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Celebrating Excellence in Technology and Driving Tech Innovation at Capital One

Kim Anthony • November 9, 2024

As AfroTech 2024 approaches, anticipation is high for discussions celebrating Black excellence in technology. This year, Capital One, known for its leadership in tech innovation and commitment to diversity, will take center stage with a workshop on technology and product management. Leading this session are Alexandra “Alex” Wood, Vice President of Product, and Jared Jordan, Managing Vice President—two visionary leaders advancing Capital One’s tech landscape and exemplifying the company’s dedication to empowering Black talent and pushing technological boundaries.

Jared Jordan brings a wealth of experience from industry giants like Google, YouTube, and Netflix, where he led groundbreaking engineering initiatives. At Capital One, Jared focuses on customer identity, data management, and messaging systems, helping protect against fraudulent activity and ensuring customers receive timely communications through their preferred channels.

“Capital One’s mission to change banking for good resonates deeply with me,” he shares. “Financial freedom and access are essential to building a more equitable world, and Capital One’s commitment to both technology and diversity made it an easy choice for me.”

A Commitment to Diversity and Innovation

What distinguishes Capital One is its dedication to integrating diversity at the core of its tech initiatives, a value both Alex and Jared passionately uphold.

“In many organizations, HR is seen as a back-office function, but at Capital One, we recognize that to change banking for good, we need to invest in the best people and create the infrastructure that allows them to thrive,” Alex explains. Capital One’s Blacks in Tech (BIT) Business Resource Group is committed to supporting, educating, and inspiring Black technologists at every stage of their careers. BIT aims to amplify its members’ voices, strengthen Capital One’s inclusive culture, and attract top talent from diverse backgrounds.

Meet the Leaders: Alex Wood and Jared Jordan

Jared echoes the significance of diversity in fueling innovation, emphasizing that building diverse products requires diverse teams.

“At Capital One, we’re putting our resources where our values are, ensuring long-term success for our company and our communities,” he states. Jared believes that Capital One sets a standard for inclusivity in tech, particularly through its responsible application of data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to improve access and outcomes for all.

What to Expect at AfroTech 2024

AfroTech 2024 attendees can look forward to an insightful workshop led by Alex and Jared, where they will delve into Capital One’s technology strategies and product management frameworks.

“Our goal is to show that no matter what you look like, where you come from, or what your background is, you can make an impact in tech,” Jared shares. He and Alex will provide insights into aligning product and technology to drive innovation and deliver value.

The workshop is designed not only as a learning experience but as an opportunity to inspire and empower.

“Building great technology and products is a team sport,” Alex adds. “We want to help attendees see that everyone brings unique strengths to the table, and when those strengths come together, magic happens.”


Looking Ahead: The Future of Tech at Capital One

Both leaders are optimistic about Capital One’s future. Alex is enthusiastic about creating consumer-grade experiences for Capital One’s associates, envisioning internal processes that are as seamless and engaging as top digital platforms.

“Imagine a world where we know what you’re great at and can match you with the perfect role and team,” she envisions.

For Jared, the future involves pushing the limits of financial technology while keeping inclusivity at the forefront.

“I see Capital One leading in AI, machine learning, and data analytics to enhance financial access for everyone,” he says. His advice to aspiring technologists is simple yet profound: “Stay curious and never stop learning.”

Join Capital One at AfroTech 2024

Capital One is excited to participate in AfroTech 2024, connecting with the talented minds shaping the future of technology. Attendees won’t want to miss Alex and Jared’s session on Thursday, Nov. 14, and are encouraged to stop by the Capital One booth to connect with technologists and enjoy some great swag.

Both Alex Wood and Jared Jordan bring diverse experiences and perspectives to their roles at Capital One. For Alex, the journey to Capital One wasn’t linear but a discovery of passion.

“Like every good daughter of an immigrant, I wanted to be a doctor or scientist, but I found myself drawn to a broader range of interests, ultimately wanting to make lives better by removing friction and adding delight,” she reflects. Alex’s path, which included experience at startups and multinational organizations, led her to Capital One, where she now leads the HR product and data organization team, designing technology systems that enhance the experience of Capital One associates globally, from recruitment and payroll to talent management and learning.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Capital One

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