The Power of Networking in Tech: Lessons from Afrotech 2024

Last fall, Jennifer Blocker and Christian Thompson—two students from our inaugural cohort—attended Afrotech 2024, arguably the world’s largest tech conference for black professionals, which drew over 37,000 participants this year in Houston. Jennifer and Christian joined Launchpad in 2023 when they both were in 11th grade. Now, high school graduates who have completed internships with local employers, both are halfway through LiftOff, building their software development skill sets as they prepare to graduate from Launchpad and begin their careers this summer.

When Jennifer Blocker moved from Kansas City, Missouri, to Philadelphia during the pandemic, she felt lost. Upon arriving in Philadelphia, she attended Martin Luther King High School, and struggled to find her place. “I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do after graduation,” she recalls, “and I often felt disconnected from the people around me.”

Christian Thompson, a graduate of The Workshop School, had always been passionate about technology. He loved the challenge of problem-solving and exploring new tech, but like Jennifer, he lacked a clear roadmap for breaking into the industry—especially without a college degree. “I was eager for real-world experience,” he explains, “something that would help me turn my skills into a sustainable career.”

Both found their place in Launchpad, a program designed to prepare Philadelphia high school students for a career in tech. For Jennifer—a graphic designer with a growing passion for UI/UX—Launchpad offered an opportunity to blend her artistic talents with a practical career path. Christian, an aspiring Data Analyst and Full Stack Developer, saw the program as a way to sharpen his skills and build a strong foundation for his future. One of the most unexpected opportunities Launchpad provided was an invitation to Afrotech, one of the largest gatherings of Black and Brown tech professionals in the country. Stepping into that space transformed not only their views on tech careers but also how they saw themselves within the industry.

Walking into Afrotech, Jennifer and Christian felt the energy immediately. The conference halls were filled with Black and Brown tech professionals, ambitious founders, and recruiters from some of the biggest companies in the industry. It was a world they had never experienced before—one where they didn’t feel like the “only one” in the room. “There was a workshop on using AI effectively,” Jennifer recalled, “but I was more interested in how many people that looked like my friends and me were in the building. Growing up, I didn’t know people who do what they do. Seeing hundreds of professionals and students working and connecting was like a whole new world.”

It didn’t take long for Jennifer to strike up a conversation with a UI/UX designer from Alabama—someone whose career closely mirrored her own aspirations. “I had the chance to pitch Launchpad, talk about my projects, and share my interests in UI/UX design. That chat not only gave me valuable practice in networking but also showed me how aligned her background was with my career aspirations.”

Meanwhile, Christian found himself immersed in conversations that helped him rethink his approach to job searching. Instead of focusing solely on skill-matching, he realized the importance of finding a company culture that aligns with his values and work style. “I had too many great conversations to remember them all,” he said. “But the biggest takeaway was learning how to find companies that not only match my skills but also fit what I need in a work environment. That means looking at things like flexibility, support, and whether I feel like I truly belong in that space.”

One interaction that stood out was with a professional who shared advice about navigating the industry as a first-generation tech worker. Christian recalls, “Hearing someone say they wished they had known how to advocate for themselves earlier in their career really stuck with me. It made me realize how important it is to ask questions and understand your worth.”

“I had too many great conversations to remember them all. But the biggest takeaway was learning how to find companies that not only match my skills but also fit what I need in a work environment. That means looking at things like flexibility, support, and whether I feel like I truly belong in that space.”

— Christian

“I had the chance to pitch Launchpad, talk about my projects, and share my interests in UI/UX design. That chat not only gave me valuable practice in networking but also showed me how aligned her background was with my career aspirations.”

— Jennifer

Both Jennifer and Christian describe themselves as naturally introverted, but Afrotech gave them the confidence to step outside their comfort zones. For Jennifer, the experience reminded her of a lesson she had learned during her social media internship at SELF Inc., a nonprofit supporting people experiencing housing insecurity. “I was the youngest person in the office, and at first, I felt out of place. But I learned how to work through my insecurities and use my experiences to contribute my best ideas.” That lesson came in handy at Afrotech, where she found herself stepping up, sharing her work, and engaging with professionals in ways she never thought she would.

Christian, who had learned the value of collaboration during his internship at Accenture, found that the experience further emphasized the importance of every team member’s contribution. “I learned that every contribution matters, no matter your role,” he says. Still, he admitted, “Networking is an area I need to work on. At Afrotech, I spent a lot of time observing and absorbing insights. My advice is simple: always bring a notebook, record your conversations, and wear comfortable shoes—you’ll be on your feet a lot!”

For both students, Afrotech wasn’t just about networking—it was about seeing themselves in the future of tech. “Hearing executives and seasoned professionals speak so confidently made me want to be that kind of role model,” Jennifer said. “I want to accommodate my quieter peers, give them patience, and remind them that their voice matters in the tech conversation.”

“Hearing executives and seasoned professionals speak so confidently made me want to be that kind of role model.”

— Jennifer

Christian, on the other hand, left Afrotech with a new approach to job searching. “Afrotech has transformed how I approach my job search. Now, I prioritize opportunities that match my skills and let me be in a flexible environment where I can thrive. Taking breaks or finding ways to isolate when needed helps me maintain productivity and peace of mind.”

“Afrotech has transformed how I approach my job search. Now, I prioritize opportunities that match my skills and let me be in a flexible environment where I can thrive. Taking breaks or finding ways to isolate when needed helps me maintain productivity and peace of mind.”

— Christian

As their time at Afrotech came to an end, both students reflected on the power of access—to opportunities, mentors, and spaces where they could see people like themselves excelling. “It felt surreal to see how many people who look like me share similar goals,” Christian said. “Now, more than ever, I see I’m part of a deeply rooted culture and legacy. I want to keep moving forward and help build a better environment for future Black techies.”

Jennifer hopes to take what she’s learned and create more pathways for students like her who might not have had exposure to careers in UI/UX or graphic design. “Seeing how many of us were excelling at Afrotech blew my mind. I want to be one of those people who confidently speaks up and pays it forward to others who might not realize these careers are even possible.”

Jennifer and Christian’s experience at Afrotech demonstrates how life-changing exposure to industry conferences can be—especially for students without a traditional college degree. Events like these don’t just provide knowledge; they offer social capital—the relationships, mentorship, and real-world insights that help open doors to tech careers.

At Launchpad, we believe in breaking down barriers. This year, our goal is to send 15 students to conferences like Afrotech, giving them the chance to build networks, gain firsthand industry experience, and step confidently into their careers.

Join us in making that vision a reality. Your support will help cover registration fees, travel expenses, and mentorship opportunities that empower students to seize these life-changing opportunities.

Every contribution helps us create a future where stories like Jennifer’s and Christian’s become the norm—where every young person passionate about tech can thrive, in an economy that works for everyone.

Thank you for believing in our students and for supporting a more diverse, dynamic, and equitable future in tech.