The Futurist, a series that highlights trailblazing HBCU students and alumni, returns to spotlight the incredible young leaders shaping a brighter future through the AT&T Rising Future Makers Showcase.

This annual showcase celebrates students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. Selected students receive direct funding, a tech pack, and access to transformative opportunities including mentorship and events.

“AT&T Rising Future Makers is an opportunity for HBCU students or alum like myself where AT&T spotlights HBCU students for the amazing things they are doing in the community and on their campus,” said Amber Anderson, a Hampton University graduate and member of the AT&T Rising Future Makers class of 2022.

‘The Futurist’ Episode One: Amber Anderson & Imani Ellis

In episode one of The Futurist, Anderson and Imani Ellis, CEO of CultureCon, got together on the Hampton University campus to connect over their shared passion for entrepreneurship and building community.

As the founder and CEO of CultureCon, the community conference for Black creative professionals and entrepreneurs, Ellis understands the significance of bringing people together in the spirit of moving the culture forward.

“Connecting with someone like Imani is that reminder that community and having a village is very important,” said Anderson.

Anderson and Ellis sat down to chat about their respective journeys and how AT&T Rising Future Makers has elevated Anderson’s vision for Black is Gold, her peer mentoring organization on a mission to empower young Black women.

“We focus on preparing young Black women and girls in high school and college for their careers — focusing on professional development, personal development, making sure they’re leaders in their community and that they have access to mental health resources as well,” said Anderson. “The impact that I hope we have is that we are a safe space for Black women and girls, where they can be their authentic selves — a safe space where they feel they are able to grow and develop into the woman, the leader and the professional they aspire to be.”

Ellis, who just wrapped another successful CultureCon conference in Brooklyn, New York, reflected on the journey of building this vibrant community through the power of connection. “We started with 10 people in my living room, to a conference that’s now 10,000 people. The community comes in and makes it something even better than you ever imagined,” said Ellis. “Connections are everything. When you’re networking, lead with curiosity. That way, it’s built on an authentic connection.”

AT&T Dream in Black Gives Back to Hampton University

To celebrate Anderson’s incredible journey thus far, AT&T Dream in Black donated $5,000 to the Hampton School of Business, “so that the next generation of entrepreneurs can follow your footsteps and create ambitious dreams for themselves,” said Ellis.

“What AT&T Dream in Black did here today at Hampton University is so important,” said Anderson. “It’s very important that we invest in HBCU entrepreneurs and their dreams, making sure that they’re becoming a reality.”

The Hampton grad is taking her dreams to new heights with AT&T Rising Future Makers. “All of the lessons that I learned from spending the day with Imani will definitely be passed down to my mentees,” said Anderson. “We emphasized the importance of building community and making sure that your ideas are coming to life. I’m dreaming big to be able to expand Black is Gold to more college campuses and make sure that women who look like me have access to safe spaces where they can be their authentic selves.”

Stay Tuned for Episode Two of ‘The Futurist’

Tune in to the next episode of The Futurist, an inspiring series shining a light on AT&T Rising Future Makers alumni and how the program has opened doors to life-changing opportunities to help elevate their dreams. Watch The Futurist at https://globalgrind.com/hbculove.

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 future leaders for success by providing HBCU change-makers 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.