Connecting Early Talent to High-Growth Opportunties

As Chief Growth Officer of Opportunity Hub (OHUB) and head of rapid reskilling and training, I oversaw planning and execution of the annual HBCU@SXSW event. This involved coordinating speakers, sponsors, and attendees for a successful virtual experience.

To achieve our goals, I proposed a strategic plan with innovation, collaboration, and high-quality delivery. This included identifying relevant topics, securing top-tier speakers and sponsors, and using cutting-edge technology for an immersive and interactive experience.

Innovation and Emerging Tech
I worked with our in-house team and an outsourced design team to create a unique virtual experience that would captivate and motivate participants. We developed a branded metaverse that offered attendees an immersive platform for keynote speeches, panel discussions, job interviews, and networking opportunities. This innovative and interactive environment provided attendees with a fresh way to engage with others, which was not possible in traditional virtual events. Using avatars and other virtual tools, attendees could navigate the virtual environment, attend sessions, and network with other participants, resulting in an experience that felt almost as realistic as an in-person event.

Collaboration for Change
As part of my role, I spearheaded the launch of the 1000x1000 Campaign, which aimed to secure sponsorships, mentorships, and job opportunities for at least one qualified student from an HBCU by 1,000 companies. This sponsorship fundraising initiative allowed us to partner with companies and facilitate opportunities for underrepresented talent, empowering them to enter the tech industry and build multigenerational wealth. Additionally, I led the marketing campaign for the program, developing and executing targeted outreach campaigns to encourage companies to participate in this vital initiative. I also undertook various other tasks, such as developing strategic partnerships, coordinating with universities and students, and managing internal and external communications to ensure the success of the campaign. Through this, OHUB secured and reinforced partnerships with a range of organizations, including the City of Austin, Huston-Tillotson University, 100 Black Angels & Allies Fund, HRA Advisors, NexGenT, DivInc, and Capital Factory.

High-Quality Experience
The HBCU students who participated in the event gained access to invaluable resources and opportunities in emerging technology and startup industries, allowing them to explore and potentially pursue in-demand career paths. Through masterclasses and virtual interviews with lead hiring partner sponsors, including Comcast, Oracle, Accenture, and Deloitte, students were able to gain exposure to real-world job opportunities and connect with potential employers. Additionally, the event provided over 1,000 students with the opportunity to experience and gain access to new learning opportunities and a free SXSW Interactive Badge valued at $1500. For hiring partners, the event provided access to a diverse pool of talented and motivated students from HBCUs, potentially leading to new and valuable hires for their organizations.