Bluefield State graduate and Walt Disney intern Kellie Williams grateful to attend AfroTech convention in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas — AfroTech is again! For the second 12 months in a row, the convention is bringing Black know-how professionals, creatives, buyers, and company leaders collectively in Houston. The annual occasion has taken over Houston’s conference heart, turning it right into a hub for tradition, innovation, and know-how. It’s designed to gas progress at each stage, and that features the coed stage.

This 12 months is Kellie Williams’ first AfroTech convention. The 21-year-old is a pc science main at Bluefield State, which is a traditionally black school in West Virginia. She was chosen to return to Houston due to an internship with The Walt Disney Company.

“I knew I had to get here someway, somehow. When they gave me the opportunity, I was so grateful. I took it and ran with it. I was going to get here one way or another,” she stated.

Her first day at AfroTech began with an unique session for Disney Scholars to attach with technologists and recruiters inside the firm.

“It truly set the tone. Just to hear what they had to say to me and what they’re pushing me to do, it truly made me feel like this is going to be a great week. I’m truly going to learn the most and meet the great people,” she stated.

Despite attending an HBCU, Williams additionally stated she had by no means had the chance to see so many ladies of coloration in tech. On prime of that, there are greater than 168 firms represented and an anticipated 40,000 attendees.

“To see it, it makes me happy,” Williams stated. “I get excited to talk to all these different people and see these people in my field. These are people I can not only collaborate with, but also look up to.”

Williams got here in with the mandatory networking abilities, a revamped resume, and the correct perspective. Now, she stated she believes the convention will help jumpstart her profession after commencement in May.

“Hopefully, I just make a lot of connections, hone my skills, and then that’s what I feel would get me the most out of this,” Williams stated.

It’s a possibility she earned at Disney.

“They have truly opened up so much for me and have given me so much in return,” Williams stated.

It’s additionally an expertise she will be able to take advantage of again on campus.

“I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my HBCU, so I am truly grateful for them and the opportunities they’ve given me. It’s important to understand how important HBCUs are in making people,” Williams stated.

The AfroTech convention lasts by way of Friday on the George R. Brown Convention Center.

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