Kanvas x Vogue
Presents
Echoes & Futures
An AfroTech Partner Exhibit
An exploration of access, systems, and identity — the architecture of innovation.
Access & Origins
A celebration of access as the foundation of innovation.
Innovation begins with access. This space honors the visionaries who opened pathways for learning, creativity, and discovery — turning curiosity into collective progress. Their work redefined how the world connects to knowledge and opportunity, proving that inclusion is not an afterthought but the starting point of advancement.
Through their contributions in education, design, science, and culture, they made technology more human and more reflective of the communities it serves. From the mathematical precision that guides our satellites to the creative design that shapes what we drive and wear, their influence continues to echo across generations.
Figures
- Dr. Gladys West — Mathematician and GPS geodesy pioneer whose Earth-modeling work made satellite navigation possible.
- Aisha Bowe — Aerospace engineer and entrepreneur, founder of STEMBoard & LINGO, bridging STEM education and aerospace innovation.
- Emeline King — First Black woman transportation designer at Ford Motor Company, blending automotive design and cultural heritage.
- Morgan DeBaun — Founder & CEO of Blavity Inc. and AfroTech, building digital platforms that amplify Black innovation and entrepreneurship.
Systems & Infrastructure
Exploring the structures that sustain progress.
Behind every great innovation lies structure. This space recognizes the builders who transformed complexity into clarity — designing systems that make the world work more efficiently, equitably, and intelligently.
Their ideas span automation, artificial intelligence, commerce, and leadership — proof that infrastructure is more than engineering; it’s empathy at scale. Each contribution demonstrates how fairness, accessibility, and foresight can be written directly into the architecture of modern technology.
Figures
- Richard Robinson — CEO of Robin AI, leading accessible legal-tech automation and equity in digital law.
- Tope Awotona — Founder & CEO of Calendly, redefining productivity infrastructure and democratizing access to time management.
- Dawn Dickson — Founder & CEO of PopCom, integrating hardware, software, and data to build the future of automated retail.
- Anjuan Simmons — Engineering leader at GitHub and inclusion advocate, applying agile frameworks to empower teams and communities.
Futures & Identity
Designing the next frontier where technology meets humanity.
The future is not a destination — it’s an unfolding reflection of who we are. This space honors the creators designing technology that amplifies identity rather than erases it.
Their work lives at the intersection of culture, data, and design — where blockchain meets fashion, where artificial intelligence meets ethics, and where presence extends beyond the physical. They are building tools that mirror individuality, protect authenticity, and expand how humanity sees itself in the digital age.
Figures
- Tristan Walker — Founder of Walker & Company (Bevel), redefining representation and authenticity in consumer technology.
- Iddris Sandu — Founder of Spatial Labs (LNQ), backed by Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners; designer of Nipsey Hussle’s Marathon “smart store” and architect of the spatial web.
- Dr. Timnit Gebru — Founder of DAIR Institute and co-founder of Black in AI, leading global efforts in ethical artificial intelligence and algorithmic accountability.
- Asmau Ahmed — Engineer and founder of Plum Perfect, an early pioneer of AI-powered visual search and data-driven personalization in beauty tech.