Three students from The Ohio State University’s Department of Design MFA Program recently returned from AfroTech 2025, describing the experience as “eye-opening,” “perspective-shifting,” and “unforgettable.” The annual conference, held in Houston, is one of the largest gatherings of Black tech innovators, entrepreneurs, and professionals in the country, offering a platform for networking, learning, and advancing diversity in technology.

For Precious Aforkeoghene, attending AfroTech was a chance to rethink design from the ground up.

Attending AfroTech was an incredibly impactful experience for me. Having direct access to industry experts discussing the latest trends in technology and innovation was eye-opening, especially as a designer working in the health and tech space. One of my biggest takeaways was the importance of intentional inclusion in design and how meaningful solutions are created when communities are part of the process from the very beginning. I

Alex Osei echoed that sentiment, emphasizing how the event broadened his perspective on the future of technology.

The AfroTech Conference was a perspective-shifting event for me. The exposure to diverse groups of professionals and students from all sorts of technology backgrounds really set the pace for me to see and approach the future differently. As we engaged and networked, my perspectives changed and expanded very quickly. I am glad this event exists to allow black and brown people to grow in the tech field. I particularly loved all the various sessions I attended and got a lot of future ideas. 

For Thywill Olude, the conference reinforced the importance of impact-driven design.

My time at AfroTech '25 was truly eye-opening. Beyond the informative workshops and sessions, the conference showed me what's possible in the industry. Hearing industry leaders share their journeys and achievements made their success feel tangible and attainable. 

One of my favorite moments was Uber's session on accessibility, where I was reminded that as designers, prioritizing impact over intention is key. It's a powerful lesson that good intentions aren't enough – it's the actual impact that matters.

All three students expressed gratitude to the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Design, and their professors for providing the funding that made their participation possible. They returned with new insights, valuable connections, and a renewed commitment to creating inclusive, impactful design solutions.

AfroTech continues to serve as a catalyst for innovation and representation in the tech industry, inspiring the next generation of designers and technologists to lead with purpose and inclusion.