LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis recently held its "Next in Tech Conference," an event designed to prepare students and the broader community for the increasing role of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in the modern workplace. The conference featured expert panelists, educational sessions, and a hackathon competition, aiming to equip attendees with relevant skills and knowledge.
Key Takeaways
- LeMoyne-Owen College hosted a conference focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to address the evolving technology landscape.
- The event aimed to prepare the Memphis community, particularly students of color, for future careers in the growing local tech sector.
- Keynote speaker Gerald Keys of The Ludacris Foundation discussed embracing AI and looking beyond initial challenges like job transitions.
- The conference included multigenerational sessions, offering technology education for attendees aged 50 and older to ensure broad community readiness.
Preparing Memphis for a Technological Future
LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) organized the "Next in Tech Conference" to align its community with the rapid advancements in technology. The event's focus on AI and cybersecurity reflects a strategic effort to build a skilled workforce in Memphis, a city increasingly recognized as an emerging technology center.
Kimberly Bailey, Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at LOC, emphasized the college's role in this transformation. She stated that the goal is to position Memphis as a significant tech hub both now and in the future.
"I feel like we’ll be an outstanding tech hub not just now, but in the future," Bailey said. "We want to make sure our audience, students, and community are ready, and that we have the right voices around us to talk about what is possible in tech."
The conference serves as a crucial platform for the college, which historically serves Black and brown students, to ensure its community is not left behind in the digital transition. The initiative provides direct access to industry experts and practical learning opportunities.
Memphis as an Emerging Tech Hub
The timing of the conference coincides with a concerted push to expand the technology sector in Memphis. By fostering local talent and providing targeted training, institutions like LeMoyne-Owen College are playing a vital role in building the infrastructure needed to attract and retain tech companies in the region.
Expert Insights on AI and Digital Security
The conference provided attendees with valuable perspectives from leaders in the technology and arts sectors. Gerald Keys, Chief Arts Officer of The Ludacris Foundation, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the practical applications and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
Keys pointed out that AI is not a new concept in daily life, citing familiar examples like Apple's Siri and smartwatch technology. He explained that these tools have been integrated into platforms for years, helping people achieve results more efficiently, whether for gathering information or developing proofs of concept.
On the topic of security, Kimberly Bailey explained the fundamental importance of cybersecurity. She described its function as ensuring that all digital systems and the information they contain are protected from unauthorized access and threats. This foundational knowledge is critical as more operations become digitized.
Addressing Technological Fears
A central theme of the event was overcoming apprehension about new technologies. Bailey noted that the college aims to help people "embrace" technology through education and exposure rather than fear it. The conference was structured to demystify complex topics and show their practical benefits.
Navigating Job Market Transitions and Opportunities
A significant part of the discussion centered on the societal impact of AI, including concerns about job displacement. Gerald Keys acknowledged that new technologies often introduce a "pain point," such as workforce transitions. However, he urged attendees to look past these initial challenges.
Keys encouraged a focus on the collaborative potential that AI tools offer. He suggested that instead of seeing technology as a replacement for human workers, it should be viewed as a partner that can create new possibilities and revenue streams.
"With Memphis being an emerging city in tech, I think there’s a great opportunity for people to learn," Keys said. "Right now is really about information and how people can apply the information to their everyday lives to understand that there are revenue opportunities whether you work for a company or yourself."
The conference sought to frame technological adoption as a pathway to economic empowerment, both for individuals seeking employment and for aspiring entrepreneurs.
An Inclusive and Multigenerational Approach
A unique feature of the LOC summit was its inclusive design, which extended beyond the current student body. The event included dedicated sessions for individuals aged 50 and up, ensuring that alumni and senior members of the community could also enhance their technological literacy.
This multigenerational approach was highlighted by Keys as a major benefit.
"There [was] a great benefit to it being multigenerational," he commented. "The youth and elders [were] able to come together to share ideas. Those pieces of information can unlock so much history that you can turn into new ideas."
Preparing Students for a Tech-Centric Workforce
Ultimately, the conference was about ensuring LOC graduates are prepared to enter a job market where technical skills are indispensable. Bailey stressed that virtually every modern job has a technical component.
"You can’t really do any job without any technical introduction or technical impact," she stated. The college is committed to providing its students with the necessary exposure and knowledge to be competitive. "Our students will be ready, informed, and we will have the exposure to amazing individuals like Gerald Keys to make sure we’re always in the conversation when tech is mentioned in Memphis."
By hosting events like the "Next in Tech Conference," LeMoyne-Owen College is actively shaping the future of its students and contributing to the economic development of the Memphis region.
