AfroTech Conference 2026

Denise Young Smith

Author, Penguin Random House

Track Future of Work, Wealth

Biography

After more than two decades at Apple in executive roles, including the company’s first Black chief of human resources and first VP of inclusion and diversity, Denise Young Smith served as executive-in-residence at Cornell Tech. She has been named a “Most Powerful Woman” by Black Enterprise, an Ebony “Power 100,” and one of Business Insider’s “100 Most Influential in Silicon Valley,” and has been featured in Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women” issue. She advises organizations on culture, leadership, and inclusive environments, and is a practicing performing and recording artist.

Sessions

  1. From Apple to AI

    Wed, Nov 4, 10:30 AM – 10:55 AM CT

    Track Future of Work

    Denise Young Smith on 20+ years at Apple and what inclusion means as technology and AI change who gets to build.

  2. Legacy Is a Business Strategy

    Wed, Nov 4, 12:15 PM – 12:50 PM CT

    Track Wealth

    Three leaders on building institutions, wealth, and cultures designed to outlive their founders.

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