In 2024, Christine Izuakor spoke at AFROTECH™ Conference for the first time. She also hosted a small dinner on the side.
“I was just scratching the surface of exploring how I could create space for multifaceted professionals to connect through curated conversations,” the founder and CEO of Rauk AI told AFROTECH™. “I hosted a small dinner at one restaurant to test the waters.”
From One Restaurant to Dozens
The idea took off. In 2025, the dinners became an official AFROTECH™ Conference event partnership, with gatherings at dozens of restaurants across Houston.
This year, Izuakor launched monthly virtual networking roundtables, and she’s returning to AFROTECH™ 2026 as an event partner.
A Different Kind of Business Focus
The work is a change of pace for her.
“This is quite a shift from my prior focus which was mainly on cybersecurity business growth, margin goals, and investor ROI,” Izuakor said. “Those things are important in any business.”
Now, she said, she has the freedom to put her energy into human connection and conversation, and she’s found that results come more easily when she pursues what matters to her.
Why AFROTECH™
“AFROTECH™ is by far my favorite tech community,” she said. “There’s power in having a space where you can show up as your full self, without having to perform or code-switch, and feel empowered to reach your full potential.”
Her advice for attendees follows the same thinking that grew one dinner into a partnership.
“Focus less on what looks good to do and more on what is good to do,” Izuakor said. “I’ve learned that there’s a difference between proving you can do something and choosing to do something because it truly matters to you.”
Buy Your Ticket Today
Whether you’re building a company, growing your career or looking for your people, AFROTECH™ 2026 is where it happens. Join us Nov. 2-5, 2026, in Houston, TX, for the conference’s 10th year. Lock in your tickets today!