Brian Okoye

Black Tech Building Episode 355: Reaction Greater MSP and SMTP Made with Restream Studio. Livestream on 30+ platforms at once via https://restream.io Tonight on the Black Tech Building Show Episode Greater MSP Reaction and complete SMTP Peters Computer Store.

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🗓️ How to Plan Your AfroTech Schedule Like a Project Manager AfroTech is one of the most energizing (and overwhelming) conferences of the year. As a Project Manager with 10+ years of experience, I've learned this: If you don't plan your time with intention, the week will plan you. 😅 So treat this experience like any high-impact project with strategy, priorities, and room for surprises. Here's how to plan your AfroTech schedule like a PM 👇🏽 💡 1️⃣ Start With Your Goal, Not the Agenda Before adding a single session, ask yourself: ➡️ What's your objective this year? Is it meeting potential collaborators? Finding mentors? Landing podcast guests? Discovering AI trends? Once you know the goal, every decision about where to go and who to meet gets clearer. 💡 2️⃣ Map Out Priorities and "Nice-to-Haves" Rank events like tasks: ⭐ Must-Attend (high impact for your goals) ✅ Nice-to-Have (good value if time allows) That way, if things overlap, you already know what gets your focus. 💡 3️⃣ Block Time for Networking and Follow-Ups Just like project timelines, buffer time matters. Set aside 1 hour each evening to follow up with new connections while conversations are still fresh. Those quick messages often turn into real partnerships later. 💬 💡 4️⃣ Leave Space for Surprises Some of the best connections happen in line for coffee or walking between sessions. Leave open blocks each day for the unexpected. 💡 5️⃣ Track and Reflect After each day, jot down who you met, what you learned, and any action items. It's your version of an end-of-day debrief. Great networking is only valuable if you can build on it. ✨ Your Turn: How do you organize your time at big conferences like AfroTech? Do you plan everything out or go with the flow. 👇🏽 Drop your approach below. I'd love to trade notes before we touch down in Houston! #AfroTech2025 #ProjectManagement #TechConference #CareerDesign #NetworkingGoals #BlackTechExcellence #afrotech

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I had the opportunity to participate in a panel this evening for the 2026 Blacks in Cybersecurity Mentoring Program, and it was truly a full-circle moment. As an alumna of the program, I was invited to share my journey. I talked about where I am in my cybersecurity career today and how this program played a pivotal role in shaping that path. Being able to reflect on that growth and speak candidly about my experience was both rewarding and energizing. Programs like this are critical in creating access, building confidence, and developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to uplift and invest in one another. A special thank you to Chad Nevills for the invitation, and to the mentees for your engagement and thoughtful presence. I’m excited to see all that you accomplish. #Cybersecurity #Mentorship #BlacksInCybersecurity #GRC #CareerGrowth

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As part of our continued commitment to empowering HBCU students, Wells Fargo recently hosted the Atlanta Falcons HBCU Fellows for a powerful conversation on financial empowerment at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). Students from Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University engaged with leaders across industries—from sports and entertainment to brand management and finance—gaining insights to help shape their future success. It’s inspiring to see how this program continues to foster meaningful learning experiences and open doors for future growth. #WeAreWellsFargo

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🔐 Tech Tuesday: BWIC Week 2 — Internet, Networks & Career Branding Week 2 of the Black Women in Cyber (BWIC) cohort did NOT come to play. Our session blended technical fundamentals with real‑world career strategy. ✍🏾Here are my biggest takeaways: 💼 Resume & Career Clarity ✅Speak business, not just jargon — hiring managers want to understand your impact, not your acronyms. ✅Get clear on your career goals: What do you actually want to do day‑to‑day? ✅If your name is long or hard to pronounce, using initials + last name on your résumé is perfectly acceptable. ✅Always include your expected graduation date for current education. 🌐 Internet & Network Foundations 📍Understanding how the internet works is the foundation of cybersecurity. 📍We covered how data moves, what networks actually are, and why every device, protocol, and connection matters. 📍The session broke down key concepts in a way that made the “big picture” finally make sense — especially how attackers exploit weak points in networks. 🎯 My Personal Reflection Cybersecurity isn’t just about tools — it’s about communication, clarity, and understanding how systems connect. This week reminded me that strong technical skills start with strong fundamentals, and strong careers start with intentional branding. BWIC is stretching me, sharpening me, and giving me the language to show up confidently in this field. 📣 For My Career Changers, New Cert Holders & Aspiring Cyber Pros If you just earned your Security+, completed a cyber bootcamp, or you’re thinking about transitioning into tech or cybersecurity — I can help you: 💪🏾Strengthen your career brand 🏗️Build a job‑ready LinkedIn presence 📃Align your résumé with your new goals 🖥️Position yourself for real interviews and real opportunities This is exactly the work I do every day through Let Me Ask Monet™ — and I’d love to support you as you step into your next chapter. Same time next week — Tech Tuesday continues. #BWIC #BlackWomenInCyber #CybersecurityJourney #WomenInCyber #CyberCareer #TechTransition #SecurityPlus #NewToCyber #CyberBeginners #CyberFundamentals #TechCareers #CareerBranding #ResumeTips #JobSearchStrategy #WorkforceDevelopment #ThePivotQueen #LetMeAskMonet

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As part of our continued commitment to empowering HBCU students, Wells Fargo recently hosted the Atlanta Falcons HBCU Fellows for a powerful conversation on financial empowerment at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE). Students from Spelman College, Morehouse College, and Clark Atlanta University engaged with leaders across industries—from sports and entertainment to brand management and finance—gaining insights to help shape their future success. It’s inspiring to see how this program continues to foster meaningful learning experiences and open doors for future growth. #WeAreWellsFargo

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2026 NextGen STEAM Conference - Recap   Last month, we had the privilege of welcoming 145 students from 9 local high schools (Durham Public Schools, Research Triangle High School, CARRBORO HIGH SCHOOL, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics) to the 2026 NextGen STEAM Conference, hosted at North Carolina Central University Student Center. Together, we created a day filled with hands‑on learning, career exposure, and meaningful conversations about innovation, leadership, and what’s possible when students can truly see themselves in the future of technology.   We were honored to hear from our keynote speaker, Gina Loften, whose powerful message on leadership, innovation, and navigating the AI era deeply resonated with students and educators alike.   We’re also grateful to our special guests: 🌟 Leonardo Williams, Mayor of Durham, for reinforcing the importance of investing in our local students and future workforce 🌟 Dr. Karrie G. Dixon, Chancellor of NCCU, for her leadership and continued commitment to student success and community impact   We also had the opportunity to partner with some incredibly talented NCCU students who served alongside Aaron Griffin as our event photographers and videographers: James Pender, Shyheem Griffith, Stanley Athey Jr   This work truly takes a village, and I’m so grateful to have partnered with such an amazing group of leaders and volunteers.    My event co‑lead, Kevin T. Rewkowski - thank you so much for your leadership and partnership. I’ve learned a lot working with you and can’t wait to do it all again next year!   BAM Carolinas Raleigh Chair Tenesha Robinson, PhD - your dedication to student engagement and community impact continues to shine.   Angelyn Smith, thank you for your steady guidance, strategic insight, and unwavering support throughout planning and execution.   A huge thank you to the incredible planning committee who helped bring this vision to life: G Oludiji, LeVelton Thomas, MHA, Chandra Mosley, Jasmine G. Young, Stacey Strickland, PMP, Michael De Dominick, Charles Woelfel, Danny Davenport, Christie Agbalessi, Elaine Durazzo (She/Her) …and so many others who contributed behind the scenes.   To all the Microsoft Volunteers, your time, energy, and passion made a lasting impression on every student who walked through the doors. Thank you for showing up and showing what’s possible.   This conference wasn’t just about STEAM. It was about access, representation, and helping 145 students see themselves in the future of technology. I’m incredibly proud of what we built together and excited for what’s next!   #NextGenSTEAM #BMSD #NCCU #CommunityImpact #BAM #MicrosoftLife #STEAMEducation #FutureReady #VolunteerImpact

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It was such an honor to hear from previous mentees in the Blacks in Cybersecurity mentorship meeting and learning about the pathways that each person took to be “inducted”(if you will) into cybersecurity. I resonated deeply with Nicole O.. Coming from a healthcare background and navigating a transition into cybersecurity using my previous experience has not been easy, but I know it will pay off in the long run. Thank you to all the panel speakers last night Marc Donatien Jr. Mariah Bahati, M.Sc. and others. It was truly a pleasure learning from you all. #Mentorship #GRC #Cybersecurity #Healthcare

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Charlotte’s Infrastructure & Security Market is heating up🔥 With Citigroup & AssetMark creating 700+ jobs and Amazon investing billions into cloud & AI east of the city, demand for infrastructure and security talent has surged. Local organisations are doubling down on: -Palo Alto, Cisco, and Fortinet setups -Zero Trust & hybrid cloud strategies -Proactive threat detection & response Hiring managers: if you're scaling teams in these areas, feel free to reach out - always happy to share market insights or support your hiring roadmap. https://lnkd.in/eUuFnp-n

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