Finding Inspiration and Community at AFROTECH

For the second year in a row, a Gap Inc. team of tech, creative and functional leaders took AFROTECH by storm, as part of our ongoing partnership with Blavity. As the largest tech conference for the Black community, AFROTECH provides opportunities to build community, celebrate diversity and gain career development – all of which matter deeply to our teams. 

During our time in Austin, we built in three days of impactful activations, including a panel, “Thriving in the Face of Technological Change” on the Gap Inc. sponsored Women’s Summit Stage led by Gap Inc. Sr. Director of Software Engineering, Tamesha Hoppie-Henry. 

“Resiliency is rooted in preparation,” said Hoppie-Henry, as she explained how underrepresented groups can continue to grow while navigating the modern technological revolution. “And one of the things that we must understand in this technological change is that thriving through the change often means that we need to be ahead of the curve.” 

Joining her on the stage for the broader discussion were fellow Gap Inc. leaders, Yolanda Sanders, SVP and General Counsel; Kelly Frank, Sr. Director Product Management; and Blaine Beshah, Director of Product Management. As the discussion wrapped up, Sanders left the audience with some important advice on authenticity: 

“I think the best that we can do for ourselves – as women, as Black people in tech, as people of color – is to actually step in and own who we authentically are in the spaces that we’re in... and to not be afraid of that,” she said.  

To round out the day of empowerment on the Women’s Summit Stage, actress, writer and producer, Issa Rae, came on to discuss her ongoing journey to becoming her own biggest advocate. 

In the end, our teams made meaningful connections while celebrating true diversity in Tech – and left with a renewed sense of community and inspiration. Thanks for the memories, AFROTECH – we hope to see you next year!