NYABJ Attends AfroTech: THE MEETUP: NYC
- pitches3
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
By: Mana Faye
Last month, hundreds of Black innovators, creatives, and tech leaders shaping the future of the industry gathered at DOM Lounge, an upscale bar, for a lively night of networking and connection.
The popular event is part of the AfroTech Meetup Series, which takes place throughout the year in various cities, and leads up to the highly anticipated AfroTech Conference, returning October 27–31, 2025, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
Attendees had the opportunity to mingle with professionals making waves in the Big Apple through group activities and fireside chats led by industry professionals. The nonstop entertainment brought an electric energy to the evening.
Several attendees shared their excitement about the meaningful environment and the possibility of attending what is widely regarded as the largest Black tech conference in the world.
Aleah Green, a Marketing Strategist at IBM, expressed her enthusiasm for the chance to build new connections in the industry: "I'm most looking forward to new career opportunities and growing my network and my net worth."
As the saying goes, we live in a “who-you-know” society. Studies from institutions like the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that social interaction not only benefits careers but one’s overall health. Conversely, social disconnection has been linked to increased risks of heart disease, stroke, anxiety, depression, and dementia.
Amour Boyce, a Senior Associate at GroupM, a media investment company, echoed this sentiment:
"I appreciate spaces like these, created by us, for us. I just hope to meet new people, learn about different paths in life, and really just create connections."
Guests also received a signed copy of Rewrite Your Rules: The Journey to Success in Less Time with More Freedom by Blavity co-founder and CEO Morgan DeBaun. AfroTech, the business division of Blavity, was founded by DeBaun in 2016, with the aim of empowering Black professionals.
"I love what Ms. Morgan does," said Steve Jean Baptiste, a Cloud Cybersecurity Analyst at American Express. "A highlight of the night was definitely meeting her, for sure."
It's clear that attendees valued being in a room filled with accomplished and inspiring individuals.
Razaq Andrew, a System Support Specialist at Blue Owl Capital, summed it up well:
"My favorite part of the night was the people. It was a vibrant environment and easy to network since everyone was so sociable. Like-minded individuals in the same industry, but also from different ones, is always a plus. I’d recommend this event to anyone who can make it."
