Young AfroTech Attendee's Big Break: Disney Intern Shares Gratitude for Historic Conference Experience
For the second year in a row, the AfroTech conference has brought together Black technology professionals, creatives, investors, and corporate leaders from across the country to Houston. The event, now housed at the city's convention center, is designed to fuel growth and innovation at every stage – including among students like 21-year-old Kellie Williams.
A computer science major at Bluefield State University in West Virginia, Williams was selected to attend AfroTech thanks to an internship with Disney. And what a fortunate break it has been for the young student! She credits the conference for setting her up for success, both professionally and personally.
Williams's first day at AfroTech kicked off with an exclusive session for Disney Scholars, where she connected with top technologists and recruiters from the company. The experience was nothing short of transformative, according to Williams: "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."
For Williams, attending AfroTech has been a dream come true – not just because she's surrounded by people of color in tech, but also because she feels seen and heard. With over 168 companies represented and an expected 40,000 attendees, the conference is more than just a networking opportunity; it's a chance for students like Williams to learn from the best and connect with others who share her passion.
As a student at an HBCU, Williams has never had the opportunity to attend such a high-profile event. But she's grateful nonetheless, citing the importance of institutions like Bluefield State in fueling the next generation of tech leaders.
With the conference set to conclude on Friday, Williams is making the most of her experience – networking skills honed, resume revamped, and attitude sharpened. She believes that AfroTech can be a game-changer for her career after graduation, helping her land connections, hone her skills, and take the next step in her journey.
As for Disney's role in all this? Williams is quick to thank them: "They have truly opened up so much for me... They have given me so much in return." With an internship that has set her up for success, it seems like only good things are on the horizon for this young AfroTech attendee.
For the second year in a row, the AfroTech conference has brought together Black technology professionals, creatives, investors, and corporate leaders from across the country to Houston. The event, now housed at the city's convention center, is designed to fuel growth and innovation at every stage – including among students like 21-year-old Kellie Williams.
A computer science major at Bluefield State University in West Virginia, Williams was selected to attend AfroTech thanks to an internship with Disney. And what a fortunate break it has been for the young student! She credits the conference for setting her up for success, both professionally and personally.
Williams's first day at AfroTech kicked off with an exclusive session for Disney Scholars, where she connected with top technologists and recruiters from the company. The experience was nothing short of transformative, according to Williams: "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."
For Williams, attending AfroTech has been a dream come true – not just because she's surrounded by people of color in tech, but also because she feels seen and heard. With over 168 companies represented and an expected 40,000 attendees, the conference is more than just a networking opportunity; it's a chance for students like Williams to learn from the best and connect with others who share her passion.
As a student at an HBCU, Williams has never had the opportunity to attend such a high-profile event. But she's grateful nonetheless, citing the importance of institutions like Bluefield State in fueling the next generation of tech leaders.
With the conference set to conclude on Friday, Williams is making the most of her experience – networking skills honed, resume revamped, and attitude sharpened. She believes that AfroTech can be a game-changer for her career after graduation, helping her land connections, hone her skills, and take the next step in her journey.
As for Disney's role in all this? Williams is quick to thank them: "They have truly opened up so much for me... They have given me so much in return." With an internship that has set her up for success, it seems like only good things are on the horizon for this young AfroTech attendee.
I mean can you believe how lucky Kellie Williams is?! 
Getting a Disney internship and then landing a spot at AfroTech? That's not just a break, that's a whole new level of career opportunity! And it's awesome that she's getting to connect with top tech folks and learn from them. But what I find really inspiring is that she's making the most of this experience - networking like crazy, revamping her resume... she's on fire! 
afrotech is literally like the ultimate networking event for students like kelley 
and i think it's amazing that institutions like bluefield state uni are supporting students from hbcus 
kelley's experience with disney intern is everything, i'm low-key jealous 
i wish i had the chance to attend something like that too 
but afrotech has definitely shown me that there are more opportunities out there than just my school's career fairs 
And it's not just about the networking opportunities or the connections you make, but also the fact that you feel seen and heard. Like, Kellie Williams is literally talking about how AfroTech made her feel like she belongs in tech, and that's just the best feeling ever 
. It's a huge deal for students like her who are trying to break into the industry, and I'm so glad Disney is supporting them with internships like this one. 
What's even more amazing is that it's not just about individual success, but also about creating a ripple effect of growth and innovation in communities that need it most 
.
. Don't get me wrong, it's awesome that they're providing opportunities for students from HBCUs and underrepresented groups in tech, but I think we need to look beyond just one conference to create real change 
. Is it really the case that a single internship with Disney is gonna set someone up for life? 
. It's awesome that she feels seen and heard at AfroTech, especially as a student from an HBCU 
. I'm rooting for her to make some amazing connections and take her career to the next level 
. Let's hope this is just the beginning of many more young minds being empowered through programs like AfroTech and internships 
!
Let's keep the momentum goin' and make sure everyone has equal chances to shine! 
The significance of events like AfroTech cannot be overstated – they serve as pivotal moments in fostering diversity and inclusion within the tech industry 
, being supported and empowered to excel in their careers 
. As Williams' story demonstrates, such events can be game-changers for individuals seeking career advancement 
.
Disney and AfroTech just gave her superpowers 
#AfroTech #DisneyIntern #FutureTechLeader 
The fact that AfroTech is creating more spaces 4 underrepresented groups in tech is EVERYTHING 
. It's about time we see more diversity in the industry! 
their matcha ice cream is literally the best thing i've ever tasted 
i'm not even kidding, it was like a party in my mouth 
. The moral here is: don't limit urself to what u think u can achieve 
; sometimes the universe has more in store 4 u than u ever could've imagined 
. Just keep grindin', stay humble, and trust that good things will come ur way 
!