The future of tech in Canada is black

BY CHRISTINA GWIRA

On Friday, October 25^th, 2019, history was made for black technology professionals. For the first time in Canada, black tech professionals from coast to coast, met together under one roof. Web designers and consultants, marketing specialists and network engineers, as well as a host others in the growing tech ecosystem in Canada, congregated at The Westin Harbour Castle for a day of: panels, fireside chats and networking within OUR community. It was more than a joy to behold over 1,000 black technology professionals laughing together, learning together and holding each other up. This all happened at the inaugural BFUTR Tech Summit, the first summit of its kind in Canada.

Created by The Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN), BFUTR intends to amplify BPTN’s three pillars: network, skills and talent. The energy in the room was undeniable. From the speakers to the networking; the after party to the intimate conversations  among attendees, it was all love. BPTN had made history within its first year of inception. The day started off with Jospeh Bradley (Global Vice President, Incubation Services and Technology of Cisco), encouraging attendees to challenge what we knew. He reminded attendees that failing wasn’t something that we should run away from, but it was something we should embrace, so that we can “accelerate our rate of learning.”

Tomi Gbeleyi of Makeup for Melanin Girls and Lighthouse Labs opened the AI panel with the question that was on everyone’s mind (well, I should say OUR minds) when it comes to AI; how are organizations and start-ups making AI and automation less racist? Funny enough, after the panel, I bumped into Tomi in the washroom and we exchanged stories about our experience with the issues that can come from not having AI and automation as diverse and inclusive as the world that we live in.

I then had the opportunity to sit with Alex McCalla, co-founder of AirMatrix, a start-up that is working hard to make “Autonomous drone technology […] safe, scalable, and efficient within growing cities.” What an eye-opening experience that was. She shared with me about how the team was started, challenges currently being faced as well as great insights on how to deal with early stage funding and investors. Rob Miekle, former Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the City of Toronto, gave a rousing leadership moment during the summit. His emphasis on teamwork and team building had us reliving the 2019 Championship win of the Raptors all over again.

Jennifer Jackson of Captial One encouraged us to bring our authentic self into the workplace, “What you really think matters… What you really think matters.” This reminded me of the times that I’ve personally minimalized my thoughts in spaces when I should have spoken up; definitely a moment of introspection. One of the highlights of the day was learning that TD would again be the title sponsor for the upcoming 2020 BFUTR. Mayor John Tory, with leg brace and all, said a few words during his leadership moment, and threw his support behind Lekan Olawoye, founder of BPTN.

In only a year, Lekan and the BPTN have been able to grow the network to over 4,000 members, and have hopes to double the membership of the network by 2020. There are also plans to expand to Eastern Canada, as well as into the US, in cities like Atlanta and New Jersey. In addition to holding quarterly events, the BPTN is working towards providing its members with senior executive sponsorship, mentorship and training.

While at the summit, I met several of my peers, Instagram friends, as well as friends from high school. The atmosphere screamed black excellence and we were all there for it. Topics that were covered during this year’s summit included: AI (artificial intelligence) and IoT (internet of things), raising and accessing capital, marketing, customer-focus, and leadership. I especially liked the leadership moments. They were impactful tidbits that tested my thinking. Speakers had open and honest discussions about being black in the tech industry, and some of the issues that remain unresolved. Others, like myself have felt the micro aggression, but we have never had a safe space to voice our concerns. The speakers and panelists came ready to share their wealth of knowledge; they were authentic and acknowledged the unique struggles that black technology professionals go through. They challenged us to look within ourselves and face these challenges head on.

I am super stoked to see what 2020 has in store for the BPTN as well as BFUTR. You can learn more about the event as well as the network by visiting: www.bptn.ca. There is also a Slack channel, which you can join from the website. I would highly recommend that you also join their email list, to stay up to date about their next events coming to a city near you.