Shanique Liz Yates

Biography

Shanique Liz Yates is an award-winning journalist, creator, and cultural storyteller with 10+ years of experience covering Black culture, entertainment, and business. Her work has appeared in AfroTech, Blavity, Madamenoire,  and more, and she has interviewed icons including Mary J. Blige, Denzel Washington, and Halle Berry. She created and executive produced the short documentary, Voices Unheard, and was named a Top 25 Black Journalist in 2026.

Sessions

1. Protect Your Power in the Workplace with Lee Merritt

   Wed, Nov 4, 3:15 PM – 3:55 PM CT

   Track Future of Work

   Lee Merritt has won some of the most consequential civil rights cases in recent American history: Ahmaud Arbery, Botham Jean, Atatiana Jefferson. What he has learned inside those cases is that legal knowledge is one of the most underused tools Black professionals have. This conversation translates federal civil rights law into something you can use in the workplace: how to document, how to build leverage, and how to protect your position in any professional environment.

2. Student Orientation

   Mon, Nov 2, 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM CT

   Track Networking

   Students can kickoff their AfroTech experience with an overview of the conference, key programming highlights, and tips to make the most of their time. They will meet other students, get familiar with the schedule, and set themselves up for a successful and inspiring week.