Why am I launching Up Next In Tech Podcast?

Hey! Thanks for coming by. I’m Ariba Jahan (she/her) and I’m super passionate about the future of our tech experiences and technology being informed and shaped by diverse voices and lived experiences.

I’m launching a podcast called Up Next In Tech, where we’ll explore the intersection of emerging technology, responsible futures, social impact, and culture through the lens of diverse perspectives that are working on them now.

Why? The future of tech and the human experience is being built right now, matter of fact it’s been being built. But we need to make sure that it’s being built by us, not for us. Historically marginalized communities are either opting out of these emerging tech conversations because of inundation by jargon, or lack of access to time, resources, or information in simple relevant terms. We are also not seeing a ton of diversity in emerging tech leadership, and I know you know that. In addition to lack of access or resources, often visibility goes towards the same voices. So let’s make emerging tech more accessible to the masses and let’s shape the future together.

I’ll be hosting incredible humans who will share insights into their career journeys, what are they working on, why they think people need to pay attention to what’s happening, what gives them hope, and what gives them pause. The greater vision here is that we continuously cross-pollinate ideas, questions, and inspiration so that we can collectively co-create a better future, today. Plus, if you’re going to opt out, at least know what you’re opting out of?

Who am I? I’m sure you’ll get to know me through the podcast seasons. But for now, know that my history includes being a really excited child in Bangladesh who immigrated to the US and quickly learned being a Brown immigrant with a disability made me different enough to suddenly have a very different experience from my classmates. Beyond that part of my continued lived experience, I love learning, immersing myself in new spaces, co-creating with others, and being a mom to my tiny human. I’m currently the Vice President of Product Experience and Innovation at the Ad Council, product manager of a Web3 project, adjunct faculty at the New School, a board member of Asians in Advertising, and a mentor to younger generations pursuing STEM.

I’m currently hyperfocused on:

• Ensuring products are informed by users we’re trying to serve

• Exploring emerging tech, web3, metaverse, XR/VR for social impact

• Teaching the next generation at the New School

• Product managing a web3 NFT project

• Making emerging tech accessible

• Being a mom

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Know anyone that’ll be great for the podcast? Drop me an email ariba@aribajahan.com.

Talk soon!