Innovators & Disruptors Awards 2024 Recap

Over $630,000 Raised to Support AOT Programs

December 4, 2024 - America On Tech (AOT) proudly hosted the annual Innovators and Disruptors Awards in Los Angeles and New York City, celebrating leaders who are making significant strides in technology and innovation. These events brought together honorees, sponsors, partners, and special guests for evenings dedicated to networking and recognition of outstanding achievements.

Both events collectively raised over $630,000 to support America On Tech's mission is to prepare the next generation of technology leaders from underestimated communities.​​

Los Angeles Innovators and Disruptors Awards

The Los Angeles event, held on October 15, 2024, at The JW Marriott L.A. Live, was an inspiring evening of celebration and recognition. Attendees, including prominent figures from the tech and business sectors, gathered to honor outstanding individuals who are breaking barriers in technology and fostering equity within the industry.

Honorees:

• Kelly Campbell: President, Peacock and Direct-to-Consumer, NBCUniversal
• Fran Grabrowski: Senior Director, People & Inclusion, PwC
• Oona King: Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Uber
• Ndidiamaka (Ndidi) Oteh: Senior Managing Director, Head of North America, Accenture Song

Company of the Year:
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Accenture was recognized as the Company of the Year for its exceptional commitment to creating opportunities for underserved communities in technology. Accenture’s robust support of tech education and its focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion have been transformative in helping young people build pathways to successful careers in the tech industry.

The event showcased the power of community, with dynamic conversations, memorable moments, and a focus on actionable steps toward a more equitable tech ecosystem.

📸 View the Los Angeles Photo Album
🎥 Watch the Accenture Company of the Year Video

New York City Innovators and Disruptors Awards

On November 20, 2024, The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers hosted a vibrant celebration of innovation and excellence at the New York City Innovators and Disruptors Awards. The evening brought together honorees, sponsors, and supporters who are committed to creating a more inclusive technology landscape.
Honorees:

• Samira Panah Bakhtiar: General Manager, Global Media & Entertainment, Games, and Sports, Amazon Web Services
• Christopher Benyarko: EVP, Head of Direct-to-Consumer Products, Technology, and Operations, NBA
• Kendra Brown: SVP, Senior Director, Banking & Sell Side Research, FactSet
• Nicole Turner: SVP, Workplace Experience, Mastercard

Company of the Year:

Comcast NBCUniversal received the Company of the Year honor for its unwavering dedication to advancing diversity in technology and its investment in future generations. Comcast NBCUniversal has been a trailblazer in fostering opportunities for underserved communities, aligning perfectly with AOT’s mission of bridging the tech gap.
The event celebrated the extraordinary achievements of these leaders and companies, providing a platform for collaboration and dialogue to drive meaningful change in the tech sector.
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📸 View the New York City Photo Album
🎥 Watch the Comcast NBCUniversal Company of the Year Video

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors for their generous support of the Innovators and Disruptors Awards and America On Tech’s mission.
Amazon Web Services (AWS Industries), FactSet, Accenture, Comcast NBCUniversal, Mastercard, NBA Foundation, PwC, Mich Razon, Uber, Capgemini, Roscoe’s House of Chicken 'N Waffles, Interpret, Camelback Ventures, TEKsystems, Webster Bank, Goldman Sachs, EY, Kyndryl, Pixelogic, QVEST, and Point Curve, Inc.

These events not only celebrated outstanding leaders in tech but also underscored America On Tech’s commitment to expanding access to technology education for underestimated communities.

For more information about America On Tech and the Innovators and Disruptors Awards, visit www.americaontech.org and www.innovatorsanddisruptors.com.

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