The AfroTech Conference, a nexus for Black innovators in technology, offers a unique platform for networking, collaboration, and inspiration. Among its dynamic sessions, Heard: Hospitality Hub -Panel 1, Innovating Beyond the Plate: How Technology and Science are Shaping the Future of Black Culinary and Hospitality Businesses, featured a standout voice—Mara Calderon, Director of PepsiCo Global R&D Beverages.
Calderon, who has been with PepsiCo for 15 years and in her current role for nearly four, brought a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the panel. Her career has been marked by a commitment to leveraging technology, particularly to address the needs of underrepresented communities. During the discussion, Calderon explored PepsiCo’s alignment with AfroTech and shared her vision for innovation in the culinary and beverage industries.
Why AfroTech?
When asked why PepsiCo chose AfroTech as a platform to share its work, Calderon emphasized the natural synergy between the conference’s mission and PepsiCo’s focus on technology-driven initiatives.
“We are very focused on being technology-forward, particularly in communities of color,” Calderon explained. “AfroTech is a natural fit for us. It’s a space where we can highlight what we’re doing from a technology perspective and engage with consumers to understand their needs.”
PepsiCo’s investment in initiatives like Taste of America and partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) reflects this commitment, positioning the company as a leader in fostering equity through innovation.
A Legacy of Impact
Calderon’s journey at PepsiCo has been defined by a drive to make meaningful changes, particularly in areas that had previously been underserved. When asked about the impact she hoped to achieve in her role, she said:
“With any position, you want to leave a legacy. My focus has been on youth and women within the Gatorade business unit—understanding the opportunity space in those areas and innovating to solve consumer needs. While product development takes time, we’ve planted seeds, gained organizational alignment, and are seeing innovations coming soon in these spaces.”
The Role of Technology
The future of PepsiCo’s technological advancements was another key topic of discussion. Calderon highlighted how artificial intelligence (AI) transforms both internal operations and external consumer experiences.
“AI is a central part of our technology journey,” she said. “We’re working to streamline and integrate systems, including developing our own version of ChatGPT. This ensures robust, validated answers for associates while enhancing how we interact with consumers and customers.
Representation in Action
For Calderon, the significance of participating in a panel at AfroTech went beyond professional insights—it was deeply personal.
“It’s an honor to speak on panels like this because representation matters,” she shared. “Often, you don’t see people who look like us, particularly women, in these roles. When young people in the audience see someone like me, it shows them that they can achieve it too.”
Her words were a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and mentorship in driving diversity and inclusion in tech and beyond.
Looking Ahead
Calderon’s insights at AfroTech underscored PepsiCo’s dedication to innovation and its role in shaping the future of Black culinary and hospitality businesses. By investing in technology and fostering representation, Calderon and PepsiCo are paving the way for a more equitable and innovative future.
As AfroTech continues to grow as a hub for Black excellence in technology, voices like Mara Calderon’s inspire the next generation of leaders to dream bigger and achieve more.
Story and Photo Credits: Amber Baylor
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