As artificial intelligence continues to integrate itself into the workplace and world, LeMoyne-Owen College (LOC) is making sure its students and community are adapting to a tech-powered environment.
The college hosted their Next in Tech Conference on Friday, September 19th, which focused on cybersecurity and AI. Attendees heard from different panelists, learned more about the changing tech landscape, and had the opportunity to pitch in a hackathon competition.
Gerald Keys, chief arts officer of The Ludacris Foundation, served as the keynote speaker.
Keys said that AI allows for people to get results in their endeavors whether it’s information, proof of concepts, and more. He said the world has been using it for years in terms of Siri and smartwatches, and the way we navigate different platforms.
Kimberly Bailey, vice president of information technology and chief information officer at LOC, said that cybersecurity makes sure all systems in place are secure.
The timing of the conference and LeMoyne’s push for increased awareness and training on cybersecurity and AI is noteworthy for a number of reasons. Not only is the school positioned to serve Black and brown students and community members, but the event coincides with an increased focus on Memphis’ tech presence.
“I feel like we’ll be an outstanding tech hub not just now, but in the future,” Bailey said.“We want to make sure our audience, students, and community are ready, and that we have the right voices around us to talk about what is possible in tech.”
AI has opened the door for possibilities, as well as concerns, Keys said it is important to note that with any new technology there will be a “pain point” such as loss of jobs or transition.
He encouraged people to look past these things to see opportunities for what collaboration can create in conjunction with these tools.
“With Memphis being an emerging city in tech, I think there’s a great opportunity for people to learn,” Keys said. “Right now is really about information and how people can apply the information to their everyday lives to understand that there are revenue opportunities whether you work for a company or yourself.”
Bailey added that they don’t want people to be fearful when technology is involved. She said they want to make sure their audience “embraces” new technology through information and exposure.
LOC’s summit not only involved current students, but there were also sessions for people 50 and up. Bailey said these sessions helped seniors and alumni to learn about technology.
“There [was] a great benefit to it being multigenerational,” Keys added. “The youth and elders [were] able to come together to share ideas. Those pieces of information can unlock so much history that you can turn into new ideas.”
The conference sought to prepare students to contribute to Memphis’ growing tech workforce.
“You can’t really do any job without any technical introduction or technical impact,” Bailey said. “Our students will be ready, informed, and we will have the exposure to amazing individuals like Gerald Keys to make sure we’re always in the conversation when tech is mentioned in Memphis.”
