We’re honored to welcome our newest BOND-Girl contributor and resident STEM aficionado, Dr. Knatokie Ford, explores the latest tech innovations and scientific breakthroughs to create more liberated futures. A biomedical scientist,visionary leader, and futures alchemist, Dr. Ford is deeply committed to empowering women and underrepresented groups in STEM.
As the founder and CEO of Fly Sci® Enterprise, she has been at the forefront of efforts to foster inclusion in science and technology, merging storytelling with data-driven strategies to inspire the next generation of innovators. She also served as a Senior Policy Advisor in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy under the Obama Administration, where she led key initiatives to expand equity and access in STEM fields.
Through her new initiative, Augmented Futures: Convergence™, Dr. Ford champions the intersection of futures thinking, collective imagination, and advanced technology to empower communities to actively shape a better, more inclusive world. Dr. Ford is bringing her expertise, perspective, and fly-sci style to BGB, adding a fresh dimension to the conversation on science and technology.
Knatokie’s BOND-Girl Signature:
Motto: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” ~Eleanor Roosevelt
Signature Lip Color: Red—bold, classic, and highly versatile. (The Lip Bar- Bawse Lady)
Favorite Glasses: Bôhten Cat Eye, statement-making frames—dare to be unapologetically unique
Favorite Book: The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho—A timeless reminder that when we are purpose-driven and courageous in pursuing our dreams, the universe conspires in our favor to help us achieve them.
Tech Philosophy: Responsible technology fosters liberation and enhances human potential—enriching our capabilities without replacing or exploiting them.
Science, style, and smart conversations—Dr. Ford is officially part of the BGB mix. Stay tuned for her tech-savvy takes, fresh perspectives, and fly insights on what’s shaping the future.
The Tech That’s Shaping Tomorrow: Highlights from CES 2025
– Dr. Knatokie Ford
I’m thrilled to connect with the BLACK GIRLS BOND® community to contemplate ways tech advancements can serve our liberation. Liberation, as in breaking free from the limitations that constrain us—whether social, economic, systemic, or personal—and creating the freedom to unlock our greatest potential, embody our highest selves, and live with profound fulfillment. The innovations showcased at CES this year remind us of technology’s boundless possibilities while also challenging us to ask a deeper question: Who will shape our future? For me, this is where platforms like Girls Rock Tech®, Black Cloud®, and my new initiative, Augmented Futures: Convergence™, come into play. These spaces amplify the voices of women and underrepresented groups in STEM, ensuring that we don’t just witness the future—we build it.
Events like CES 2025 are powerful reminders of the imagination and ingenuity transforming how we live, work, and connect. While this year’s conference revealed impressive advancements across industries, the true potential lies in how we adapt and apply these innovations to meet the needs of our communities.
Here’s a curated list of standout technologies from CES 2025 that spark bold ideas and challenge us to envision more prosperous, empowered futures:
Health & Wellness
- Withings Omnia
An AI-powered smart mirror offering a 360-degree health assessment, monitoring heart health, lung function, and more. The Omnia exemplifies the future of proactive health management, seamlessly integrating well-being into daily life. - Saliva-Based Stress Test
This non-invasive test measures cortisol levels through a simple saliva sample, providing real-time insights into stress management that could potentially revolutionize mental health care.
Work & Productivity
- LG StanbyME 2
A portable, versatile screen designed for hybrid work-life balance. Its adaptability highlights the growing need for productivity tools that integrate seamlessly into diverse environments. - Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 6
A laptop with a rollable display that expands workspace in seconds. This innovation reimagines multitasking and collaboration in dynamic work environments.
Sustainability & Home Innovation
- Samsung AI-Powered Fridge
A smart fridge that minimizes food waste by tracking freshness and suggesting recipes— a prime example of how AI can promote sustainability in everyday life. - Roam SodaTop
This compact carbonator eliminates the need for disposable bottles. It may seem small, but it could be an impactful solution to reduce waste while retaining modern conveniences.
Entertainment & Lifestyle
- Sony-Honda Afeela 1
A luxury EV merging cutting-edge technology with sleek design and autonomous driving capabilities. It’s imperative that the future of mobility considers solutions that blend convenience with environmental responsibility. - Technics EAH-AZ100 Wireless Earbuds
High-quality sound and innovative design come together in these premium earbuds, which continue to push the boundaries of personal entertainment for all our listening pleasures.
AI & Automation
- Nvidia Project Digits
A compact AI workstation empowering developers to create personalized solutions. This innovation reflects the growing movement for greater democratization of AI, increasing its accessibility and augmenting the brilliance of smaller teams and individual creators. - SwitchBot Multitasking Robot
A multifunctional home robot capable of purifying air, monitoring pets, and more. It’s a glimpse into expanded ways robotics can seamlessly enhance daily living.
Pioneering the Future Together
Technology shapes how we live, but we also shape technology. The tools and innovations unveiled at CES 2025 remind us that the future is not just something to witness—it’s something to build. Progress requires intentionality, so we must remain diligent in harnessing technology’s potential to bend the arc of innovation toward equity and liberation. Tech platforms like Augmented Futures: Convergence™ , Black Cloud®, AfroTech®, and Girls Rock Tech® are creating spaces to equip communities with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to lead in this transformative era.
For more information on Augmented Futures: Convergence™, please visit: www.knatokieford.com/futures.
Are you ready to shape the future? Let’s imagine, create, and lead—together.
