Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Category: Black Excellence in Tech and Business

  • AFROTECH™ Insider: Armand Cheeks’ Career Comeback

    Facing unemployment in 2024 was a tough hurdle, but for Armand Cheeks, it became a catalyst for his next big career move. This Brooklyn-born, Queens-raised professional, with a background in electrical engineering from Penn State, discovered the power of community and strategic networking through the AFROTECH™ Insider program.

    Cheeks, now a digital marketing strategist with his own consulting business, credits his mother, a lifelong educator, for instilling a deep appreciation for learning and value. This foundation, combined with his entrepreneurial spirit, has guided his career path since graduating in 2016. He’s successfully served clients across seven states, with a particular focus on supporting Black-owned businesses and minority-led nonprofits.

    Turning Unemployment into Opportunity

    The period between March 2024 and early 2025 presented a significant challenge: unemployment. Instead of getting discouraged, Cheeks saw this as an opportunity to strategically position himself. He actively sought out conferences and events geared towards Black professionals, a move that eventually led him to AFROTECH™.

    He learned about the AFROTECH™ Conference through word-of-mouth and decided to join as an AFROTECH™ Insider. This premier program offers more than just a conference ticket; it provides exclusive access to industry leaders, decision-makers, curated talks, and a vibrant community. Cheeks recognized the long-term value of this community aspect for both his professional growth and his business ventures.

    The Insider Advantage: Skills and Connections

    The decision to become an AFROTECH™ Insider proved invaluable. Cheeks participated in workshops focused on resume building and personal branding, honing essential skills. Through the conference itself, he connected with the WriteSea team and discovered their AI tool, JobSearchGenius.Ai, which provided crucial mock interview practice and boosted his confidence.

    Beyond skill development, the program granted him access to LinkedIn Premium and, most importantly, a network of professionals. Cheeks highlighted that he didn’t have many personal contacts who could guide him in his job search. The AFROTECH™ Insider community provided that vital resource, connecting him with the right people who ultimately helped him secure his new role.

    Landing the Dream Role

    Thanks to the empowerment and connections gained through AFROTECH™, Armand Cheeks has successfully landed a position as a Customer Account Manager at Comcast. He emphasizes that the confidence he developed, particularly within the Insider community, was instrumental during the interview process.

    I didn’t necessarily have anyone in my network that could be a resource to me when I needed to find the next thing, the next role, the next opportunity. So just being part of the AFROTECH™ Insider community is really what helped me gain access to the types of professionals that ultimately allowed me to find the role that I’m at now. — Armand Cheeks

    Cheeks’ journey is a powerful testament to the impact of community and strategic professional development. He believes that by seeking out supportive networks, individuals can not only advance their own careers but also contribute more significantly to their local communities.

    Are you looking to make your next career move or find a supportive professional community? Sign up for the AFROTECH™ Insider Program today and discover your path forward!

  • MacKenzie Scott’s Historic HBCU Donations

    MacKenzie Scott, a philanthropist with a net worth nearing $35 billion, is making headlines for her extraordinary generosity towards Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Her recent donations are not just large; they’re record-breaking, empowering these vital institutions to expand their reach and impact.

    Two consecutive, history-making donations stand out: $63 million to Prairie View A&M University and $50 million to Bowie State University. These contributions represent the single largest gifts in each university’s storied history, providing crucial resources for student success, academic excellence, and future innovation.

    A Wave of Transformational Gifts

    The impact of Scott’s philanthropy extends far beyond these two institutions. In 2025 alone, she has also made substantial contributions to several other esteemed HBCUs, including:

    • Voorhees University ($19 million)
    • Howard University ($80 million)
    • Spelman College ($38 million)
    • Morgan State University ($63 million)
    • Norfolk State University ($50 million)
    • Winston-Salem State University ($50 million)
    • North Carolina A&T State University ($63 million)

    The sheer scale and breadth of these donations have been described as unprecedented. North Carolina A&T State University Chancellor James R. Martin II noted that no other investor in higher education history has had such a broad and transformative impact across so many universities.

    Unrestricted Funds and a Legacy of Giving

    Adding to the significance of these gifts, Scott’s donations are typically unrestricted. This allows the recipient universities the flexibility to allocate the funds where they are most needed, whether for scholarships, facility upgrades, research initiatives, or operational support. This approach empowers institutions to address their most pressing needs.

    Furthermore, Scott has donated $70 million to the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which is set to provide $5 million each to its member HBCUs, totaling an additional $370 million. This strategic investment amplifies the impact across a wider network of institutions.

    Inspired by Toni Morrison and Personal Experience

    Scott’s unique philanthropic approach is deeply influenced by her experiences. She studied creative writing under the late Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison at Princeton University. Morrison’s teachings emphasized understanding people through their dreams and struggles, a philosophy that seems to guide Scott’s giving.

    Her own journey also informs her generosity. Scott once faced the possibility of dropping out of college due to financial struggles, only to be helped by a $1,000 loan from her roommate. This personal experience likely fuels her commitment to ensuring other students have the resources they need to succeed.

    After college, Scott worked as a waitress before landing a job at the hedge fund D. E. Shaw, where she met Jeff Bezos. Their subsequent marriage and the founding of Amazon led to Scott receiving a significant stake in the company following their 2019 divorce. She then committed to giving away half of her wealth, a pledge that has resulted in over $19.25 billion donated through her philanthropic arm, Yield Giving.

    MacKenzie Scott’s dedication to philanthropy, particularly her transformative investments in HBCUs, is reshaping the landscape of higher education and inspiring a new era of giving. Her actions demonstrate a profound belief in the power of education to uplift individuals and communities.

    What are your thoughts on MacKenzie Scott’s philanthropic efforts and their impact on HBCUs? Share your perspective in the comments below!