Black Tech Symposium Keynote: Fearless Innovation by Rona Bunn, CIO

#### “Fearless Innovation: Bringing Your Entrepreneurial Mindset to the Tech Table” (Turning bold ideas into transformative impact—right where you are.)

In today’s fast-moving technology landscape, the leaders who thrive aren’t just skilled operators—they think like entrepreneurs. They spot opportunities before others do, run fearless experiments, make the most of limited resources, and adapt quickly to change. Entrepreneurial thinking isn’t limited to founders; it’s a mindset that empowers every technology leader and aspiring leader to shape the future from any seat at the table.

In this inspiring and practical session, Rona Bunn—award-winning CIO, founder of BlueJewelz, and creator of transformative digital experiences—shares how to apply the entrepreneurial mindset inside large organizations, startups, and everything in between. Drawing on real-world leadership stories, as well as her own journey launching a wearable tech company before the Apple Watch, Rona reveals the core competencies that set entrepreneurial leaders apart.

Attendees will leave with:
• A clear understanding of the entrepreneurial leadership mindset.
• Practical examples of how to apply it in their own roles.
• Inspiration to take bold, customer-focused action—starting next week.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an up-and-coming technologist, this talk will challenge you to think bigger, act faster, and turn your ideas into real impact.

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The 2nd Annual DC Metro Black Tech Symposium highlights the success and possibilities of Black technologists and their allies. This learning, networking, and empowerment event is packed with six keynote presenters, 45 learning sessions, 5 evening 2.5 hour workshops, and multiple virtual “speed-networking” sessions.

Three-day attendance passes range from $47.50 to $57.50 for FULL ACCESS. All tickets support our 501(c)3 nonprofit purpose.
https://bit.ly/DCMII-BTS

Session presentations include:
- Starting and succeeding as a consultant with government contracting
- Interviewing at your best
- Resilient leadership
- Model based system engineering
- Breaking into tech
- Getting your first customer
- Influence strategies for tech leaders
- Building applications with no or low code
- AI: embracing agents, mitigating prejudice and crafting effective prompts
- Threat detection using Splunk
- Upskilling as a project manager
- Why Black voices matter in cybersecurity
- Multiplying your success through mentor advocacy