Alabama’s Hub for Minority Tech Talent & Entrepreneurs
Welcome to The Alabama Collective! We provide essential resources, training and networking opportunities to our state’s vibrant minority tech talent and entrepreneurial communities.
Our Mission
Elevating Diversity, Driving Innovation
The Alabama Collective is more than an organization – it’s a movement, championing a diverse, inclusive, and prosperous future for Alabama’s tech and entrepreneurial communities. We help minority entrepreneurs and innovators in our region by:
- Visiting and facilitating tech and entrepreneurship events at nearly all 14 HBCUs in the state.
- Hosting engaging community workshops, networking events, and panel discussions packed with practical information and resources.
- Giving seed money to HBCU students, helping turn their startup dreams into reality.
- Providing hands-on career experiences to HBCU students through summer internships and professional development workshops.
- Executing pitch development, app development, and hackathon competitions that promote innovation and support business growth.
- Opening doors to additional resources through our extensive partnership network.
Our Leaders
The Alabama Collective is led by executive director, Charisse D. Stokes and backed by an impressive advisory board. These leaders are catalysts driving change and harnessing their expertise and passion to reshape the technological and entrepreneurial landscape of Alabama. Their collaborative efforts have been crucial in building and nurturing a community where innovation thrives and diverse talent flourishes.
Charisse
Stokes
Executive Director,
The Alabama Collective
Jennifer
Anderson
Director, HBCU IE
The Alabama Collective
Marcus
Shaw
Founding Director,
Montgomery TechLab
Deon
Gordon
CEO,
Tech Birmingham
Dr. Nichole Thompson
Executive Director,
SBOSS
Waymond Jackson
CEO,
Ed Farm
Mayor Randall Woodfin
of Birmingham
Mayor Steven Reed
of Montgomery
Our Partners
After hosting multiple events in the Montgomery and Birmingham areas, The Alabama Collective has set its sights on elevating minority tech talent across the entire state of Alabama. By leveraging our partners’ extensive reach across various communities and our ability to provide tools and resources to many, we are swiftly becoming the state’s go-to resource for advancing minorities in tech and innovation throughout Alabama.
Diversity is our strength, innovation is our passion, and inclusion is our promise. Together, we’re building a tech and entrepreneurial community in Alabama that knows no boundaries, only endless possibilities.
Charisse Stokes, Executive Director, The Alabama Collective
Our Programs
HBCU Innovation Experience
Tailored opportunities specifically for students, faculty, staff, and alumni at Alabama HBCUs
Community Based Programs
Workshops, trainings, and engagement activities enhancing the economic of workforce development of the state
Keep up with the recent work, happenings, and events of the Alabama Collective.
News & Updates
All Access @ The Classic Turkey Day Edition: Level Up Brunch
Event Recap: All Access at the Turkey Day Classic – Entrepreneurs Edition The All Access
Small Business Administration Awards $1M to Alabama Resource Organizations for SBIR/STTR Support
The SBA has awarded a $1M, 5-year contract under the Federal and State Technology (FAST)
2024 Magic City Classic Recap
The Alabama Collective’s impactful weekend at the 2024 Magic City Classic was a vibrant celebration