In the United States, when a person thinks of Black History Month, there are a few national influences that come to mind, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, or the NAACP. The great work done by those before us has not come without sacrifice. However, as we strive for continued progress, there is an opportunity to reflect on the work done locally to influence our communities daily. I can think of no better place to start than the Employee Resource Group (ERG) that I belong to, Black AvePoint Excellence (BAE). As one of the first ERGs founded at AvePoint, the goal of BAE is to provide a space for all individuals to come together and appreciate the culture and diversity here at AvePoint, but also inspire change internally and around the world.

This Black History Month, I want to reflect on BAE’s progress in 2023 and share what the future looks like as we continue to execute our mission.

Juneteenth Celebration

Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1963, but the results of the executive order would not be seen for nearly two years later, when the final slaves would be notified of their freedom in Galveston, Texas. A combination of the words “June” and “Nineteenth”, the holiday has been unofficially celebrated in the United States for decades before officially becoming a federal holiday in 2021.

Since then, BAE has actively celebrated with the community by hosting an annual event. Previous iterations involved barbecues in the community but in 2023, there was a shift. In collaboration with Bravo Consulting Group, a Washington DC-based minority-owned small business and AvePoint partner, we held a formal dinner as a fundraiser, with proceeds being donated to the African Diaspora College Access Program, a nonprofit organization that specializes in making higher education more accessible for first generation immigrant students.

Community and Youth Outreach

BAE commits to giving back to its communities in the ways that benefit them most. In 2023, this was represented through a local food drive. Across three sites in the United States, BAE led a fundraising drive not just among our ERG, but with AvePoint colleagues and raised money for the NCCF providing valuable sustenance to populations that lack food security in the Washington DC metroplex area.

In addition to community outreach, BAE takes a special interest in investing in the world’s most valuable resources, its children. In the United Kingdom, our local BAE chapter based in our London office partnered with StepNow, which focuses on advancing the lives of the youth through exposure to the experiences in the technology sector. In the United States, BAE has continued its commitment to enhancing the experiences of the underrepresented by sponsoring a Partner Experience Intern for eight weeks to work in the Arlington, VA office. Further investments include the donation of a $2,500 scholarship to a student at Virginia Commonwealth University, who remains a valued partner in the mission of BAE. With high academic and professional achievement, our recipient will continue to make great strides in the world of medical technology.

Professional Networking

BAE also expanded its functional network of partners by attending the Black Tech Awards, hosted in London. The opportunity to attend and make waves at industry events creates lasting connections between BAE and some of the largest companies in their industries, including Morgan Stanley, Microsoft, PwC, and Salesforce. In addition, BAE was also successful in becoming a partner in the Black Professionals in Tech Network (BPTN), focusing on the expansion of minority-focused DEI initiatives through making tech roles more accessible.

Looking Ahead in 2024

As we enter 2024, BAE’s commitment to making a meaningful impact on our communities is more ambitious than ever. The past year has seen significant strides in fostering inclusivity and diversity within the tech industry, thanks to the hard work and innovation of our outstanding employees and partners. Our achievements are a testament to our dedication, but they also remind us that there is more to accomplish. We are proud of the culture we’ve nurtured, where diversity is celebrated, and everyone’s voice is valued.

Looking forward, our focus remains to empower the next generation by exposing them to new technologies and creating unprecedented job opportunities. We believe investing in young talent is not just about shaping the industry’s future, but also about contributing to a more diverse and inclusive world. In 2024 and beyond, BAE is dedicated to leading with purpose, challenging the status quo, and building a legacy of excellence. Together, we aim to advance diversity, inclusion, and equality in tech, setting new standards for what is possible when we unite in our efforts.

AvePoint continues to grow to new heights, taking on new challenges with agility, passion, and teamwork. BAE continues to do the same in minority communities, sowing the seeds of opportunity to bloom into trees of success in the lives of all who are impacted. I’m proud to be part of an organization like AvePoint that gives us the opportunity and support to make an impact on our local communities in meaningful way.