If you want to really to be a part of the next big innovation in the tech world, and want to find out how you can “get in where you fit in with” within the tech space, you have to join the Platform online community. The Platform Summit is a unique conference that brings together the top technologists of color from around the country along with multi-disciplinary thought leaders and venture capitalists. In line with Platform’s mission “to increase the interest, participation, and success of those underrepresented in the innovation economy — with a specific focus on Blacks, Latinos and women,” the summit is 2 1/2 days of great speeches and panels, unbelievable networking, lots of learning moments, good food and fun receptions. Platform was co-founded by Hank Williams, Jonathan D. Moll, and Shahara Ahmad-Llewellyn (widow of J. Bruce Llewellyn).
One of the most important and immediately noticeable differences in Platform from most other conferences is that the panelists don’t just run out after they finish speaking, they actually stay and fully participate in the rest of the conference, sharing with attendees throughout as well as learning from others giving speeches. Many of the most successful Black and Latino tech business owners and venture capitalists in the country were there as well as corporate titans representing some of the largest and fastest growing Silicon Valley companies.
Panelists and speakers included David Drummond, Sr. VP and general counsel at Google; Bernard Harris, former astronaut and health care investor; aerospace engineer and CEO Aisha Bowe (STEMBoard); Marlon Nichols, cultural investment trailblazer (Cross Culture Ventures); Guy Primus, virtual reality visionary (The Virtual Reality Company); Denmark West, venture investment leader (Connectivity Capital Partners); William Crowder, venture capitalist (Comcast Ventures); Rafael Ortiz, neuro-explorer, vascular magician; Laura Weidman Powers, co-founder, CEO (CODE2040); and many more innovators from all over the country.
If you missed the Platform Summit, but are interested in technology education, careers, financing, building apps, or simply networking in this space, you don’t have to wait until next year to get involved. Platform is building an online community to be an extension of the annual Platform Summit to allow attendees as well as other members of the tech community to network, mentor and work together year-round to further the mission of the organization (platform.org)
We had lots of fun. Enjoy the pictures below.
