The Black Leadership Forum (BLF) at AspenTech is an employee resource group formed to foster a supportive, welcoming environment that elevates the culture and profile of the company’s Black employees and allies. Working hand-in-hand with the talent acquisition team, the mission of this group is to create a more diverse workforce that aligns with the goals of the company. Part of that mission includes engaging in AspenTech’s local communities. Last month, six BLF members attended the second annual How to Boston While Black Summit hosted by Boston While Black (BWB).

BWB was founded in the summer of 2020 with the purpose of creating a space for Black professionals, entrepreneurs and graduates to come together, network and form a sense of community—something that creator Sheena Collier noticed was missing when she moved to Boston over 16 years ago.

Since Sheena opened BWB’s doors, the organization has grown to more than 700 members and has had a profound impact on the city and its surrounding areas. By fostering networking opportunities and cultivating a sense of community, BWB has made Boston a more attractive place for Black individuals to live, work and build meaningful relationships. The organization provides members with access to engaging events that tap into the personal and professional needs of Boston’s Black community and its allies.

This year’s conference brought together more than 750 Black entrepreneurs, business professionals, non-Black allies and DEI leaders. The agenda included more than 60 speakers, daily networking opportunities, keynotes, and sessions focused on culture, community, civic, and corporate life.

Breakout sessions were led by some of Boston’s esteemed Black leaders such as US congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, state senator Liz Miranda, and the CEO of Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, Michael Curry, Esq. to name a few. To top off the experience, attendees were treated to inspirational words from keynote speaker Pinky Cole, the founder of a well-known Atlanta based vegan restaurant now valued at $100M.

The event provided our BLF members with an enriching experience of content, discussion and networking. Looking forward, the BLF is excited to host AspenTech’s first Juneteenth commemorative event, which will be an interactive, educational, and celebratory experience—details to follow!

To learn more about our DEI initiatives, check out AspenTech’s latest Environmental, Social, and Governance report.