The Black Girls Tech Summit 2025: The Shift -Power, Progress & Possibility

🚀 Are you ready to be part of THE movement transforming the future of tech? Join us this year as we accelerate the shift; redefining what’s possible for Black women in technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership across Europe and beyond!

Headline Sponsor: Zalando

Silver Sponsor: SAP SE

Since 2019, the Black Girls Tech Summit has been the premier global platform for empowering Black women in tech and this year, we’re taking it to the next level. Over 11,000 Black women from 37 countries have come together to challenge the status quo, and now, we're inviting all tech girlies, innovators, disruptors, and changemakers to join us for a day of power, progress, and possibility.

Why Attend? Because the Shift Starts With You

This year’s summit is more than just a conference; it’s a catalyst for change. We’re diving deep into the most pressing topics and trends shaping the industry and equipping you with the tools, insights, and community support to lead the charge:

✨ The Founder Journey: Unlock your entrepreneurial potential. Hear from trailblazing founders disrupting tech who are rewriting the rules and breaking down barriers.

✨ Wealth Generation & Innovation: Discover how Black women are building wealth and setting themselves up for retirement and generational wealth.

✨ Mastering Application & Interview Skills for 2025: Stand out with CV hacks and interview tricks tailored for the evolving digital landscape.

✨ Wellness & Mental Health: Learn how to prioritise your mental health amidst societal challenges, because sustainable success starts from within.

✨ Leadership & Career Growth: Break glass ceilings and ascend to decision-making roles because your voice belongs at the top.

✨ Content Creation & Digital Influence: Harness TikTok, LinkedIn, and beyond, to tell your story, influence industry narratives, and generate income; the creator economy is booming, and Black women are leading the charge.

✨ Networking Lunch with Industry Leaders: Connect over lunch with senior execs and decision-makers from Zalando and beyond. This is your chance to spark career-defining conversations, gain insider insights, and build relationships that open real doors.

✨ 1:1 Mentoring Zone: Pre-book a 20-minute session with influential Black women in tech who’ve been where you are. Whether you're job hunting, negotiating a salary, or eyeing a leadership move—get tailored advice and support from women who get it and are here to help you win.

Who is this for?

• All ambitious Black women in Europe and beyond ready to make the shift
• Aspiring tech professionals and entrepreneurs eager to upskill and level up
• Companies committed to diversifying their talent pipeline and leadership teams
• Allies advocating for systemic change in tech and beyond
• Creators, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of digital impact

What to expect on the day

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Arrival & Networking

9:30 AM – 9:45 AM Opening Remarks & Welcome: Host, Chiedza Muguti

Bio: Chiedza Muguti is a recognised product management expert with 17+ years of experience leading high-performing teams with compassion and intention. She specialises in creatively solving customer problems and delivering value that helps organisations achieve their goals. With a strong track record across startups, corporates, and global institutions, she brings a human-centred, strategic approach to product leadership. Chiedza is also a coach, dynamic event host, and sought-after speaker, known for translating complex ideas into engaging, practical insights. Whether on stage or in strategy sessions, she creates space for clarity, collaboration, and action that drives meaningful, lasting impact.

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM | Fireside Chat (Main Auditorium) Power in Action: Leading the Change and Shaping the Future for Black women

Description:

Kick off this year’s summit with an inspiring conversation with our opening speaker; a trailblazer whose influence has transformed industries and challenged societal norms. Through their story of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment, they exemplify how Black women are driving a powerful shift in places of societal impact. This dialogue will explore the journey of rewriting narratives, harnessing collective power, and unlocking limitless possibilities; setting the tone for a day of empowerment, progress, and bold leadership. Prepare to be inspired by a leader whose voice is shaping the future of business.

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Workshop (Main Auditorium)

Level Up Your Wealth: Black Women's Strategy for Financial Growth and Wealth Generation

Sponsored by: Belvdere Wealth Management

Belvedere Wealth Management is a boutique, independent financial advisory, offering unbiased financial planning and advice services.Established in 2017, we have grown to help clients achieve their financial goals through comprehensive, tailored planning services. Built on integrity, excellence and client focus, we deliver a holistic 360 client proposal on wealth creation through investment strategies, retirement, tax and estate planning. With a combined experience of forty-plus years, our advisers integrate every aspect of your financial life into a cohesive plan, providing peace of mind and a clear path to financial security.

Unlock the secrets to building lasting wealth with strategies tailored for Black women aiming to accelerate their financial growth. Did you know that Black women are among the most underrepresented in wealth accumulation, earning less, saving less, and facing employment gaps that hinder wealth-building.

This session explores practical tips for increasing income, investing wisely, overcoming systemic barriers, and creating solid financial foundations. Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to elevate your financial journey and turn aspirations into tangible assets. It’s time to level up and take control of your financial future.

Session led by:

Dineo Ledwaba-Chapman, Financial Adviser at Belvedere Wealth Management

Bio: Dineo is an experienced and dedicated Financial Planner who specialises in helping professional women take control of their financial futures and manage their wealth with confidence without the overwhelm. She delivers life-centred financial planning tailored to her clients’ goals, values, and aspirations. Her expertise encompasses investment management, tax and estate planning, risk mitigation, and financial coaching. A passionate advocate for empowering women through financial confidence, Dineo acts as a personal CFO to her clients, bringing clarity, structure, and peace of mind at every stage of their financial journey.

11:20 AM – 11:30 AM Break & Networking

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Panel Discussion (Main Auditorium)

Fueling Progress for Black Female Founders

Black female entrepreneurs face systemic barriers, receiving less than 0.2% of venture capital funding, yet they are redefining what’s possible. This panel explores how Black female founders can scale their businesses; whether through innovative funding models, bootstrapping, leveraging strategic partnerships, or community-based initiatives; beyond the traditional VC pathway. Learn how to harness resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness to grow impact-driven ventures, fuel progress, and reshape the entrepreneurial landscape. Discover ideas, strategies, and stories that empower Black women to lead, scale, and succeed on their own terms; because true power lies in expanding possibilities.

Speakers:

Aneri Pradhan, Founding Partner at Klimatic Ventures

Bio: Aneri Pradhan is an award-winning climate and clean energy ecosystem builder, with extensive experience in driving transformative solutions in 4 continents. Currently she is a Founding Partner at Klimatic Group, a venture clienting firm that accelerates climate tech deployments within the EU. As the founder of ENVenture, Africa's largest energy access accelerator, she spearheaded innovative efforts that brought clean energy to over 150,000 people in rural Ugandan communities by strengthening community-based distribution models

Cosima Richardson, Founder & CEO of Kynd Hair

Cosima Richardson is the founder of Kynd Hair, a Berlin-based startup developing plant-based, biodegradable braiding hair. With a background in marketing, Cosima launched Kynd Hair to solve a pressing problem for many Black women: the lack of safe, ethical, and environmentally responsible alternatives to synthetic and human hair. In 2024, she closed the company’s first fundraising round (500K+), securing notable investors such as Cosnova, one of the world’s largest makeup brands. Kynd Hair’s work has been featured in publications such as VOGUE and Harper’s Bazaar and was honored with the German Ecodesign Award, the country’s highest recognition for ecological design.

Leyla F Karaha, Founder, Your Y Network & Catalyst Noir

Leyla is a mentor, founder, and passionate community builder who believes in the power of tech for good. She started YourY Network to bring together changemakers from around the world and co-founded catalyst noir to support aspiring Black women tech founders. Driven by a vision of inclusive innovation, she also co-founded Equisscore, a mission driven emerging fund backing underrepresented founders in Europe building impact ventures. For over five years, Leyla has championed social innovation through Techstars Startup Weekend events in Dublin and Online. A DCU graduate, she now lends her voice to boards like Irish Social Enterprise Network and Rethink Ireland.

12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Panel Discussion (Main Auditorium)

Can We Talk for Real? A Sister Circle on Culture, Sector Challenges, and Society

Join us for an honest, unfiltered conversation in a dynamic talk show format; This Sister Circle brings together influential movers and shakers from popular culture across Europe to discuss the pressing cultural, sector-specific, and societal issues impacting Black women today. With candid insights, lively Q&A, and interactive dialogue, this session aims to shed light on the challenges, celebrate the wins, and explore actionable pathways forward. Come ready to listen, share, and be inspired to drive real change.

Speakers:

Liz Osumba, Product Designer at Zalando

Liz relocated from Kenya with her family three years ago for this role, and the journey has been full of both challenges and triumphs, balancing culture, seizing new opportunities, and embracing personal growth. Her experience navigating life and work in a new country has shaped her perspective on inclusion, representation, and the power of community. She's passionate about creating meaningful products and using my voice to drive change for Black women in tech.

Renee Kapuku, Co-Founder, To My Sisters & Author

Renee Kapuku is an award-winning creative entrepreneur, author, and speaker passionate about equity through education technology, social entrepreneurship, and community building. She co-founded To My Sisters, a thriving digital women’s development community spanning 131+ countries. The organisation has delivered sold-out live experiences for women worldwide, raised tens of thousands of pounds for women’s digital education, and amassed 10 million podcast downloads, 4 million YouTube views, and 171,000 followers. A Harvard and Oxford graduate, Renee has collaborated with Apple, Google, YouTube, and HarperCollins. She served as UK Head Delegate at the Y7 Summit, where she advocated policies on digital transformation, has represented UN Women, and received the prestigious Diana Award for Gender Equity.

more to be announced

Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM)

Lunch & Networking with leaders in technology and corporate

Afternoon Session breakout sessions

Attendees can choose from these engaging, trend-focused topics:

14:00-15:00

1. Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Black Women Leading the Change in Executive & Board Roles

In Europe, Black women represent approximately 3-4% of corporate leaders, yet they face disproportionately high barriers to accessing executive and board roles. Despite their growing influence in entrepreneurship and the workforce, Black women are significantly underrepresented in leadership positions holding less than 2% of executive and board roles across major European companies. Systemic bias, limited mentorship opportunities, and visibility gaps continue to restrict Black women’s progression into decision-making seats of power. This session explores innovative pathways, strategies for overcoming bias, and the importance of amplifying Black women’s leadership stories. By shifting perspectives and opening doors, we can accelerate progress toward a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable corporate landscape in Europe empowering Black women to lead and shape the future of business and society.

2.Resilience and Rising: Why Black Women in Europe Must Prioritise Mental Health in a Racist and Rising Fascist Society

Black women in Europe face unique mental health challenges fueled by systemic racism, xenophobia, and rising far-right extremism. Studies show that Black women are twice as likely to experience stress-related health issues compared to their white counterparts, with many citing experiences of racial discrimination, microaggressions, and societal exclusion as significant stressors. The European Parliament reports increasing incidents of hate crime and anti-Black rhetoric, which deeply impact mental well-being and safety. This session highlights the urgent need for Black women to prioritise their mental health, build resilience, and find safe spaces amidst an increasingly hostile environment. Together, we will explore strategies, resources, and community approaches to foster healing, strength, and empowerment in the face of societal adversity, because protecting mental health is essential to survival and systemic change

Speakers:

Edith Esong Enowbi, Roots2Roof Self-Confidence Coach

Bio: Edith Esong Enowbi is the visionary founder of Roots2Roof Self-confidence Coaching, a transformational methodology inspired by her own journey from Cameroon to Germany at the age of 19. With over 18 years as a Senior HR Manager, Edith blends professional expertise with soul-guided coaching to help individuals rise from self-doubt to confident self-expression. A certified self-confidence coach, agile transformation coach, Scrum Master, and certified trainer, she supercharges others to rebuild from within and thrive as their authentic selves. She unleashes a powerful message: confidence isn’t given, it’s grown-from the roots to the roof.

3. Content Creation & Building Influence: How Black Women Can Lead Industry Conversations on LinkedIn & TikTok

By 2025, the creator economy is projected to be worth over $250 billion globally, with platforms like TikTok leading the charge; its creator economy now generating an estimated $30 billion annually. TikTok creators earn an average of $20,000 to $40,000 per month through brand partnerships, monetization tools, and direct content sales, with top influencers earning hundreds of thousands, even millions. Meanwhile, LinkedIn engagement increased by over 35% in the past year, with data showing that industry experts who actively share insights can double their professional opportunities and visibility.

For Black women, this presents a powerful opportunity: crafting authentic, industry-focused content to influence, educate, and build communities while creating multiple revenue streams. This session will provide practical tips on building a compelling digital presence, leveraging platform algorithms, and turning content into a sustainable income all while shaping the narrative in tech, finance, and beyond.

15:00-16:00

1. AI & Automation: Unlocking Opportunities for Black Women in Tech

As AI continues to transform industries, it’s projected that by 2025, over 60% of jobs across sectors like finance, healthcare, and customer service will require some level of AI literacy. However, studies reveal that only about 5% of Black women currently possess advanced skills in AI and machine learning, a stark gap that limits access to high-growth roles.

With AI-driven roles expected to grow by over 25% annually, there’s an urgent need for Black women to upskill and position themselves as leaders in this landscape. Developing expertise in AI tools, data analysis, and ethical AI deployment can open doors to lucrative careers, entrepreneurship opportunities, and influence in shaping industry standards. This session will emphasize practical pathways for acquiring AI skills, overcoming barriers, and ensuring Black women are not left behind in the AI-driven economy of 2025 and beyond.

Speakers:

Furat Abdulle , Consultant, Avanade

Bio: Furat Abdulle is a Consultant for Data & AI at Avanade, a joint venture between Accenture and Microsoft. She has worked as an IT consultant for five years, enabling people to use data and AI technologies in ways that are understandable, relevant, and aligned with the needs of knowledge work and business goals. Her work focuses on business intelligence, AI tools, and custom solutions that support better decision-making and inclusive digital practices.

Her perspective is shaped by years of intersectional engagement in different roles, including with the UN Decade for People of African Descent. Most recently, she spoke at Feminist Fair Future about how AI relates to power, access, and inclusion—and how Black women and other marginalized communities bring inclusive and often innovative perspectives, shaped by their lived experience and expertise.

Outside of tech, she explores language and liberation as a spoken word artist and co-organizer of the format “Impulse Poetry” in Frankfurt.

Jane Waithira, Developer at SAP SE

Bio: Jane is an innovative problem-solver and technical leader who thrives on breaking down challenges into impactful solutions. She currently works as a Developer at SAP SE in Berlin and brings an engineering background plus experience as a Data Scientist at Safaricom PLC Kenya.

Jane specializes in building generative AI applications and machine learning models, creating foundational solutions that deliver lasting change. She believes we rise together through collaboration and shared determination.

2. Future-Proof Your Skills: Tech Trends & Skills Every Black Woman Needs in 2026 and beyond

By 2025, the digital economy is expected to grow exponentially, with over 70% of jobs requiring digital literacy, project management, and advanced communication skills. Key emerging trends include the rise of remote work, increased demand for data analysis, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, creating new pathways for career growth.

However, reports indicate that only 15% of Black women currently possess the full suite of these in-demand skills, highlighting a significant gap. As the workforce continues to evolve, acquiring knowledge in areas like data literacy, digital strategy, and remote collaboration is essential to staying competitive. This session will provide insights into which skills will be most valuable, practical steps for upskilling, and how Black women can leverage these trends to lead in their industries and future-proof their careers.

3. Foundational Skills: Crafting CVs, Applications & Nailing Interviews

In today’s competitive job market, your CV and interview skills can make all the difference. Data shows that over 70% of employers spend less than 60 seconds reviewing a CV, making it crucial to stand out from the crowd. Yet, studies also reveal that Black women are underrepresented in hiring pipelines due to systemic biases and gaps in application strategies.

This session arms you with practical tools to craft compelling CVs that highlight your unique strengths, tailor applications to meet industry expectations, and confidently excel in interviews. Learn how to effectively showcase your skills, experience, and potential, and turn interview nerves into opportunities to demonstrate your value. Whether you're entering the industry or seeking your next role, mastering these foundational skills is essential for crossing barriers, building confidence, and securing the opportunities you deserve.

Speakers:

Ibtehal Hussein, Global Talent Acquisition Team Lead - Tech (Berlin/US /Canada) at HelloFresh

Bio: With 17+ years of global experience in Talent Acquisition, Ibtehal specialises in building inclusive, scalable hiring strategies for high-growth companies. Her expertise spans recruitment operations, DEI-focused frameworks, employer branding, and coaching TA leaders to lead high-performing teams. She's passionate about empowering women in business—helping them grow their visibility, influence, and personal brand, especially through LinkedIn. Beyond her core work, she actively contributes to communities and speaks on inclusive hiring, leadership, and women’s career advancement. Her mission is to drive equity in the workplace while equipping leaders and organizations with the tools to attract and retain top, diverse talent

(More to be announced)

16:00-16:15 BREAK

16:15-17:00 Panel Discussion (Main Auditorium)

Thriving in Digital Media: Black Women Leading the Future of Content and Innovation

Digital media is rapidly transforming the way we communicate, create, and consume content; expected to be a $800 billion global industry by 2025. It encompasses social media, content creation, influencer marketing, podcasting, and emerging platforms like TikTok and Clubhouse, offering numerous roles from content strategist to digital entrepreneur.

Black women are increasingly thriving in this dynamic sector, leveraging their unique voices to build influence, foster communities, and create income streams. Studies show that Black women content creators are among the fastest-growing demographics on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with top influencers earning lucrative brand deals reaching six figures annually. This panel features leading Black women shaping the future of digital media, sharing insights into the opportunities, challenges, and strategies for success in this booming industry.

Join us to hear firsthand how Black women are not just participating but leading innovation and redefining media in the digital age.

Speakers are:

Sally Osei, Creator Manager at Zalando

Bio: Sally has a strong background in project and campaign management across E-Commerce campaigns and influencer marketing. She has led creative, cross-functional campaigns for global brands and now focuses on connecting creators with meaningful brand opportunities. Passionate about diversifying the creator landscape, Sally advocates for increased visibility and equity for underrepresented voices in digital media. Through her work and community involvement, including initiatives like AiDiA Pitch, she is committed to shaping a more inclusive future in the industry- one that reflects the richness and range of today’s audiences and creators.

Leanne Alie, Executive Producer and leader in Podcasting

Leanne is a multi-award-winning Executive Producer and creative leader in podcasting, recognised for championing diverse voices and making the audio industry more equitable. Her career spans production, development and commissioning, including serving as Head of Podcasts at The Artist Partnership, one of the UK’s leading talent agencies, where she is launching shows with some of the country’s most celebrated actors, writers and directors. At the BBC, she spearheaded development and commissioning on acclaimed podcasts such as Pressed, Constantly Evolving with Eve and Brown Girls Do It Too. She also created Swipe Your Sign, a Black Queer dating podcast and founded BBC Sounds’ groundbreaking Audio Lab, an incubator for under-represented creators. Leanne is the creator and host of Coiled, her award-winning documentary podcast exploring Afro Hair.

(more to be announced)

5:00 PM Closing Keynote from SAP SE

5:30-7:00PM The After-party!!!

Join us for building meaningful connections, great music, fun and drinks!

Join us, and be part of the movement!

The Shift isn’t just a theme—it’s a call for action. It’s about harnessing our collective power, pushing forward to new levels of success, and unlocking boundless possibilities. Together, we will challenge industries, rewrite narratives, and build a future where Black women lead, innovate, and thrive.