Marian Miner Cook
Athenaeum

A distinctive
feature of social and
cultural life at CMC

 

The New Code: Building a Tech Industry Where Everyone Thrives

Mon, February 3, 2025
Dinner Program
Cristina Mancini and Ryan Patel, in conversation

What does the future of technology look like when powered by both groundbreaking innovation and greater inclusion? In this fireside conversation, Cristina Mancini, CEO of Black Girls Code (who was formerly at Warner Brothers and Salesforce), and Ryan Patel, William F. Podlich Distinguished Fellow at CMC, will delve into how advancements in AI are transforming industries and creating unprecedented opportunities for women of color to lead in tech. This discussion will also explore the critical skills, leadership qualities, and ethical considerations needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.

For Cristina Mancini, storytelling is not just an art form but a powerful agent of change. Born to an Italian father and Jamaican mother, she grew up navigating languages and cultures, a journey that taught her the value of diverse perspectives. From her early days as an Art Director at Warner Brothers to her pivotal role at 20th Century Fox, Ms. Mancini pioneered ways to keep audiences engaged by blending media and technology long before the industry fully embraced it. Her ability to craft compelling narratives earned her a reputation as a creative visionary who could translate complex ideas into powerful consumer experiences.

At Salesforce, she expanded her storytelling into the tech world, launching Salesforce Studios and leading a global rebrand at Salesforce.org. But it’s in her current role as CEO of Black Girls Code where her vision truly takes flight. She is focused on preparing Black girls and gender-expansive youth of color to lead the future of tech, ensuring they see themselves not just as participants but as innovators. For Ms. Mancini, the story she’s telling now is about building a future where everyone has a voice, and no one is left behind. 

Ryan Patel is a globally recognized futurist and go-to authority on global business, political economy, and corporate governance. Currently the William F. Podlich Distinguished Fellow at CMC, Patel is an expert in scaling businesses, he's served startups and publicly traded firms. Listed as one of the “Creators to Follow” by LinkedIn Editor in Chief Daniel Roth and recognized as a “Top Voice” on Linkedin, Patel is a sought-after TV news commentator and board director. Patel also hosts "The Moment with Ryan Patel," featuring conversations with top innovators and executives filmed at the iconic HP Garage, the birthplace of Silicon Valley. He complements his literary talents with domestic and international keynote appearances, leading campaigns with corporations and universities such as the World Economic Forum, Davos, Mastercard, HP, Adobe, The Economist, Reuters, and more. 

This Athenaeum presentation is co-sponsored by the Financial Economics Institute at CMC.

Registration

Meal reservations now open to everyone in the Claremont Colleges.

Marian Miner Cook Athenaeum

Claremont McKenna College
385 E. Eighth Street
Claremont, CA 91711

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