Huntsville, AL – The 2024 HBCUgrow LEAD Conference took place November 12 at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville. Participants gained cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) insights from industry leaders and took advantage of networking opportunities as the conference offered the latest AI and tech info and trends at the intersection of business, education, health, and technology. The USSRC treated attendees to a show in their world-class planetarium, and the LEAD Awards were presented.
Dr. Alex Carlisle, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer at conference partner, National Alliance against Disparities in Patient Health, welcomed attendees, sharing the importance of building partnerships as the United States focuses on a heavily tech-based future. The conference began with a moment of silence to recognize the past weekend’s mass shooting at Tuskegee University, followed by sessions that included an AI Leadership Panel, Empowering Success Through Collaboration (sponsored by Self-Help), the Presidential Panel, and Getting Your Share of the $16T AI Economy. The keynote, Regional Growth Through Research Partnerships, was given by Dr. Sajid Hussain of Meharry Medical College and M-TRAIN. The day wrapped up with the planetarium show followed by networking opportunities.
Other speakers and moderators included:
- Dr. Thomas Osborne, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Microsoft, Federal/Civilian
- Michael “MJ” Jackson, VP and Global Head of Industries, Docusign [Sponsor]
- Morgan Crafts, Director, Technology, Health IT, Peraton
- Dr. Ivan Cáceres, Acting Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, National Alliance against Disparities in Patient Health (NADPH)
- Carl Brown, VP, Community Engagement, Partnership & Outreach, Self-Help [Sponsor]
- Jerry Mitchell, Executive Director, Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce [Sponsor]
- Kenneth Anderson, CEO, Maximum Life Enhancement
- Tamara Terry, Director of Academic Research Engagement and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Community Outreach Chair, RTI International [Sponsor]
- Freda Green, Senior Manager, Global Talent Acquisition, RTI International [Sponsor]
- Malaika Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, NADPH
- Dr. Wandra Arrington, Director, Myrlie Evers-Williams Honors Program, Alcorn State University
- Dr. Carolyn Henderson, Dean of Instruction, Drake State Technical College
- Dr. Ryan Carpenter, Special Advisor, Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) [Sponsor]
- Caswell Huff, Vice President of Field Marketing, Spectrum REACH [Lead Media Sponsor]
- CAPT Anthony (AJ) Johnson, Ph.D., Scientific Advisor and Training Director, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
- Dr. Mervyn Chapman, Chief Information Security Officer, NADPH
- Dr. Felesia Stukes, Assistant Professor, Johnson C. Smith University
- Greg Fasking, VP and Chief Marketing Officer, U.S. Space & Rocket Center
A special thank you to our sponsors:
- Spectrum Reach (lead media sponsor)
- RTI International
- Self-Help
- AVO Communications, Inc.
- Alabama State Black Chamber of Commerce
- Docusign
- Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP)
- vitalink Communications
- National Alliance against Disparities in Patient Health (NADPH)
- Forma Life Science Marketing
More than 130 individuals from universities, community colleges, corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, and government entities registered to attend the event. Juniors and Seniors from Oakwood Adventist Academy were also invited to attend to learn more about internship and career opportunities in AI.
The Rev. Dr. Anthony Boger, a graduate of Oakwood University, presented the LEAD Awards. The first 2024 LEAD Award went to Retired Air Force Colonel Roosevelt Lewis, a pioneering figure in aviation and a dedicated leader in the fight for racial equality. As a second-generation Tuskegee Airman, Colonel Lewis has worked to preserve their legacy and has been instrumental in promoting their stories to inspire future generations. Colonel Lewis is the Chair of the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, continuing to share his expertise with younger generations.
State Representative Laura Hall also received a LEAD Award. Since 1993, Rep. Hall has been a transformative voice in Alabama’s House of Representatives, where her leadership in education, healthcare, and public safety has profoundly shaped her community and state. A passionate supporter of underserved communities, Rep. Hall has driven initiatives that uplift vulnerable populations and strengthen state resources, championing policies to ensure equity and opportunity.
Finally, the Honorable Thomas “Tommy” Battle, Jr., Mayor of Huntsville, was recognized with the Changemaker Award. During his time in office, Mayor Battle has pushed hard to make Huntsville an innovation center with a focus on research and development. The Mayor has assembled a coalition of leaders focused on high quality education, workforce development, and recruiting new industries to the city.
About HBCUgrow
Founded in 2015, HBCUgrow’s mission is to forge impactful alliances between businesses and Historically Black Colleges and Universities, driving shared success and innovation. HBCUgrow conducts an annual conference on subjects of interest to schools and their supporters. The organization also presents the annual LEAD Awards, recognizing HBCUs and those who contribute to their success. Visit www.andreaf327.sg-host.com to learn more.
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