The AT&T Rising Future Makers Showcase empowers exceptional HBCU students in many ways, including through the power of mentorship. The innovative program connects accomplished industry leaders with the next generation of innovators to help take their dreams to new heights.
Since 2021, AT&T has invited students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to apply to become a Rising Future Maker (RFM). It’s a chance to showcase remarkable young people who are shaping a brighter future. Selected students receive direct funding, a tech pack and access to groundbreaking opportunities including one-on-one mentorship.
Ready to learn more? This fall, check out brand-new episodes of The Futurist, an inspiring two-part series shining a light on AT&T Rising Future Makers alumni who share how the program has opened doors to life-changing opportunities and equipped them with the insight and access to elevate their dreams.
Here, we highlight two inspiring mentors that have connected with two AT&T Rising Future Makers alumni to guide them in the next steps of their professional journeys.
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The Mentor: Imani Ellis, Founder and CEO of CultureCon
Imani Ellis is the mastermind behind CultureCon, the annual conference of Black and Brown creatives that draws thousands of attendees from coast to coast. As the founder and CEO of The Creative Collective (TheCCNYC), the organizer of CultureCon, Ellis has created a dynamic space for diverse creatives, entrepreneurs, community organizers and industry experts to connect, share and get inspired. From dreaming up the first-of-its-kind ideas conference in her Harlem apartment back in 2016, Ellis has developed CultureCon into the largest gathering celebrating Black and Brown creatives and the culture. Ellis herself has received numerous accolades for her inspiring work. She was recognized among 18 Black leaders closing the racial wealth gap by numerous publications for her visionary work.
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The Rising Future Maker: Amber Anderson, Class of 2022
Amber Anderson is a member of the Rising Future Makers class of 2022 who is doing big things in her hometown of Chicago and beyond. Anderson graduated from Hampton University with a degree in Strategic Communication and a minor in Leadership Studies. There, she won the title of the 65th Miss Hampton University and was a member of a notable sorority serving as Chapter Journalist and Social Committee Co-chair. As a sophomore in high school, Anderson launched Black is Gold, a peer mentoring organization on a mission to empower young Black women and girls on their college and career journeys. Under Anderson’s leadership, the Chicago-based nonprofit has grown beyond the Windy City, offering programming in Hampton Roads, Virginia, the Atlanta metro area and DeKalb County, Illinois.
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The Mentor: Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, Founder and President of PLC Detroit
Dr. D’Wayne Edwards is an accomplished designer with over three decades in the fashion industry. Edwards began his career designing footwear for a classic American shoe company at the age of 19. Since then, the influential designer has become a fixture in footwear fashion. His styles have been worn by hip-hop icons and sports greats. Dr. Edwards is also president of the first design-focused HBCU, the Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC Detroit). His extensive list of accomplishments and accolades also include establishing the first U.S. Black-owned footwear factory.
Source: AT&T / AT&T
The Rising Future Maker: Oluade Swan, Class of 2023
Oluade Swan is a Hampton University graduate and member of the AT&T Rising Future Makers class of 2023. The Atlanta native earned a degree in Strategic Communication with a minor in Marketing at the storied Virginia HBCU. Swan was an active member of his campus community where he was a part of an esteemed fraternity and served as two-time Class President. Swan’s mission is to harness his creativity and gift for leadership to leave a positive impact on his community. Since graduating from Hampton, Swan completed a Graphic Design certification at PLC Detroit and most recently collaborated with AT&T Dream In Black to design their HBCU Homecoming themed merchandise for the fall.
Catch New Episodes of ‘The Futurist’
This October, tune in to all-new episodes of The Futurist, featuring Dr. D’Wayne, Oluade, Imani and Amber. Each mentor-student duo will engage in fascinating discussions about their respective journeys and how each AT&T Rising Future Maker aspires to transform their industries for a better future, building on the rich foundation laid by their HBCU backgrounds.
Watch The Futurist at https://globalgrind.com/hbculove. New episodes premiere on October 22.
About AT&T Rising Future Makers
AT&T is proud to highlight these inspiring individuals through the annual Rising Future Makers Showcase. As a longtime supporter of HBCUs, AT&T equips upcoming generations for success by honoring future-focused HBCU students with funding, mentorship and life-changing opportunities. Through the power of connectivity, AT&T is fueling their ambitions in a real way.
HBCU students, are you ready to take your dreams to new heights? Apply now — $5,000 and more could be yours. Submit a video or written entry for a chance to win $5,000, a tech pack, and access to door-opening connections. Submissions for the 2024 contest will close on November 2nd, 2024.
To learn more about how AT&T is recognizing and celebrating HBCUs through the AT&T Rising Future Makers Showcase, visit https://www.att.com/rfmshowcase.
