The future can be found in Atlanta – Essence

Yes, you read that right. Atlanta is stuffed with young, Black trailblazers who’re motivated to realize their goals and fuel their passions, collectively and individually.

When you’re taking a vibrant hub like Atlanta and mix the ability of an HBCU with the support of an organization like AT&T (through the Rising Future Makers program) and the summit of Essence Girls United, it’s hard to stop the following generation of changemakers from taking the world by storm.

This yr’s Girls United Disruptor Summit will happen on October 12^vol in Atlanta will bring all of those forces together on one stage to debate how HBCU decision-makers, including some AT&T Rising Future Maker alumni, have leveraged their authenticity through their passion to drive meaningful change and construct effective collaboration.

As in previous years, the primary theme of the Girls United Summit will be the subject of connection. Michelle Jordan, AT&T’s chief diversity officer (and FAMU alumna), reiterated this point when describing AT&T’s role at the highest, saying, “We are always striving to discover, connect and support the next generation of changemakers and leaders. Through programs like ours, we are able to amplify the incredible innovation taking place on HBCU campuses, placing an emphasis on students making positive contributions to our society.”

AT&T Rising Future Makers is a program honoring an impressive group of historically black college and university (HBCU) students who’re actively impacting and giving back to their communities and campuses. Over the past two years, 75 HBCU students from 14 institutions across the country have participated in this system, and we’re thrilled to have several program graduates join us on the Girls United Summit!

Kamina Griffin – Making Success Accessible

Kamina’s ultimate goal is to develop into a company lawyer, but she doesn’t wish to stop there. As a primary-generation college student, pursuing higher education and adapting to a brand new environment wasn’t easy, however it made her more determined to succeed. “Atlanta’s energy and culture inspires me to work to create real change in the corporate world by ensuring everyone, regardless of background, has a seat at the table,” says Kamina. “Being an emerging creator of AT&T’s future means having the opportunity to amplify my voice and the voices of those who might otherwise go unnoticed. With a passion for addressing important issues like women’s equality, socioeconomic equity, and diversity in spaces where it is often lacking,” she says, “The connections and support I have gained here and at my HBCU in Atlanta have given me the confidence to pursue your dreams and follow your career path with purpose.”

Christian Davis – Making Progress in Healthcare

Christian dreams of becoming a dentist and says living in Atlanta has profoundly shaped her dreams and profession path. “The presence of renowned hospitals and prestigious institutions allowed me to gain invaluable practical experience through internships and internships,” he says. “Additionally, Atlanta is home to many leading dentists, especially minority women, who have established successful practices of their own. Their achievements inspire me and serve as powerful role models in my own career.” For a Christian, being an emerging creator of the future means making significant changes and innovations. “It’s about using creativity, collaboration and resilience to overcome challenges and explore new opportunities.”

Kaylin Strahan – Igniting Passion and Gratitude

Kaylin strives to develop into an entrepreneur and advocate for greater representation in underserved communities. And although she now not lives in Atlanta, she is eternally grateful that her time there allowed her to witness her dreams develop into a reality on the campus of the town’s largest HBCU. “Living in Atlanta has provided me with invaluable resources that I will never take for granted,” he says. “I have been fortunate to connect with many organizations, which has been a blessing in my life. I am deeply grateful for the relationships I have built along the way.” She goes on to say that being an emerging future creator has been a really invaluable experience where she has gained lifelong friendships while discovering a community of passionate individuals who share her vision. She says: “I am incredibly fortunate to have such determined, like-minded people around me to support me, and I am immensely proud to watch them achieve their own goals.”

If you are inspired by Kamina, Christian, and Kaylin’s stories, it’s essential to try the Girls United Disruptor Summit on October 12 in Atlanta, Georgia—learn more and click on here to register now.

If you might be a current HBCU student seeking to take your dreams to recent heights, why not apply now A showcase for AT&T’s emerging creators of the future— $5,000 and more could be yours. Assemble video or written entry for a probability to win $5,000, a technology package and access to door-opening connections. Entries for the 2024 competition will close on November 2, 2024.