On June 28, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and AfroTech celebrated AfroTech Executive 2024, with over 240 attendees. Held during the North to Shore Festival, the event convened corporate executives, founders, entrepreneurs, and investors for 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.”
“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 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 African American innovators,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “Newark is at the crossroad of diversity and next-level technology.”
“This was a collaboration which confirmed that possibilities are limitless when you close your eyes to false perceptions,” said John E. Harmon Sr., Founder & CEO of African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.
“AfroTech Executive 2024 was a great success,” said NJEDA Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer Michelle Bodden. “Conversations like these are essential for fostering greater upward mobility for members of the Black community.”
The fireside chat featured Angela Rye as Principal & CEO of IMPACT Strategies Global. The session was moderated by Vaughn Crowe from Newark Venture Partners with Erica Duignan Minnihan from Reign Ventures discussing diversity's role in fostering creativity.
The second session explored practical AI applications with Sam Caucci from 1Huddle; Michele Alcazar from Prudential; moderated by Daniel Adeyanju from The Knowledge House.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with NJEDA for our AfroTech Executive event in Newark,” said Simone Tyler from AfroTech. “This event underscored collaboration's power in creating economic opportunities.”
“Prudential was honored to host this impactful event at our headquarters during North to Shore Festival,” said Robert Gulliver from Prudential Financial Inc.
The North to Shore Festival celebrates New Jersey’s leadership across various sectors with over 300 events across Atlantic City, Asbury Park, and Newark. Last year’s festival drew nearly 250,000 attendees generating over $7.6 million in ticket sales.
