AfroTech 2025: Advancing the Future of Black Men’s Wellness PDX

Written By Darrell Wade

This year, Darrell Wade and Arya Morman proudly represented Black Men’s Wellness PDX at AfroTech 2025—one of the nation’s most influential gatherings for Black innovators, technologists, and community changemakers. Their experience at the conference was nothing short of transformative. From cutting-edge sessions on AI and community technology to workshops on nonprofit innovation and scalable impact, AfroTech equipped our leadership with tools and strategies that will directly elevate our programs here in Portland. 

Pictured: Darrell Wade and Arya Morman with Dr. Steven Christian who presented Augmented Medical Science as apart of Afrotech’s Medtech Sessions

During the conference, Darrell and Arya engaged with national leaders, built new partnerships, and generated more than 20 qualified funding and collaboration leads. These relationships, alongside the insights gained, are already shaping the next chapter of BMW PDX’s work—from introducing an AI-powered Client Resource Navigation system to enhancing our community outreach, CareOregon deliverables, and OHP enrollment strategies. The knowledge gained at AfroTech will also strengthen the framework, speaker pipeline, and sponsorship development for the upcoming 2026 Black Men’s Wellness Conference.

Pictured: Darrell Wade shaking hands with Sebastian Goodwin | Chief Trust Officer | Autodesk

AfroTech reaffirmed what we already know: when Black leadership has access to innovation, resources, and opportunity, our entire community rises. We are excited to bring these learnings home and continue building a future where Black men and families in Portland thrive.

Pictured: Arya Morman (BMW PDX’s Principal Consultant) being interviewed by Blavity Inc’s Medtech Media Team about Transformative Healthcare for Underrepresented Communities

 
 
Darrell Wade