Mike Dunckley

🚀 Become a BFUTR Partner today to connect with thousands of highly skilled Black professionals, allies, and influential business stakeholders across the global tech ecosystem.🚀 Additional Partnership Benefits: 1. Enhance Your Talent Pipeline: Achieve your business goals with a diverse network of Black tech talent by forging direct connections with a vibrant and skilled network of Black tech professionals. 2. Accelerate Your Business-to-Business Connections: Engage with global companies and executives who share your values and vision. At BFUTR, it's not just networking—it's about building meaningful, value-driven relationships that open doors to new business opportunities and collaborations. 3. Become an Employer of Choice: Elevate your brand's appeal in the competitive tech landscape by partnering with BFUTR to attract top-tier talent who share your values and goals. Secure your chance to participate in the transformative partnership experience at BFUTR 2024! 👉 Sign up now to become a partner:  https://obsidi.com/bfutr/ #BFUTR #TechSummit #Networking #TechIndustry #TD #BecomeAPartner #BlackinTech #Obsidi

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Imagine... A recruitment event with three companies under the same roof. This is how you make life easier for potential candidates at a conference as large as AFROTECH . For years, I've pitched partnering with non-competitive companies for years. Well Snap Inc., Fidelity Workplace, and Coinbase did it and won. Loved #Snap's presentation on how to maximize your presence on the platform and augmented reality programs for creators. Plus, they gave a map to their #SnapSpectacles show room. Gotta love a dope marketing experience! #Experientialmarketing #recruitmentmarketing #marketing

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Are you overwhelmed with deciding which Tech Conferences to attend this year? Budget not matching your desires to attend them all?…Well you’re in luck! Our team at Venture for THEM is sponsoring 2 tickets for you and a friend to attend Roadmap to Billions (powered by Black Women Talk Tech ) in New York from May 16th - May 19th - you don’t want to miss this! How can you win these 2 tickets?? 1. You must be a current HBCU student 2. You must be following Venture for T.H.E.M. and Black Women Talk Tech 3. Tag the one friend that you would take with you, below 4. Our team will select a winner at random this Friday! Stayed tuned for more giveaways to attend the top tech conferences in the world! 🚀

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I had an incredible experience representing LinkedIn at AFROTECH 2024! For those unfamiliar with it, AfroTech is a conference that brings together 40,000 Black tech professionals to share insights and grow in our tech and leadership skills. But it’s also an opportunity to be surrounded and inspired by the success of thousands of people who have overcome generational barriers that our parents and grandparents faced that prevented them from advancing as far as we have in the corporate world. This year’s focus was on leveraging AI for career growth and giving back to underserved communities. We heard from notable voices like Colin Kaepernick, will.i.am, TI, NAACP President Derrick Johnson, and Maryland’s Gov. Wes Moore. Key Takeaways: 🤖 On Leveraging AI in Your Career: 1. Evolve with the Three Phases of AI (both for products you build and in your day-to-day work): A. Assist: Use AI to boost productivity. B. Augment: Leverage AI copilots to improve work quality and scale. C. Action: Use AI agents to autonomously complete tasks, requiring only quality checks. 2. Adaptability is Key: - “Survival doesn’t go to the strongest, but to the most adaptable.” In this fast-changing economy, it’s important that each professional worker takes on a mindset of adaptability and that you focus on upleveling your skills. - AI won’t take your job—people who use AI will if you don’t learn how to use it. 3. Hands-On AI Training Is Essential: - Compliance-style video training isn’t enough. Hands-on learning opportunities are essential. - People retain only 10% of what they read; we need to develop ways for people to test out AI tools in real-world, bite-sized increments. ✊🏾On Empowering the Black Community: 1. Tech as a Civil Rights Tool: - The NAACP President called for tech-driven solutions to reduce inequality, such as personalized AI tutors to improve education. - Tech professionals should actively consider how they can close gaps in opportunity through projects in their full-time jobs or through part-time consulting projects for non-profits. 2. Representation Matters: - Many Black students lack confidence in their ability to succeed in STEM due to a shortage of visible role models. - It’s on those of us who are Black tech professionals to show up: speaking at schools, volunteering, and mentoring the next generation of talent. 3. Build Fair and Inclusive Products: - For your specific product, start by asking: “Does every user access the same value that my product is designed to deliver? Are there any communities that are not able to fully access that value?” - Examples: How can those without college degrees expand their professional network on LinkedIn? How well can the visually impaired community use your app? Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear of any ways you’re adapting your own skills to use AI in your professional life and/or ways that you’ve been able to use your professional skills to give back to low-income communities. #AfroTech #LinkedIn

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At BlacksInTech, we're committed to addressing the digital divide and promoting equitable access to technology resources. Today, we're diving into a critical question: 🔍 What role can tech companies play in addressing the digital divide and ensuring that all communities, especially those of color, have access to affordable internet and technology resources? Tech companies have the power to make a significant impact in bridging this gap and fostering digital inclusion for all. Share your thoughts, ideas, and experiences in the comments below! Together, let's advocate for a more connected and inclusive future. 💻 #DigitalInclusion #TechForAll #JoinTheDiscussion #BlacksInTech

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🔥 Exciting news! RiseUp with NextGen Training is revolutionizing ServiceNow skill development and taking it to new heights! 🚀 Did you know that our program goes beyond ServiceNow training? Our offerings include career prep, coaching, employer showcases, technology showcases, networking opportunities, and more! ⭐ Over the past year, we've introduced new cutting-edge components to enhance the entire learning experience. And we're thrilled to unveil our latest game-changer: the professional career coaching program! 🎯 Led by the incredible Angel Aviles, bestselling author, actress, and award-winning career coach, this program empowers our learners to unleash their potential in their ServiceNow careers and beyond. ⭐ Angel's coaching is full of gems like "We are all the authors of our journey," "Be bold," and "Opportunity is a result of preparation and process." ⭐ But don't just take my word for it; hear firsthand from Terrance Dendy, one of our alumni... Get ready to rise to new heights with NextGen Training and unlock your full potential! 🔥🚀🌟 #RiseUpWithNextGen #NextGenImpact

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🎯 Announcing our BFN Black Career Conference 2025 Pitch Competition: $20,000 in Funding for Idea-Stage Black Founders!   We're thrilled to announce our annual pitch competition in partnership with Black Rotman Commerce & Black Career Conference, specifically designed to support early-stage Black founders at the crucial ideation and pre-revenue stages.   Why This Matters: Through countless conversations with our community, we've identified a critical gap: idea-stage Black founders often struggle to compete for funding against more established startups. This is why we provide funding as well for this stage, and a platform to drive initial user engagement with your solution   🏆 Prize Pool: 2x $5,000 awards 1x $4,000 award 2x $3,000 awards   Eligibility Criteria: Early-stage businesses or ideas (pre-revenue) Less than $5,000 in previous funding Founder must self-identify as Black and be based in Canada Apply here before Nov 29: https://lnkd.in/dmiR93yd   Beyond The Funding: Platform to showcase your innovation Access to valuable mentor networks Resource connections Community support

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🔥 Ready to Stand Out? Cher Jones Can Show You How! 🔥 Black tech professionals bring invaluable perspectives to the industry, but their contributions are often underappreciated. It’s time to change that narrative. Join our Obsidi® Tech Talk with Cher Jones, a master of personal branding, and learn how to show up and show out to outperform the competition and land the opportunities you deserve! 🗓️ Date: July 10, 2024 🕕 Time: 6:00 PM ET 🎫 Reg link: https://bit.ly/3VCS7Cw Why Attend? 🌟 Enhanced Credibility and Visibility: Build trust within your organization and become a recognized figure. 🌟 More Exciting Projects and Roles: Learn how to attract opportunities that align with your career goals. 🌟 Valued Input and Advice: Ensure your insights are heard and respected on critical initiatives. 🌟 Speaking and Collaboration Opportunities: Gain the skills to be chosen for speaking engagements and collaborative projects. Cher Jones will guide you through effectively communicating your value in person and online. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today and start your journey towards career excellence. Don’t wait – your future starts now! 📹Exclusive Obsidi® Member Bonus:📸 For earlier arrivals, a group interactive live audience breakout room led by Cher Jones will be available. We look forward to seeing your faces! 🤩 #PersonalBranding #ObsidiTechTalk #TechJobs #TechCareers #TechLayoffs #TechIndustry #BlackExcellence #BlacklnTech

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Experience Afrotech 2024: Culture, Tech, and Soul Food We dive into the amazing experience at Afrotech, highlighting networking opportunities and supporting black-owned businesses like Soul Food Vegan. From incredible food to valuable insights, this conference is a must for anyone in tech. Don't miss out! #BlackTechCommunity #NetworkingOpportunities #SoulFoodVegan #TechConference #HoustonEats #CareerGrowth #BlackOwnedBusiness #TechNetworking #CajunCuisine #thefutureisblack #thefutureisblackpodcast #afrotech2024 #afrotech #afrofuturism

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Imagine my surprise when I saw a few familiar faces in the Uber email seeking volunteers for AFROTECH this year! I'm immediately taken back to a week filled with networking opportunities and sessions centered around impactful topics, and, most importantly, I'm flooded with positive memories from working at the Uber booth. 😃 Although I cannot attend this year, I am so excited for those of you who will experience what the conference has to offer! I have a few tips & tricks to share that can help you during your time at the conference. 1) Save your LinkedIn QR code as your screensaver for the week! This will make it so much easier to connect with people without having to fumble to find your profile. (Bonus: People will be impressed with the immediacy, and you will look so much more prepared) 😎 2) Create a schedule to help track the events you'd like to attend. It's so easy to be overwhelmed by how much they have to offer, doing this will help you prioritize what's most important to you! (This can done in the Afro-Tech app once you have a ticket, or you can create your own via sheets, excel, etc.) 3)If there is something you THINK you want to learn, now is the time! This is not the time to shy away from new knowledge or experiences. You're attending the conference to make the most of it, GO DO IT! 4) Wear comfortable shoes! Although I know the fashion gurus will do what they do best, keep in mind there is a ton walking involved with conferences. Do yourself a favor and plan your outfits with that in mind. Your feet will thank you. 😉 5) Leave space in your luggage for all the SWAG you'll collect! Trust me, they give you ALL the goods, but what's the point if you can't get it home?! (It's GREAT stuff, trust me!) 🎒 6)TAKE NOTES! Although we all want to believe we have the best memory, this is NOT the time to lean on that. Every valuable piece of knowledge or advice you gain must be stored somewhere for easy access post-conference. You'll thank yourself for this a month, six months, a year after the conference. It will also be helpful if you plan to share your newfound knowledge with your team back home. 📓 7) HAVE FUN & BE SAFE! If you're going with a friend, consider sharing locations to remain "in the know" of where your people are, especially if you've never been to Houston. Don't post what hotel you are staying at, your conference schedule, or what after-hours events you'll be at. Safety should be the top priority, after that, ENJOY YOURSELF! #AfroTech2024 #AfroTech #BlackInTech #LifeAtUber #BlackAtUber

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Tired of working with traditional recruiting agencies that just don’t get tech? 😤 At Build Momentum, we’ve built a community-driven model led by technical founders who know how to find and evaluate top talent. Here’s the difference: 💼 Traditional Agencies: Generic lists, lack of tech expertise, unqualified résumés ⚡️ Build Momentum: Elite community sourcing, deep evaluations, quality over quantity Curious how we stack up against the old model? 🚀 👉 See the full comparison: https://lnkd.in/ek763XF6

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Happy Monday! Reflecting on last week, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. AFROTECH 2024 was nothing short of phenomenal, and the impact it left on me is immeasurable. A heartfelt thank you to Cynthia Bryant, MBA, CSM, for orchestrating such an incredible event within SDP. Your leadership brought this vision to life, and it’s clear how much thought and care went into every detail. AfroTech was packed with insights and inspiration, but here are the takeaways that resonated with me most: Failure Fuels Success: I was reminded that failure is not the end—it’s a stepping stone. Giving yourself permission to fail forward unlocks the door to growth and learning. Networking: I’m truly grateful for the meaningful connections I made and the opportunities for collaboration I discovered within this incredible tech community. Emerging Technologies: The AI and cybersecurity sessions blew me away! One quote that stuck with me: “AI won’t take your job, but people who leverage AI will.” Inspiration: Hearing stories of resilience and success renewed my drive to achieve my goals and leave a positive impact on the world. Here’s to carrying this energy and these lessons into the week ahead! #Microsoft #AI #Afrotech #Technology #innovation

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Have you listened to Black Tech Green Money podcast? Our lovely CEO, Damali Peterman, was featured as a guest on Black Tech Green Money podcast with Will Lucas. There she discussed Negotiating While Black, Getting the Compensation You Are Worth, and High Stakes. Click on the link to hear what wonderful gems she dropped for you. Tell us what you think! #podcast #newauthor #newbook #damalisays #damalipeterman #nwb #negotiatingwhileblack #blacktechgreenmoney

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🌟 My TOP FIVE tips for staying on track with your job search (2 weeks following my THIRD layoff in 2 years) ✨ Last week, I attended AfroTech, which was an amazing and immersive experience where I was surrounded by like-minded, talented tech folks - I left feeling so inspired! But this week - the post-layoff grind starts because this mama needs to get back to work! 🌟 Since this is my THIRD layoff, I feel like I kind of know the ropes: 1. Move, nourish, and hydrate - yoga, a walk, the gym, healthy food, and water, water, water. I work this into my day as a non-negotiable because health is wealth (what can I say, I'm a cliché girlie sometimes 🤷‍♀️) and it's easy to get derailed when life comes at you fast! 2. Apply - I spend about 1 hour per day looking at job boards and applying. No more, no less. During my first layoff, I set a goal to apply to 15 jobs a day... that got me to my first redeployment no sooner than had I just been selective and applied to the jobs that piqued my interest. In cutting back to applying an hour a day just to jobs I'm very interested in I am less tied to my computer/my phone and have more fruitful conversations about roles in alignment with my goals. 3. Grind - passive income creation. I'm researching and implementing different ways to passively create income. More on that with another post, but if you're looking to hustle and make some income on the side, there is an article with some ideas to get you started in the comments. 4. Network - reaching out to 1-2 network connections daily to check in and advise of my situation. As I've said before... and actually I will yell it this time "NO ONE CAN HELP YOU IF THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU NEED!" Being laid off is nothing to be ashamed of, yell it from the highest mountain top! People want to help you but they cannot help if they do not know you need the help so check in on your network and see what/who they can connect you with. 5. Checking a checklist - Each day, I check off one thing from my personal to-dos. You know those things you don't get around to doing because work and life get in the way? It's important to feel a sense of accomplishment throughout this lay off process because this process can be shrouded in so much loss and disappointment. Having some to dos where success is quickly attainable is important because it reinforces your self-worth during this time. ✨ Hopefully these tips have helped in some way! Make sure to like and comment for reach and share to your laid off homies! #recruiting #layoff #layofftips #laidoff #apostaday #blackintech #womenintech #techrecruiter

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There’s been a lot of talk about feedback on AFROTECH . In my DEI/ERG days I've often heard: “Nothing is being done for our community,” followed by “But it’s not my job.”- My pet peeve.. Here’s the reality: If you’re waiting for someone else to advocate for your community, especially someone who doesn’t share your identity, good luck chile. Advocacy isn’t easy—it requires stepping up, owning the responsibility, and building the spaces that don’t yet exist. That’s why I co-founded BLK N Out and why, this year, in partnership with Airbnb, we hosted the AfroTech Queer Meetup. It wasn’t just about creating a space; it was about owning that space and making sure it reflected the needs of our community. But let me be real—this hasn’t been easy, and it won’t be easy. Fighting for visibility and representation comes with challenges. It requires navigating systems that aren’t always designed with us in mind and pushing against resistance. But it’s worth it. It’s worth it when you see people connect, share their stories, and feel seen in ways they hadn’t before. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: If you see a need, fill it. If you see a gap, advocate for your community. The work is hard, but the impact is undeniable. Personally... I'm not waiting for anyone to do it for me... #AfroTech #BLKNOut #QueerInTech #CommunityBuilding #blackintech #dei #ergs

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Excited for AfroTech 2024? Let’s Connect! As we gear up for the AFROTECH Conference in H-Town, I am thrilled about the opportunity to connect with some of the most brilliant minds in tech, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This week, I’m particularly focused on networking with investors, developers, and those in the media space who are shaping the future. If that’s you, let’s chat! Whether it’s to discuss the next big thing, explore potential collaborations, or share stories of our journeys, I’d love to connect. Here’s a question for my fellow attendees: Where are you planning to spend time outside of the conference? Any must-visit spots or hidden gems for networking? Drop a comment, shoot me a message, or let’s plan to meet up during the event. Let’s make this AfroTech a game-changer for all of us! #Illcheerstothat #AfroTech2024 #Networking #Investors #Developers #Media

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🌟 Enhancing Tech Job Outcomes for Black Professionals through Education and Training 🌟 The landscape of Black employment in tech is both promising and challenging. A critical area for impactful improvement is in educational attainment and training programs. Organizations like the Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN) are leading the way, providing essential training and identifying talent that aligns well with organizational cultures, especially for direct-from-school hires. BPTN's initiatives are pivotal in closing the employment gap and ensuring that Black tech professionals can compete effectively in a rapidly evolving job market. By focusing on robust educational programs and training opportunities, we address key issues affecting Black tech employment outcomes, including equitable wage practices, union support, sectoral diversity, and economic stability. These efforts not only help Black professionals enter and thrive in tech but also contribute to creating more inclusive and diverse workplaces. Let's continue to support and promote programs that empower Black tech professionals through education and training, driving progress and equity in the tech industry. #BlackTech #DiversityInTech #WorkplaceEquity #BPTN #TalentDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth #TechJobs (Adapted from Gitnux and other sources on Black employment trends)

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Over-Mentored, Under-Funded: Our Reality As a Black woman leading Academy Achievers, I’ve experienced firsthand the challenges of securing venture capital. Despite the surge in DEI initiatives in 2020, the harsh reality persists: Black women-led companies receive less than 1% of all venture capital funding. In 2022, funding for Black founders dropped by 45%. Building Academy Achievers has been a journey marked by dedication and resilience. I’ve faced countless obstacles, but my belief in our mission to empower youth people, global majority, in particular Black Women and Girls never faltered. Persistence and patience are vital, especially when capital access is so restricted. Here’s my advice for other Black women starting businesses: 1. Go All In, if your business idea keeps you up at night, it’s time to fully commit. The path is tough, but your belief in your mission must be unwavering. 2. You must stay focus and don’t get sidetracked by every new opportunity. Focus on your core mission and understand your audience deeply before expanding. 3. I love data with a passion and finance is my best friend! I cannot stress enough , Know Your Numbers, Why? Investors often rely on familiar patterns, which can bias them against founders who don’t fit their expectations. Master your metrics and use your unique perspective as a strength. So, Entrepreneurs what challenges have you faced? How have you navigated funding? Share your stories so we can support each other. Can you all relate to the video, just asking for a friend 😉 #OverMentoredUnderFunded #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #StartupJourney #DiversityInBusiness #SheDISRUPTS

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📣 New Grant Drop! (Week of 11/15 -11/29) Share this post with a Black woman entrepreneur & join our e-mail list to get grant opportunities and business resources sent directly to your inbox! 🌟 Aurora Tech Award This award from Aurora Tech Award is a worldwide prize for women founders of tech startups. Must have a functional prototype of a product ($85,000) Link: https://lnkd.in/eTmNYnYf 🌟 Start.Pivot.Grow Grant The Start Pivot Grow Micro Grant provides funding to small businesses for essential expenses like rent, inventory, or marketing. Open to U.S.-based, for-profit companies with at least two years of operation, eligible applicants must generate $50,000+ annually and have no more than two employees, including the owner. ($2,500) Link: https://lnkd.in/ef4aZhQ7 🌟 Gusto Impact Award Grant The Gusto Impact Awards celebrate small businesses that make a difference in their communities. Must be located in Charlotte, NC; Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Houston, Texas; or Miami, Florida. ($50,000) Link: https://lnkd.in/gN6F_Dt5 🌟  Josephine Collective  The Josephine Collective looks at deals on a rolling basis, and founders can apply to be considered at any time. Goal is to have the entire process take no more than 3 weeks from presentation to wire. (Up to $100,000) Link: https://lnkd.in/e38zEdsa 🌟  Service2CEO Accelerator  THE ROSIE NETWORK Service2CEO Is an entrepreneurship program for military-connected entrepreneurs. The program provides resources, networks of people committed to your success, and an actionable curriculum that accelerates your business to the next stage of development. Link: https://lnkd.in/gzWk-bHt 🌟  Small Business Catalyst Fund (FifthThird's Bank)  Fifth Third Bank offers grants to small businesses located in Arlington Wood, Indianapolis, IN; Avondale, Cincinnati, OH; Buckeye, Cleveland, OH; Tampa, FL; Grove Park, Atlanta, Historic West End, Charlotte, NC; Near East Side, Columbus, OH; Russell, Louisville, KY; South Chicago, Chicago, IL. ($5,300) Link: https://lnkd.in/epZEMKTq 🌟 NY BASED- VHNYC Founder Fellowship  Visible Hands VHNYC is a thirteen-week Founder Fellowship for early-stage, underrepresented founders building high-growth, tech and tech-enabled businesses based in New York City. ($10,000) Link: https://lnkd.in/esuA6xTV 🌟 Retail Readiness Training Program with Walmart and Watson Institute Link: https://lnkd.in/e8xTpE73 . . . Want more grants sent your inbox for free? 📫Never miss an update, subscribe for free: https://buff.ly/3KDlPU0 . . . Want to partner with us, and get your message to thousands of Black women entrepreneurs? 📧Email: [email protected] #BWBC #BlackWomenEntrepreneurs #BusinessGrants #Grantsforwomen #Grants #Entrepreneur

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