capital One. Their leadership exemplifies the company’s commitment to nurturing Black talent and pushing boundaries in the tech landscape. Meet the Leaders: Alex Wood and Jared Jordan Alex Wood and Jared Jordan bring diverse experiences and unique perspectives to their roles at Capital One. For Wood, the journey to Capital One wasn’t a linear path but rather a discovery of passion. “Like every good daughter of an immigrant, I wanted to be a doctor or scientist, but...

Black culture has long been a driving force in shaping fashion, yet that influence is not fully represented in the industry’s creative leadership. According to data from Zippia.com , only 7.3% of American fashion designers are Black. McDonald’s Change of Fashion program is committed to addressing this disparity and helping to elevate Black talent within the fashion industry. By working with five rising fashion designers, matched with five Black industry experts, the Change of Fashion program includes a year-long mentorship filled with access to valuable resources, education, and national exposure to industry experts, including the launch of a capsule collection. As we gear up for the 2024 AFROTECH™ Conference, blending style with purpose is more relevant than ever. Whether you’re into innovative streetwear or eco-conscious resort attire, the McDonald’s Change of Fashion designers are revolutionizing the game and helping people stand out, speak up, and show up as their most authentic...

Have you ever had the perfect bowl of food? It’s like all the ingredients merged perfectly, making that meal the go-to recipe in the family. The same can be said when opportunity meets values; it creates a powerful recipe for success. This synergy is at the heart of Stripe’s continued partnership with AfroTech, where innovation and community unite to uplift the next generation of tech leaders. Stripe isn’t just any technology company; it’s the backbone of the economic infrastructure for the Internet. From bustling e-commerce platforms to ambitious startups, Stripe enables millions of businesses to accept payments, boost their revenue, and unlock new avenues for growth. Think of them as the financial engine that keeps our entrepreneurial dreams on the road. Stripe’s Vision for Economic Growth At the core of Stripe’s mission is a bold vision: to increase the global GDP of the Internet. They believe everyone should have a seat at the table, including you! Stripe’s suite of solutions is...

BET+ and Braze to Provide 1:1 Mentorship Guidance in Branding, Email Advertising, and Engagement Strategies to Select Companies through First-ever Partnership In 2023, startups founded by Black entrepreneurs in the US received less than 0.5% of venture funding, and woman-founded startups just 2.2% . To help address this imbalance, Braze, a leading customer engagement platform, has developed Tech for an Equitable Future, a product grant program. The initiative is designed to help underrepresented founders accelerate their company’s growth with the use of Braze technology, increasing their chances at securing future VC funding. The innovative initiative selects 20 startups from APAC, EMEA, and North America with founders from underrepresented backgrounds—including Black and women entrepreneurs. These businesses will receive 12 months of free access to Braze technology, as well as a range of supporting resources aimed at driving business growth and scalability. Each company will...

As NASCAR continues the tradition of fast cars and constant innovation, it also remains committed to fostering an environment where everyone, especially African-American fans and professionals, feels welcomed and excited to be part of the action. With more and more diverse faces joining its workforce, it’s a perfect time to go behind the scenes to uncover the stories of the sport’s unsung heroes: folks like track services personnel, digitals services team members, producers, and sustainability specialists who help keep the ship running smoothly. These are the technical wizards who help keep the wheels turning, and their journeys are proof that NASCAR is, indeed, a place for everyone. Dr. Kendra Cooper is pushing boundaries in both education and sustainability. As the STEM Education and Sustainability Senior Manager at NASCAR, Cooper has a unique role in integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) learning with the high-octane world of racing. Boasting a doctorate,...

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, Dr. Jackie Jakes could not have even imagined the career he has today. That’s because cyber security, his field of expertise, simply wasn’t a thing at the time. Soon after he joined the military, however, he was introduced to cyber security in one of its most serious real life applications. “I started out as what we call an information system technician, doing traditional IT such as setting up networks. But then as our military networks started to be exploited, I was one of the people that was called upon because our leadership team thought I had the necessary skills and the ability to transition into this new field. “And it became real and personal for me once I started seeing that people were in effect being killed because of cyber attacks–whether it be an intel report being stolen or a malicious attack. So for me, it really became, ‘Hey, this is something we need to take seriously.’ And that’s when I developed a passion for it.” While the concept of...

In a world where things move at lightning speed, just coasting on your current skills won’t cut it anymore. Especially for Black professionals—whether you’re a millennial hustling for a promotion or Gen Xer looking to pivot into new industries—upskilling is the key to leveling up. It’s not just about staying in the game; it’s about dominating it. Learning new skills doesn’t just set you up for the next step; it helps you rise, thrive and own your space—especially in fields where we’re still pushing for more representation. Whether you want to transition into leadership , explore new industries or simply sharpen your expertise, upskilling gives you the power to reshape your career path. And for Black professionals, this journey isn’t just about stacking up certificates—it’s about busting down doors where diversity still lags. Why UC Berkeley Extension is the Move for Your Next Chapter When it comes to upskilling, UC Berkeley Extension offers certificates that will help you thrive in...

Landing the right job is a skill. It involves marrying your abilities and interests with an organization that aligns with your values and perspectives about the future. While the concept seems simple in theory, it’s a bit more complicated–but not impossible– in practice. And is the story and experience of Katie Slaughter and Komatsu. Komatsu is a global leader in the manufacturing and supply of equipment and technology solutions for industries such as construction, mining, forestry, and industrial machinery. With a strong commitment to safety, innovation, and sustainability, Komatsu strives to improve customer operations through advanced products and services. Their solutions are designed to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact, and support the efficient use of resources, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of a diverse range of industries worldwide. In addition to its strong industrial presence, Komatsu is also a tech company, leveraging cutting-edge practices to...

Long known as the main hub for America’s automotive industry, Michigan is also building a reputation as a leader in tech innovation, medical device technology and electronics. From vibrant urban communities to serene natural settings, Michigan offers a unique combination of professional opportunities and a quality of life. Below, we explore how the state is quickly becoming a go-to destination that has more Black professionals saying they can in Michigan!

In today’s workplace, finding the right mentors and sponsors can be the difference between success and failure when it comes to one’s career trajectory, especially for up-and-coming Black and Latinx professionals. Bloomberg, a company known for providing ongoing learning and development opportunities for its employees, emphasizes the importance of these relationships through a variety of mentorship and leadership development programs. The company’s supportive environment empowers employees to bring their authentic selves to work, fostering both personal and professional growth. The Bloomberg Difference Jennifer Salaam, a Technical Program Manager in Bloomberg’s Engineering department, highlights what makes Bloomberg a standout employer for Black and Latinx professionals. “The variety of challenges and opportunities at Bloomberg keeps you on your toes,” she explains. “The support offered by the various Communities (employee resource groups) across the firm means that there are others...

Meshach Jones joined Bloomberg straight out of college in 2017, and quickly became a member of the company’s Asset and Investment Manager (AIM) Compliance team. In his role as a software engineering team lead, Jones found a way to excel while serving his clients and creating his own lane within the company. “As a Bloomberg engineer, there are no specific levels,” Jones explained. “It’s really about allowing engineers to get involved wherever they deem fit and not creating barriers based on titles that might discourage people.” Jones became part of the company’s Black Professional Community (BPC) and has served as a lead within the Bloomberg Black in Tech (BBIT) group, which is focused on representation and supporting engineers and technologists in their careers. He took his role even further, making sure these groups found a way to recruit potential engineers by giving them better insight into the industry. “We created Tech Labs,” Jones recalled. “Those labs allow potential...

As a global financial and information technology company, Bloomberg has always remained a leader when it comes to helping investment firms small and large make smarter and faster business and financial decisions. Over the years, its mission has been to give markets the necessary tools to be better informed and more efficient, which helps grow economies, create jobs and raise living standards for people all over the world. Terrence Crossdale, a Team Leader for the Content Management System (CMS) Platform Engineering team, joined Bloomberg in 2020. His interest in Bloomberg was sparked by his understanding of the global impact of the Bloomberg Terminal. “I have a background in Information Systems and was excited about the prospects of contributing to technology with significant global relevance,” he recalls. The challenges and opportunities of working on technology that supports the global financial markets were compelling factors in his decision to join Bloomberg. The Backbone of...