REDI Cincinnati Celebrates Excellence and Innovation at #BTW24

Black Tech Week isn’t just a conference, it’s an annual pilgrimage for Cincinnati’s tech trailblazers. This year was no different, overflowing with inspiring stories, insightful discussions, and connections that will fuel innovation for months to come. Black Tech Week started in Florida ten years ago, aiming to create a platform for Black innovators and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Three years ago, under the visionary leadership of LightShip Foundation, it found a new home in Cincinnati, expanding its impact and reach.

A Thriving Ecosystem

Black Tech Week isn’t just a celebration – it’s a testament to Cincinnati’s commitment to fostering a thriving ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs. Year after year, the event attracts leading figures and fosters a supportive environment for Black-owned businesses to flourish. This commitment not only drives economic growth but also fuels groundbreaking innovation. Beyond the panels and presentations, Black Tech Week fosters genuine connections. One attendee, sharing their story of perseverance after facing rejections, perfectly embodied the event’s spirit: uplift, teach, and inspire.

Lessons from Powerhouse Women

REDI Cincinnati panel brought together powerhouse women entrepreneurs, Sylvia Brownlee and Cynthia Booth, who shared their journeys navigating the tech landscape. Their message resonated deeply:

• Your Success Paves the Way: By achieving your dreams, you inspire and empower future generations of women in tech.
• Embrace the Journey: Success is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, persistent, and trust the process.
• The Power of Connection: Build a strong network – the more connections you make, the stronger your support system becomes.

Their authenticity and candor were a masterclass in building a successful business while fostering a supportive community.

The Art of Storytelling

Ava DuVernay’s keynote address offered a powerful reminder: a captivating story is the key to business success. “Make someone fall in love with your story, and they will fall in love with your business,” she shared. This sparked a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of crafting a compelling narrative for your brand.  LightShip Foundation is leading the way in this area, solidifying Cincinnati’s Black Tech Week as a beacon of inspiration and innovation.

Engaging a Diverse Audience

Black Tech Week prioritized audience participation, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas. Every session included engaging Q&A segments. For instance, a participant’s question about navigating unconscious bias in the workplace sparked a powerful conversation on allyship and building inclusive teams. This strong sense of community enriched the experience for everyone involved.

Building Inclusive Leaders

Damien Hooper-Campbell of StockX led a thought-provoking session on inclusive leadership and personal branding. His key takeaways offered a roadmap to building a thriving and supportive work environment:

• Treat Everyone with Respect: Everyone deserves to feel valued and supported.
• Small Gestures Matter: Simple acts of kindness can make a big difference.
• True Inclusion is Authentic: Real DEI goes beyond quotas, creating a space where everyone feels like they belong.
• Embrace Vulnerability: Authenticity fosters trust and connection – it’s okay to not have it all together.

VR for Health Equity

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital showcased the potential of Virtual Reality (VR) in addressing healthcare inequities. By using VR to train medical professionals, they achieved significant increases in vaccination rates and improved interactions with Black children. This example highlighted the power of technology to bridge healthcare gaps and ensure optimal health outcomes for all communities.

The Power of Entrepreneurship

Michael Philips from TD Enterprises delivered a powerful session on entrepreneurship, emphasizing valuable lessons:

• Focus on the Bigger Picture: Don’t get bogged down in daily tasks – maintain a strategic vision for your business.
• Transform Your Struggles: Use past experiences as fuel for growth and resilience.
• Learn from Failure: Every setback is an opportunity to learn and improve.

A Celebration of Success

The JobsOhio reception capped off the week perfectly, with over 500 attendees celebrating the event’s achievements. The energy was electric as conversations flowed, connections were made, and a sense of community solidified. One unforgettable interaction involved a young man expressing his joy at being surrounded by like-minded individuals who shared his goals and background. Stories like these highlight the profound impact of Black Tech Week.

Interested in learning more about D&I initiatives and programs at REDI Cincinnati? Please visit our Growth for all page.

About REDI Cincinnati
The Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) Cincinnati is the first point-of-contact for companies locating or growing in the 15-county region at the heart of southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, and southeast Indiana. REDI Cincinnati is supported by top business leaders and community partners and staffed by a team of economic development experts who are uniting the Cincinnati region to compete globally.

The future is bright, and we’re building it, right now. Join us at REDICincinnati.com.