An impressive gathering of prominent global technology leaders shared their insights and perspectives about career opportunities and the industry's future during the inaugural HBCU Tech Summit held in September at Claflin University.
Claflin University is one of the black colleges supported by the Black College Fund which provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities.
Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack joined Congressman Ro Khanna (D-Calif, 17th District, and Dr. Jennifer Clyburn Reed, Federal Co-chair - Southeast Crescent Regional Commission, as host of the historic event. Congressmen James Clyburn (D-SC, 6th District) and Jonathan Jackson (D-IL., 1st District) were other organizers of the conference that included several HBCU presidents, elected officials, students, municipal leaders, and representatives of non-profit organizations.
"The intentionality of being here in Orangeburg -- in the rural South -- has tremendous meaning," said Warmack. "Technology investment in infrastructure usually happens in large metropolitan cities like Atlanta, Washington, D. C., and Chicago. But bringing these global tech executives and influential elected officials to Orangeburg is game-changing."
The conference was highlighted by presentations by executives from many of the tech industry's iconic brands: Fred Humphries (Microsoft); Amit Zavery (Google Cloud); Dale Allsopp (Google); Bob Feiner (Dell Technologies); Shiv Venkataraman (OpenAI); Dr. Santanu Paul (TalentSprint); and Dr. Lisa Jackson (Apple). They were joined by Steve Grossman, CEO of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC), former Treasurer and Receiver-General of Massachusetts, and Kendall Corley, Deputy Chief of Staff, U.S. Small Business Association.
”I want to be a part of making a difference in trying to create what is so important – opportunity,” said Humphries corporate vice president of U.S Government Affairs for Microsoft. “I believe in you. I know you can do it.”
Humphries father, the late Dr. Frederick S. Humphries Sr., served as president at two black HBCUs – Florida A&M University and Tennessee State University.
Reed acknowledged that the work at HBCUs aligns perfectly with the SCRC's focus on building a strong, adaptable workforce.
Khanna, whose district includes California's Silicon Valley, is no stranger to Orangeburg and Claflin University. He has visited numerous times, and his relationship with Warmack has led to the University's partnership with Zoom. The global leader in video conferencing has provided Claflin students and graduates with high-paying jobs, internships, and more than $3.5 million in scholarships.
Khanna applauded Warmack's visionary leadership in partnering with Silicon Valley and hosting the HBCU Tech Summit.
Clyburn said it is important to put the innovation and technology students at HBCUs are reading and wondering about at their fingertips.
Briana Nabrit, a freshman computer engineering major from Aiken, S.C. said the discussions and presentations were very informative.
"I was especially interested in hearing about internships and other career opportunities,” Nabrit said. "It was exciting to have an event like this at Claflin."
Nigel Bradley, a freshman biotechnology major from Orangeburg, S.C., was most impressed by being able to sit in a room with such a large group of tech executives from major corporations.
"It was very insightful and inspiring to hear about the diverse career opportunities in the technology field."
Nabrit and Bradley are outstanding scholars in Claflin's prestigious Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. Nabrit is a graduate of Aiken Scholars Academy. Bradley is one of eightfreshmen from the High School of Health Professions who were accepted into the ACT Honors College this year.
excerpt from a story on Claflin University’s website, Orangeburg, SC
One of seven apportioned giving opportunities of The United Methodist Church, the Black College Fund provides financial support to maintain solid, challenging academic programs; strong faculties; and well-equipped facilities at 11 United Methodist-related historically black colleges and universities. Please encourage your leaders and congregations to support the Black College Fund apportionment at 100 percent.
