Diversity in Tech: Exclusive Interview with Temanté Leary and Kwamara Thompson on BITE-CON’s Vision, Impact, and Future

BITE-CON stands out as a bold initiative for diversity in tech. It was launched by Temanté Leary in 2022 with a mission to reshape the technological landscape for underserved communities. As Founder and Executive Director, Temanté envisioned a platform that empowers Black and Brown individuals by bridging the gap to emerging technologies like AI, Web3, and Blockchain. He drew on his Microsoft experience to spark innovation.

Since its inception, BITE-CON has grown into a dynamic force. It offers workshops, certifications, and networking opportunities that equip participants to lead in tech’s fast-evolving world. Kwamara Thompson, Chief Strategic Officer and a passionate activist, enhances this vision. She contributes her strategic expertise and commitment to equity, rooted in her work with initiatives like “I am a Black Woman, Yes I Matter.”

Together, they’ve crafted a movement that tackles systemic barriers head-on. They foster an inclusive tech ecosystem where underrepresented voices thrive. We sat down with them to explore BITE-CON’s unique journey, its ambitious goals for empowering diverse talent, and its transformative impact on diversity in tech.

Inception and Mission

Mr. Temanté, What inspired you to establish BITE-CON, and how has its mission evolved since its inception in 2022?

“Great question. With the rapid pace and advancements in technologies related to AI, Web3, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, the Metaverse, Esports and AR/VR/XR, it was imperative to create BITE-CON to educate, increase awareness and provide access to these technologies particularly for people from underserved and underrepresented communities so no one is left behind.”

Ms. Kwamara, As Chief Strategic Officer, how have you contributed to shaping BITE-CON’s mission to effectively serve Black and Brown communities in the tech industry?

“Great question. Last year, we did our first annual BITE-CON week, a week’s worth of activities designed to ensure accessibility and inclusivity in the tech space. We supported Black owned businesses and predominantly Black communities throughout the week. It was a great success with a total of

• 600 registrations for the week
• 60 + speakers/founders
• 5+ Premium sponsors
• 8+ Black Owned Venues and Business Owners
• 10+ Vendors in Art and Technology
• 25 + Black owned businesses supported
  We also hosted our Road to BITE-CON series, which were monthly free workshops across Miami Dade County.”

Conference Objectives and Impact

Temanté and Kwamara, Could you elaborate on the primary goals of BITE-CON 2025? What strategies do you employ to engage and educate communities about emerging technologies such as Web3, NFTs, the Metaverse, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency?

Temanté Leary: “The theme of BITE-CON 2025 is Immersive Futures: Bridging Technology and Culture. It is important to us that everyone has access and knowledge of emerging technologies; and that they also have the opportunity to upskill their technology skills in order to get to the next level in their tech career, pivot into a tech field, or help them in their entrepreneurial/consulting journey.”

Kwamara Thompson: “We have interactive workshops at the conference and throughout the week. We have partnered with Microsoft’s Innovation Challenge to provide the opportunities for people to obtain their Azure certifications at no cost. We have vendors showcasing their technologies and panelists sharing their expertise. They are opportunities to network and create meaningful connections.”

Event Highlights and Trends

Temanté and Kwamara, What are some of the key themes, speaker panels, and workshops planned for BITE-CON 2025? How do they align with current trends in technology and entertainment?

Temanté Leary: “BITE-CON 2025 is centered around the theme of innovation, access, and ownership in the evolving landscape of technology and entertainment. This year, we’re excited to present dynamic speaker panels and hands-on workshops that reflect the most pressing trends shaping our industries today—Artificial Intelligence, Web3, Blockchain, Gaming, and the Metaverse.”

Kwamara Thompson: “Key themes include Generative AI and Microsoft Copilot, with top experts discussing how these tools are revolutionizing work and creativity. Our panels will explore inclusive innovation, the rise of the creator economy, and how Black and Brown communities can take ownership of their voices, brands, and businesses using emerging technologies. Attendees can look forward to sessions on blockchain for real-world applications, quantum computing and cybersecurity, and leveraging AI for financial empowerment and business growth. We’re also showcasing the growing influence of gaming and esports as gateways to tech careers, and the power of podcasting as a platform for storytelling and leadership. Each workshop and panel is curated to ensure attendees leave with not just inspiration, but real, applicable knowledge—making BITE-CON 2025 not just a conference, but a catalyst for empowerment and transformation in tech and entertainment.”

BITE-CON 2025 boosts diversity in tech through these efforts.

Staying Ahead of Technology Trends

Temanté and Kwamara, With the rapid evolution of technologies like artificial intelligence and extended reality, how does BITE-CON stay ahead of trends? How do you prepare attendees for future shifts in the industry?

Temanté Leary: “At BITE-CON, we don’t just follow tech trends—we’re building the pipeline for who gets to shape them. As technologies like artificial intelligence, extended reality, and Web3 continue to evolve at lightning speed, we make it our mission to ensure Black and Brown communities aren’t left playing catch-up—they’re leading. We bring together innovators and educators who are on the front lines of these shifts to deliver hands-on workshops and visionary panels. Whether it’s unlocking the power of Microsoft Copilot, exploring the metaverse, or understanding how AI can drive financial and business transformation, our attendees leave with not just knowledge, but real-world tools to thrive in the tech space. BITE-CON is about more than staying current—it’s about preparing our communities to own the future.”

Kwamara Thompson: “Both Temanté and I are very much versed in the tech world, especially here in South Florida. We have ties in k12 education, post secondary education as well as the startup tech entrepreneurial ecosystem. Being immersed in those communities helps Temanté and I understand what are the future trends, help shape policies, and ensure that BITE-CON can offer the latest trainings and certifications around these emerging technologies.”

Organizational Growth and Leadership

Mr. Temanté, With your experience at Microsoft and as a content developer, how do you incorporate industry insights into BITE-CON’s growth and initiatives?

“My experience at Microsoft and in tech content development has given me a front-row seat to how innovation truly happens—and more importantly, who often gets left out of those conversations. At BITE-CON, I bring those industry insights directly into our strategy by ensuring we’re not just highlighting emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, or Web3—we’re translating them into real opportunities for our community. We design our panels, workshops, and immersive experiences with the same intentionality you’d find at leading tech conferences, but through a culturally relevant lens that reflects our audience. It’s about bridging the gap between Silicon Valley and underserved voices, and making sure our people are informed, prepared, and positioned to lead. That’s how BITE-CON continues to grow—not just in size, but in impact.”

Ms. Kwamara, As a social entrepreneur and founder of initiatives like “I am a Black Woman, Yes I Matter,” how do you integrate principles of equitable, empathetic, and human-centered leadership into BITE-CON’s strategic growth plans?

“Culture is so important both to the external experiences BITE-CON creates but also the internal within which we operate. We have been blessed to have a strong team of volunteers and interns over the years that continues to grow. I definitely attribute this to the fact that our culture is human-centered first and foremost. We operate with deep understanding and honor of our team’s lived experiences. We extend grace and empathy. Our interns sit in on our leadership team meetings and are given opportunities to propose ideas and lead aspects of our work.”

Bridging Innovation and Cultural Identity

Temanté and Kwamara, How do you ensure that BITE-CON’s innovative aspects are grounded in the cultural identity and historical experiences of Black and Brown communities?

Temanté Leary: “BITE-CON is intentionally designed to reflect and honor the cultural identity and historical experiences of Black and Brown communities. We achieve this by embedding our stories, struggles, and triumphs into every aspect of the conference. We prioritize showcasing Black and Brown leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in technology as keynote speakers, panelists, and workshop facilitators. Their lived experiences and cultural perspectives are central to the content, ensuring attendees see themselves reflected in the tech industry and are inspired by relatable role models.”

Kwamara Thompson: “Our programming is designed to address the unique challenges faced by Black and Brown communities, such as systemic barriers to education, access to capital, and underrepresentation in leadership roles. We offer workshops and panels that provide actionable solutions, such as navigating bias in the workplace, building generational wealth through tech careers, and leveraging community networks for success. We collaborate with HBCUs, community organizations, and grassroots initiatives to ensure the conference reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. These partnerships help us stay grounded in the cultural identity of Black and Brown communities while amplifying their voices and priorities. BITE-CON integrates cultural elements into the conference experience, such as highlighting Black and Brown-owned businesses, featuring culturally inspired tech innovations, and incorporating art, music, and storytelling that resonate with attendees. This creates a space where participants feel seen, valued, and celebrated.”

Overcoming Challenges

Temanté and Kwamara, What have been some of the biggest challenges in organizing BITE-CON over the years? How have you addressed them to ensure the conference’s success?

Temanté Leary: “As a new nonprofit, securing consistent funding and sponsorships has been a significant challenge. To address this, we emphasized the business case for diversity, highlighting research that shows diverse teams drive innovation and profitability. We also leveraged our growing track record of success, including partnerships with Fortune 50 companies and the impact of our programming, to build credibility and attract sponsors. Additionally, we diversified our revenue streams by offering services like business recruiting, student recruiting, and workforce development training.”

Kwamara Thompson: “In addition, many of the individuals we aim to serve face systemic barriers, such as financial constraints, limited access to resources, and a lack of representation in tech. To address this, we made BITE-CON as accessible as possible by offering scholarships, free or low-cost tickets, and virtual attendance options. We also designed programming that directly addresses these barriers, such as mentorship opportunities, job placement support, and partnerships with businesses committed to hiring diverse talent.”

Fostering Diversity in Tech

Temanté and Kwamara, What initiatives does BITE-CON implement to create a more inclusive space within the tech industry? How do you measure the impact of these efforts?

Temanté Leary: “BITE-CON offers paid internships and apprenticeships. These programs provide real-world experience, mentorship, and professional development, helping participants transition into tech roles while addressing the lack of representation in the industry. In addition, we provide full and partial scholarships for tech certifications, bootcamps, and other training programs, making education more accessible for economically disadvantaged individuals. By reducing financial barriers, we empower participants to gain the skills needed for high-paying tech careers.”

Kwamara Thompson: “BITE-CON collaborates with businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to create a robust tech talent pipeline. These partnerships ensure that our programs align with industry needs while providing participants with access to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship. Through workshops, speaking engagements, podcasts, and events, BITE-CON raises awareness about opportunities in tech and inspires individuals from underrepresented communities to pursue careers in the industry. We also work with HBCUs, high schools, and bootcamps to reach students early in their educational journeys. BITE-CON is also becoming a certified workforce development provider, offering training and certifications that prepare participants for in-demand tech roles. These programs are designed to upskill career transformers and relaunchers, helping them transition into the tech industry. We measure our impact by the number of diverse people served, increase in salaries, referrals, and participant feedback through surveys. This data-driven approach allows us to refine our programs, scale our impact, and remain a leader in creating a more inclusive tech industry.”

Future Vision for BITE-CON

Temanté and Kwamara, Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of BITE-CON? How do you envision the conference shaping the evolution of technology and financial empowerment within diverse communities?

Temanté Leary: “Looking ahead, our vision for BITE-CON is to evolve it into a year-round ecosystem for innovation, education, and empowerment. We’re building more than just a conference—we’re creating a movement that ensures Black and Brown communities are not only present in the future of tech and finance, but leading it. I see BITE-CON becoming a national hub where culture meets code, where financial empowerment is fueled by digital literacy, and where ownership—of ideas, data, and wealth—is prioritized. Whether it’s teaching entrepreneurs how to leverage AI to scale their business, exposing youth to careers in gaming and Web3, or helping creators monetize their voices through podcasting and IP, our goal is to equip our community with the tools and network to thrive. Long-term, we envision BITE-CON shaping policies, inspiring tech education initiatives, and opening doors to funding, careers, and partnerships that historically haven’t been within reach. This is about creating a future where innovation is equitable—and we’re just getting started.”

Kwamara Thompson: “We see BITE-CON as a model for an inclusive and accessible tech ecosystem, not only here in South Florida but globally. We want to ensure that when epicenters of tech, innovation and funding converge that there is no one left behind, especially those who have lived in these communities for generations. We want to connect the diverse tech ecosystems that are being created throughout the United States and around the world.”