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From Idea to Execution: Unlocking AI at NSBE PDC 2025

At the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Professional Development Conference in New Orleans, World Wide Technology and Microsoft hosted an immersive 8-hour AI workshop. Attendees left with digital businesses, pitch decks, social content and professional badges. Celebrated as one of the top sessions of the year, the workshop demonstrated how AI can drive innovation, career growth and community impact.

In this blog

  1. A Day of learning, building and badging
  2. Powerful feedback from the community
  3. Why it matters

What happens when you bring together engineers, entrepreneurs and visionaries with one powerful tool—artificial intelligence? At the NSBE Professional Development Conference (PDC) in New Orleans, World Wide Technology and Microsoft did just that, guiding participants through a transformative 8-hour workshop that turned raw ideas into digital businesses, slide decks, social media campaigns, and more—all in a single day.

The workshop, "Introduction to Generative AI", led by Ashley Schrage, Shanice Brown, and Zachary Freeman, wasn't just another training. It was a hands-on journey designed to demystify AI, foster creativity, and empower professionals with the skills to make their work smoother, smarter, and more impactful.

 A Day of learning, building and badging

We kicked things off with a warm welcome, an introduction to WWT and Microsoft's partnership, and a look back at the history of AI—including responsible use and limitations. From there, participants dove straight into Prompting 101, gaining the foundation to start treating AI as a true thought partner.

Throughout the day, learners experienced:

  • Copilot Chat demos to accelerate productivity
  • Agentic AI insights for understanding autonomous systems
  • AI for Your Business labs using PowerPoint Copilot
  • LinkedIn transformation sessions to elevate professional branding

By the end of the session, each participant not only left with a digital badge to showcase on social media but also real-world deliverables they could immediately apply: business prototypes, investor-ready slide decks and polished social content.

 Powerful feedback from the community

The impact was immediate and deeply felt. The feedback from participants has been extraordinary, with some calling it "the best PDC workshop in several years."

One participant reflected on LinkedIn:

"This wasn't just theory—it was about unlocking real-world potential. From understanding autonomous decision-making to unpacking AI transparency, I've gained powerful insights that are already shaping how I approach Customer Success and engagement in tech."

Another added:

"The leaders of tomorrow will be the ones who know how to leverage AI thoughtfully, responsibly, and strategically."

We also saw participants put their learnings straight into practice. One attendee shared:

"Loved the sessions and putting your teachings to work immediately. THANK YOU! I deployed the app for some beta testing…"

That app, built during the workshop, is already live: Ace Pocket Advisor.

Web App Ace Pocket provider created at NSBE PDC

 Why it matters

Workshops like these are more than professional training—they're a movement toward democratizing AI education. By blending strategy with creativity, and responsibility with innovation, WWT and Microsoft are helping professionals not only understand AI but also apply it to build tangible solutions that move their careers and communities forward.

From idea to execution in just 8 hours, NSBE professionals proved what's possible when the right tools meet the right talent.

Badge earned: Participants completed the AI Unboxed: From Origins to Everyday Use learning path, which is now proudly displayed on their LinkedIn profiles, signaling their commitment to leading responsibly in the AI-powered future.

 

AI Unboxed: From Origins to Everyday Use Badge

A special thanks to John Evans, VP, Sales—GES Web Sales Management. Opportunities like these wouldn't be possible without his support and approval, which allow WWT to deliver community-driven innovation at scale.

This experience shows what happens when visionary communities like NSBE partner with innovators like WWT and Microsoft: we unlock not only technology but also human potential.

 

Technologies