Earlier this month, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) sponsored AfroTech Executive 2025 at the Prudential Tower in Newark. The event, now in its second year, brought together corporate executives, founders, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss technology innovation, financial literacy, and generational wealth creation.
NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan stated, “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey’s tech and innovation sectors continue to flourish, making the Garden State an ideal place for entrepreneurs to grow and succeed. It’s an honor to partner with AfroTech to bring this conference back to Newark for a second year. The NJEDA remains committed to breaking down barriers and building a more diverse innovation economy—one that will create jobs, expand opportunity, and ensure lasting prosperity for all New Jerseyans.”
Lieutenant Governor Tahesha L. Way and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka gave opening remarks at the conference. U.S. Senator Cory Booker also delivered virtual remarks. Tiffany Aliche, personal finance educator and author of "Get Good with Money," was the keynote speaker.
Lt. Governor Tahesha Way commented on her participation: “I was delighted to join the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, AfroTech, and Blavity for the AfroTech Executive 2025 Conference in New Jersey’s very own City of Newark to welcome this year’s attendees and introduce the captivating The Collaboration Blueprint: Public, Private, and Policy in Partnership panel, featuring Congresswoman LaMonica McIver and Aisha Glover, and moderated by Gary Mann. Now, more than ever, it is so important to be doing the work to ensure that every community is included in the opportunities we are seeing in the emerging tech industry. I’m so proud that our administration, for the past nearly 8 years, has been deeply committed to establishing partnerships to make New Jersey a state where all can succeed and thrive.”
Senator Booker added his perspective: “Over the last few years, we’ve seen New Jersey continue to become a home to more tech focused and innovation driven companies. For the state to partner with AfroTech alongside NJEDA is a testament to our shared efforts to strengthen our economy and ensure its diversity, guaranteeing a stronger, more prosperous New Jersey for all.”
The first panel discussion titled "The Collaboration Blueprint: Public, Private, and Policy in Partnership" featured Congresswoman LaMonica McIver; Gary Mann of the African American Chamber of Commerce of NJ; Aisha Glover from Audible; who is also an NJEDA Board Member. They discussed strategies that combine public goals with private investment as well as policy with measurable outcomes.
Congresswoman McIver said about her involvement: “I was delighted to join AfroTech Executive 2025 and be part of important conversations focused spurring innovation and economic growth in the communities I serve. As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I’m proud to champion this work in NJ-10 and in Washington. I appreciate the NJEDA’s partnership in our shared commitment to creating jobs and building a stronger inclusive economy.”
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka remarked on hosting duties: “The Afrotech Executive event was an exhilarating opportunity to celebrate Black innovators at technology’s cutting edge, entrepreneurs at the vanguard of economic development and disruptors who leverage policy for maximum remunerative impact on both a global and local scale. Perched at the vantage point of yesterday and tomorrow, and poised for global leadership in innovation economics, Newark was the perfect host city for this important forum where transformative financial ideas were exchanged and their application toward meaningful community benefits exemplified.”
A second panel called "From Capital to Institution: Investing for Legacy, Power, and Economic Permanence" included Jeff Cherry from Conscious Venture Partners; Blessy Thomas from Innovate Capital Growth Fund; Amos Winbush from bckrs.ai; focusing on how early-stage decisions affect ecosystems as well as patterns of ownership.
Simone Tyler from AfroTech noted: “AfroTech Executive’s convening in New Jersey proved what’s possible when leadership capital and innovation meet with intention. This partnership with NJEDA created opportunities for local business leaders corporate businesses and civic leaders to discuss the future or growth in tech and business. The result was measurable progress and a blueprint for what comes next.”
The President & CEO of AACCNJ commented: “The Afrotech event was timely forward thinking and transformational at the same time. We applaud the NJEDA for its thoughtfulness and support for this form of programming in New Jersey at this time.”
Michelle Bodden Chief Equity & Chief Inclusive Culture Officer at NJEDA concluded: “AfroTech Executive 2025 brought together leaders from the tech and innovation sectors highlighting ways to break down barriers for Black entrepreneurs. It’s important to continue having these insightful conversations so that entrepreneurs of color have the tools they need to succeed and thrive helping uplift businesses and entire communities.”
