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title: MeccaTech 2025
---
[Go Back Up ](http://8854100.hs-sites.com/meccatech2025#top)
March 20 - 22, 2025 Washington, DC
# MeccaTech
Experience MeccaTech at Howard University, an event series where technology's cutting-edge meets the ambition of the next generation technologists. At MeccaTech, every interaction sparks new ideas, every discussion opens doors to the future, and every moment is an opportunity to witness and shape the evolution of tech.
[Register Now](https://share.hsforms.com/1f61-JoEWQW-_5qb9MNCWwg59rv8)
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OUR MISSION
## Unified by Technology
The 2nd annual MeccaTech, presented by the Howard University Center for Digital Business, is an initiative designed to showcase the universality of technology in every field. Whether you're studying business, political science, or any other discipline, MeccaTech reveals how integral technology is to all industries and career paths. Our goal is to demystify technology for all students, emphasizing that tech skills are essential, versatile tools for innovation and success in our digitally driven world.
MeccaTech is a call to action for students to embrace and integrate technology into their academic pursuits and career aspirations. We're dedicated to showing that technology is not a siloed industry, but a versatile and vital skill set that is relevant and beneficial to every field of study.
[Register Now](https://share.hsforms.com/1f61-JoEWQW-_5qb9MNCWwg59rv8)
Explore MeccaTech
## What to Expect
At MeccaTech, prepare to be inspired by tech pioneers, network with top-tier professionals, and explore how technology is reshaping every career path. This event is where innovation meets real-world opportunity, featuring insights and contributions from Fortune 500 companies transforming their industries with technology.
### Tech Titans Talk
Hear from distinguished CIOs as they share their experiences, strategies for innovation, and advice for empowering the next generation in tech. Stick around for the networking reception afterwards.
### Alumni in Tech
Get to know some of our accomplished HU alumni in tech who've been in your shoes and are ready to share their advice.
### Engaging Panel Discussions
Join in-depth conversations on how technology intersects with various sectors, led by industry experts.
### Networking Opportunities
Connect with a wide array of professionals, including leaders from top companies and Howard University Alumni.
## Signature Events
Explore our curated selection of must-attend events and exclusive experiences that define the spirit and innovation of MeccaTech.
- The Business of Entertainment, Media & Sports
- Tech Titans Talk powered by Maximus
- The State of Artificial Intelligence presented by Morgan Stanley
The Business of Entertainment, Media & Sports
Dive into the world of cutting edge technology used and developed by leading companies.
[Register for this session](https://share.hsforms.com/1f61-JoEWQW-_5qb9MNCWwg59rv8)
Tech Titans Talk powered by Maximus
#### Leading at the Speed of Change: Balancing Now & Next in Tech.
[Register for this session](https://share.hsforms.com/1f61-JoEWQW-_5qb9MNCWwg59rv8)
The State of Artificial Intelligence presented by Morgan Stanley
#### Gain valuable insights on the state of AI in business and beyond from the Head of AI, Jeff McMillan
[Register for this session](https://share.hsforms.com/1f61-JoEWQW-_5qb9MNCWwg59rv8)
Agenda Overview
## Schedule of Events
Check out our comprehensive schedule of workshops, panels, and networking opportunities designed to ignite your passion for technology and innovation.
1. March 20 3:30pm - 5:30pm
#### The Business of Entertainment, Media & Sports
Dive into the world of cutting edge technology used and developed by leading companies.
Speaker: Dr. Anita Elberse, Harvard Business School professor
Course in partnership with the Chris Paul Family Foundation. Learn more [here](https://www.chrispaulfamilyfoundation.org/hbcu-bems).
Location: SOB Auditorium
2. March 20 6pm - 7pm
#### Tech Titans Talk powered by Maximus
Leading at the Speed of Change: Balancing Now & Next in Tech.
Moderator: Joshua Lewis
Panelists
Derrick Pledger, CIDO - Maximus
Ben Harvey, CEO - AI Squared
Sujey Edward, CTO - IBM
Ivy Bryant, VP of Enterprise Tech & Ops - Cigna
Joy Brown, CIO - Boston Medical Center
Location: SOB Auditorium
3. March 21 10:40AM – 11:30AM
#### The State of Artificial Intelligence presented by Morgan Stanley
Gain valuable insights from the Head of AI, Jeff McMillan.
Speaker: Jeff McMillan - Morgan Stanley
Location: Room 215
4. March 21 10:40am - 11:30am
#### Beyond the Code: Women Shaping the Future of Tech
Leadership & Innovation in the Tech Industry. Explore the future of technology through insights from industry leaders on innovation, leadership, and the evolving tech landscape.
Moderator: Cash Ashley, Enterprise Sr. Sales Rep, Advertising & Marketing - AWS
Panelists
Neha Mattoo, VP of Data & Analytics - Merkle
Danielle Parlier, SVP of Client Services - Merkle
Monique Gallaway, Director of Data Ops & Governance - AARP
Diya Wynn, Principal for Responsible AI & Public Policy - AWS
Location: SOB Auditorium
5. March 21 11:45am - 12:30pm
#### Keynote - Their Profit or (Y)our Power: Culture, Ownership and Responsible AI
This keynote explores the intersection of culture, ownership, and responsible AI, examining how power dynamics shape technological advancements and what it means to prioritize community-driven innovation over corporate profit.
Speaker: Charlotte Lewis Jones, AI Lawyer & Thought Leader
Location: SOB Auditorium
6. March 21 12:30pm - 2pm
#### Roundtable Discussion [Invite Only]
Bridging Academia and Industry: Building a Collaborative Future in AI & Emerging Tech.
Moderator: Dr. Talitha Washington
Panelist
Jeff McMillan, Morgan Stanley
Dr. Samaa Elnagar, Howard University
Dr. DC Ware, Howard University
Lucretia Williams, Howard University
Erica Okeh, Student (CEA)
Jasmin Davis (HUSB)
Toni Dismuke (CEA)
7. March 21 12:40am - 1:30pm
#### The Experience Effect: How Brands Build Lasting Connections
This session explores how brands create meaningful and lasting connections with their audiences through immersive experiences, emotional storytelling, and customer engagement strategies that drive loyalty and influence.
Speakers
Jasmine Maietta - Founder & CEO of Round 21
and Maya Winston - Founder & CEO of Maya Winston
Location: SOB Auditorium
8. March 21 1:40pm - 2:30pm
#### The Power of Building Community in Tech
Discover how fostering authentic connections and inclusive communities in tech can drive innovation, career growth, and lasting impact.
Speakers
Ambur Smith, Founder - Ambur Smith Law
Airen Washington, Founder - Airen Washington Creative
Natasha Goodwin, VP of Membership - Information Technology Institute
Location: SOB Room 218
9. March 21 4:30pm - 6:30pm
#### Networking Mixer
Join us at The Oliver for networking and light refreshments with our speakers and event sponsors.
Location: The Oliver, located across the street from the School of Business
10. March 22 9:40AM - 11AM
#### Technical Workshop: AI Prompt Engineering w/ Morgan Stanley
11. March 22 11:10AM - 12AM
#### Tactical Workshop: Prompting in Practice w/ WENITE
12. March 22 12pm - 1:30pm
#### Networking Lunch with Morgan Stanley
Join us for light lunch and the opportunity to connect with team members from Morgan Stanley.
Location: The Oliver, located across the street from the School of Business
Meet the Experts
## MeccaTech Speakers
[View Speaker Bios](http://8854100.hs-sites.com/meccatech-2024-0)
### Jasmine Maietta
Founder & CEO of Round 21
##### Dr. Anita Elberse
Lincoln Filene Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School
##### Derrick Pledger
Chief Digital & Information Officer, Maximus
### Chris Paul
Founder, Chris Paul Family Foundation
### Dr. Ben Harvey
CEO, AI Squared
### Jeff McMillan
Head of Firmwide Artificial Intelligence, Morgan Stanley
### Sujey Edward
Chief Technology Officer - Senior Partner, IBM
### Ivy Bryant
VP of Enterprise Tech & Ops, Cigna
### Joy Brown
Chief Information Officer, Boston Medical Center
### Charlotte Lewis Jones
AI Lawyer & Thought Leader
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### Cash Ashley
Enterprise Sr. Sales Rep, Advertising & Marketing, AWS
### Neha Mattoo
VP of Data & Analytics, Merkle
### Maya Winston
Founder & CEO of Maya Winston
### Danielle Parlier
SVP of Client Services, Merkle
### Monique Gallaway
Director of Data Ops & Governance, AARP
### Diya Wynn
Principal for Responsible AI & Public Policy, AWS
### Dr. Talitha Washington
Executive Director - Center for Applied Data Science and Analytics, Howard University
### Jenaba Sow
CTO at WENITE Inc.
> "MeccaTech is a celebration of a new era of technological exploration, bridging the gap between visionary leaders and aspiring innovators of all disciplines.
Etoulia Salas-Burnett
**Director, Center for Digital Business**
## Want to learn how technology will shape your future career?
[Register For Events](https://share.hsforms.com/1f61-JoEWQW-_5qb9MNCWwg59rv8)