“Phenomenal, transformative, and empowering.” That’s how Syracuse University iSchool senior Catherine Holguin ‘26 describes her experience attending the AfroTech conference in Houston, Texas. The information, management, and technology (IMT) major was one of ten Syracuse students who joined more than 40,000 attendees for five days of networking, professional development, and hands-on learning. The nation’s largest conference centered on Black excellence and innovation in technology, AfroTech brings together students, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals each fall, offering an inside look at emerging technologies, career pathways, and the power of community in the tech industry.
A “proud Dominican” from New York City, Holguin first learned about AfroTech through her aunt and from peers, who had spoken highly of the conference as a shared space for Black innovators with a passion for technology. She arrived well prepared, researching companies, registering for events, and connecting with industry contacts on LinkedIn before and during the gathering.
“I received everything I’d hoped for and more,” she reflected. She connected with over 50 employers at the Career Expo, expanded her knowledge of topics including the use of AI and financial wellness, and obtained several certifications. “I plan to go back for years to come, as AfroTech opened my mind, expanded my network, and gave a clearer sense of opportunities and career paths in tech,” said Holguin, who will begin her career as an audit analyst as part of the Enterprise Audit Technology Group at Wells Fargo after graduation.
Fellow IMT major Tristan Porter ‘26 from Sullivan County, New York, had also heard great things about AfroTech from friends in the Black and Latinx Information Science and Technology Society (BLISTS). He went into his first-ever college-funded trip and AfroTech conference with an open mind, hoping to form genuine connections and learn from professionals in the industry.
The experience, Porter said, “was amazing.” Not only did he add dozens of new LinkedIn contacts, but he also grew closer with his fellow Syracuse attendees. “We intentionally shared insights and information we gathered, allowing us to divide and conquer and maximize our three days,” he explained. “I left feeling like I gained a strong group of friends.”
He also brought home a certification earned during a two-day InternXL workshop on AI prompt engineering and a free professional headshot that was the reward for completing a company’s scavenger hunt.
The most impactful connection Porter made happened outside of any scheduled session. Caught in the rain on the walk back to his hotel, he struck up a conversation with a fellow attendee, who turned out to be a recruiter for a tech company, connecting both professionally and personally. “The experience stood out to me because it showed how meaningful connections can form organically,” Porter said.
Inspired by the wide range of tech industry companies and opportunities—even for early-career talent—represented at AfroTech, Porter feels bolstered in his desire to pursue a career in project management. “AfroTech also broadened my view of the industry by showing me how diverse and people-focused tech can be, which motivated me to be more intentional about the companies and environments I pursue moving forward,” he said.
Both Porter and Holguin encourage students interested in technology to take advantage of opportunities like AfroTech, emphasizing that preparation and a willingness to connect with others are key. “You’re only there for a few days, so it’s important to make the most of every opportunity,” Porter said.