Technologist Tales

Chapter 69—Tales of Thanks: From Creating IT Futures to All Its Partners Jan 21, 2022

To set the stage for 2022, Colleen Crino, Chief Development Officer for Creating IT Futures, shares stories about the organization’s many partners, who they are and what they do in collaboration with CompTIA’s charitable foundation.

Technologist Tales Miniseries #21: Featuring CompTIA Tech Custom Training Dec 31, 2021

Accelerating digital transformation takes trained technologists, in a position to thrive. In this miniseries, we feature insights from Craig Perry, Caleb Bellow, and Dustin Seyfert of international IT solutions provider Logicalis about what makes a great technologist, and how Custom Training from the CompTIA Tech Career Academy supports their ongoing mission.

Technologist Tales Miniseries #20: Featuring Amy Cliett, Director of TechGirlz Dec 18, 2021

In this Technologist Tales miniseries, we hear insights from Amy Cliett, director of TechGirlz. Learn how Amy launched her tech career, how she shepherded TechGirlz through its pandemic pivot, and how Creating IT Futures, CompTIA’s charitable foundation, serves women interested in tech at any stage of their careers.

Technologist Tales Miniseries #19: Voices from TechGirlz Dec 10, 2021

What do a small business owner, an operations manager and a special education teacher have in common? In this miniseries, we hear from Gloria Bell, Amy Cliett, and Alicia Park, three key voices from Creating IT Futures’ TechGirlz team, sharing their journeys to discovering a passion for educating, inspiring and connecting the next generation of women in tech.

Technologist Tales Miniseries #18: Tales from Grateful Graduates Nov 29, 2021

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, this mini-series revisits profiles of four technologists. Each is a graduate of the technical training program developed by Creating IT Futures, now operated by the CompTIA Tech Career Academy. Listen as these grateful graduates explain how support from our organization helped them launch rewarding tech careers.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Tales Miniseries #17: Launching Tech Careers from Unexpected Places Nov 24, 2021

Not all paths to successful tech careers pass through the computer science departments of 4-year colleges. Listen to this 5-part mini-series as we advocate for greater diversity, equity and inclusion in the tech industry by sharing the journeys of five remarkable technologists – Mariah Sexton, Kelly Stone, Carolyn April, Maddy Martin, and Nancy Hammervik.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Tales Mini-Series #16: Pursuing Greater Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Post-Pandemic Tech Industry Nov 22, 2021

Amidst pandemic-sparked social and economic upheavals, leading technologists are finding opportunities to prioritize greater diversity, equity and inclusion in technology businesses. Listen as Nancy Hammervik, Charles Eaton, Zac Cramer of IT Assurance, Randi Parker, Brittany Barnett of GEM and Amy Cliett of TechGirlz explain how their organizations tackle this challenge.

Technologist Tales Mini-Series #15: Leading Towards the Future of Women In Tech Nov 12, 2021

Is it possible to develop a more diverse, equitable and inclusive tech workforce, while shrinking our nation’s tech skills gap at the same time? This mini-series profiles Gloria Bell, Randi Parker, Amy Cliett, and Alicia Park, women in tech who are making it happen through their leadership of Creating IT Futures programs like the Women In Tech Summit and T echGirlz.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 68—Alicia’s Tale: From TechShopz Volunteer to Full-Time TechGirlz Advocate Nov 05, 2021

What do educators and technologists have in common? A passion for problem-solving, a lot of empathy and the organizational skills to translate understanding into action. Listen as Alicia Park, National Outreach Manager for TechGirlz, shares her journey from full-time educator, to full-time technologist.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 67 -- A TechGirlz’ Tale: A Passion for Tech, a Penchant for Mentorship & a Pandemic Pivot Oct 29, 2021

Is there an ideal time in life to launch a tech career? Amy Cliett, director of TechGirlz, a program of Creating IT Futures, doesn’t think so. Listen as she describes switching to a technology job in her 30’s, why she did and how she’s helping the next generation of technologists develop their talents and skills despite the pandemic.

Chapter 66 – Jason’s Tale: From Professional Musician to Cybersecurity Technologist in 5 years Oct 25, 2021

Must the road to a successful technology career begin in a high school STEM program? Or include four years studying computer science in college? No on both counts. Listen as Jason Hernandez, chair of the CompTIA Tech National Alumni Advisory Council, shares how an IT training program operated by Creating IT Futures broadened his job prospects and improved his personal finances. Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 65 – Gloria’s Tale: From a Girl Impressed by Technology to a Leader Connecting, Educating & Inspiring Women in Tech Sep 10, 2021

The sight of a computer filling an entire room sparked Gloria Bell’s passion for technology at the age of six. Over the years, she translated that fascination into co-founding the Women in Tech Summit (WITS) and earning a leadership position with TechGirlz, a program of Creating IT Futures.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Tales Awards Replay: WIT (Women in Tech) Tales about Closing the Gender Gap Aug 20, 2021

In honor of the upcoming WITS 10th Anniversary in-person and virtual celebration (October 22, 2021) Technologist Tales is re-releasing our award-winning mini-series featuring remarkable women working in the technology industry. This mini-series won “Silver” recognition from the 27th Annual Communicator Awardsfor distinction in podcasting promoting diversity and inclusion.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Tales Awards Replay: Why Career Changers Should Consider Help Desk Jobs During the Pandemic Jul 30, 2021

Why should today’s career changers to consider training to become IT support specialists? Because despite pandemic conditions, U.S. employers continue to seek and hire qualified tech talent to bolster businesses and support our nation’s workforce. This mini-series won “Gold” recognition from the 27th Annual Communicator Awards for excellence in podcasting promoting training.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Tales Awards Replay: Why Military Veterans Make Excellent Help Desk Technologists Jul 24, 2021

Why are military veterans excellent candidates for jobs as IT support specialists? Is it the technical training they receive during service? Is it the work ethic they acquire during service? Or is it both? This story won “Silver” recognition from the 27th Annual Communicator Awards for excellence in individual episodes promoting causes and awareness.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Tales Awards Replay: What is a Workforce Board? Jul 16, 2021

What is a workforce board? And how does one collaborate with the CompTIA Tech Career Academy Custom Training team? Together, they’re helping military veterans, adults in career transitions, and young people from disadvantaged populations find opportunities in the tech workforce – often, with life-altering results. This mini-series won “Silver” recognition from the 27th Annual Communicator Awards for distinction in podcasting promoting causes and awareness.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Tales Awards Replay: Why IT Training is Economic Stimulus Jul 09, 2021

How is custom IT help desk training transforming our nation’s workforce? Listen as executives from CompTIA Tech’s Custom Training team and one of their key clients provide answers. Together, they’re helping workers in career transitions find opportunities in the tech workforce – often, with life-altering results. This mini-series won “Gold” recognition from the 27th Annual Communicator Awards for excellence in podcasting that promotes training.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Tales Awards Replay: Social Innovation in Action through TechGirlz Jul 02, 2021

What is “Social Innovation?” And how is TechGirlz, a program of Creating IT Futures, practicing this philanthropic discipline to inspire middle-school girls to explore careers working with technology? This mini-series won “Gold” and “Silver” awards from the 27th Annual Communicator Awards for excellence and distinction in podcasting that promotes causes, awareness, diversity and inclusion.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Tales Awards Replay: Social Innovation in Action with Creating IT Futures Partners Jun 11, 2021

What is “Social Innovation?” And what role do “chickens” play in practicing this philanthropic discipline at Creating IT Futures? This mini-series won “Gold” distinction from the Hermes Creative Awards for “outstanding work” while promoting a philanthropic cause.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #14: Revelations from Our Pandemic Pivots May 28, 2021

For four non-profits devoted to inspiring young women to pursue careers in technology and lead healthy, balanced lifestyles, COVID-19 was an existential crisis. Hear how these organizations not only survived their “pandemic pivots,” but are in some ways thriving because of them. That’s in this 3-chapter mini-series from a 2021 South by Southwest EDU (SXSW EDU) session moderated by TechGirlz, a program of Creating IT Futures.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 57 – Tales from SXSW EDU: Revelations from Our Pandemic Pivots – Part 3 May 21, 2021

We’re celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Women in Tech Summit (WITS) by sharing a 3-part series based on a recent session during the South by Southwest EDU (SXSW EDU) conference. TechGirlz director Amy Cliett moderated the session, and the third installment features a conversation with Isis Miller of Black Girls Code.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 56 – Tales from SXSW EDU: Revelations from Our Pandemic Pivots – Part 2 May 20, 2021

We’re celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Women in Tech Summit (WITS) by sharing a 3-part series based on a recent session during the South by Southwest EDU (SXSW EDU) conference. TechGirlz director Amy Cliett moderated the session, and the second installment features a conversation with Ashley Turner of Philly Tech Sistas.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 55 – Tales from SXSW-EDU: Revelations from Our Pandemic Pivots – Part 1 May 18, 2021

We’re celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Women in Tech Summit (WITS) by sharing a 3-part series based on a recent session during the South by Southwest EDU (SXSW EDU) conference. TechGirlz director Amy Cliett moderated the session, and the first installment features a conversation with Lauren Psimaris of Girls on the Run.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 54 – Theo’s Tale: From Tech-Savvy Continual Learner to Cybersecurity Pro Apr 15, 2021

As another installment in our series tracking successful graduates of CompTIA Tech’s IT-Ready Technical Support program, we revisit the “technologist triumph” of Theo Hysell. Listen as he tells the tale of developing a role as the “family IT guy” into a lucrative career in cybersecurity that has helped him weather the pandemic’s negative economic effects.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 53 – Randi’s Tale: From Crafting Public Policy to Shaping Philanthropic Partnerships Mar 26, 2021

How often does a technologist’s journey wind through the lecture halls of law school and the corridors of Capitol Hill? Listen to this tale celebrating Women’s History Month, as Randi Parker, senior director at Creating IT Futures, shares how her career evolved from advocating for the technology industry to making tech careers more accessible.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 52 – Nancy’s Tale: From Business Media Marketer to IT Training Technologist Mar 13, 2021

How does hauling pickle barrels prepare you for a successful career as a technologist? Nancy Hammervik, incoming CEO of the CompTIA Tech Career Academy and leader of CompTIA’s membership organization explains in this tale celebrating Women’s History Month.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 51 – Angela’s Tale: From Tech Training to Technologist Mentor Mar 06, 2021

Revisit the “Technologist Triumph” of Angela Curtis, a graduate of IT-Ready Technical Support training. Hear how the CompTIA Tech Career Academy helped Angela translate her passion for solving problems into an IT help desk career at international medical technology maker Medtronic that provides personal financial stability and professional growth opportunities.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 50 – Nate’s Tale: From Technician to Technologist Feb 22, 2021

Revisit the “Technologist Triumph” of Nate Perkins, a graduate of IT-Ready Technical Support training from the CompTIA Tech Career Academy. Hear how Nate’s decision to pursue certified tech skills – such as CompTIA’s A+ certification – has provided professional growth opportunities for himself and sustainable financial stability for his family.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #13: Social Innovation in Action with Creating IT Futures Partners Feb 12, 2021

What is “Social Innovation?” And what role do “chickens” play in practicing this philanthropic discipline at Creating IT Futures? This series of three podcasts answers those questions about social innovation in action. Listen as our team members share stories about partner organizations – TEKsystems, Verizon Foundation and Workday Foundation – that make a measurable difference in tech businesses and local communities across the country.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 49 –A Tale of Two Partners: How Verizon & Workday Support Creating IT Futures Feb 05, 2021

How are relationships between Creating IT Futures and philanthropic partners holistic and integrated? This chapter offers two prime examples: Verizon Foundation and Workday Foundation. Listen as Jeff Lareau, manager, strategic partnerships, and Alicia Park, national outreach manager for TechGirlz, share two stories of individuals and organizations that make a measurable difference in tech businesses and local communities across the country.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #12: Social Innovation in Action through TechGirlz: The TechShopz Pandemic Pivot Jan 29, 2021

What is “Social Innovation?” And how is TechGirlz, a program of Creating IT Futures, practicing this philanthropic discipline to inspire middle-school girls to explore careers working with technology? Listen to this series of three podcasts that describes social innovation in action in the words of the innovators who converted TechShopz workshops to virtual delivery at high speed, then launched a new distance-learning option, TechPodz.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #11: Social Innovation in Action through the CompTIA Tech Career Academy Jan 21, 2021

What is “Social Innovation?” And how is the CompTIA Tech Career Academy practicing this philanthropic discipline to generate measurable social impact? Listen to this series of five podcasts that describe social innovation in action in the words of the innovators who design it, the employers who benefit from it, and the technologists with thriving careers because of it.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #10: An Award-Winning Replay of Our “In the Field with Technologists” Series Jan 09, 2021

How do you inspire the next generation of technologists? This replay of one of our award-winning Technologist Talk mini-series goes “into the field” to feature people who enable and encourage the next generation of technology talent – from teens in middle and high school, to adults in career transition – to envision themselves working in tech jobs.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #9: An Award-Winning Replay of Our “Who Is a Technologist?” Series Jan 07, 2021

Who is a technologist? And why are technologists the best candidates for hundreds of thousands of jobs in today’s digital economy – especially in the post-pandemic future? This replay of one of our award-winning Technologist Talk mini-series answers those questions through conversations with Creating IT Futures CEO Charles Eaton and CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 48 –Maddy’s Tale: All 5 Traits of a Technologist in One Tech Pro Jan 05, 2021

Creating IT Futures CEO Charles Eaton’s five core traits of a technologist broaden the understanding of working with technology beyond the restrictions of technical considerations. Still, finding a tech pro that exemplifies all five qualities of a technologist remains rare. Listen to this latest installment in our series of tales celebrating remarkable women in tech featuring Maddy Martin, head of growth & education for Smith.ai.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 47 – Sidebar: How CompTIA Tech’s Custom Training Team Collaborates with Workforce Boards to Serve Your Community Dec 24, 2020

In this Technologist Tales sidebar edition, leaders from workforce boards in Texas and Missouri tell their custom training tales. Hear how collaborative relationships with the Custom Training team at CompTIA Tech Career Academy help military veterans launch technology careers in civilian life, Missourians land digital apprenticeships and San Antonio’s disadvantaged youth upskill for tech jobs.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 46 – Sidebar: How CompTIA Tech’s Custom Training Reskills Workers as Technologists Dec 23, 2020

In this Technologist Tales sidebar edition, Mark Plunkett and Jason Mangold from the Custom Trainingteam at CompTIA Tech Career Academy discuss reskilling and upskilling our nation’s workforce for the tech jobs of the future. The key? Striking a balance between industry standards – i.e., CompTIA certifications – and custom curriculum – i.e., fostering business soft skills.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 45 – Technologist Triumphs: 3 CompTIA Tech Graduates Share Career Success Tales Dec 12, 2020

Listen as three graduates of the IT-Ready Technical Support program from CompTIA Tech Career Academy share stories about launching successful tech careers with help desk training. In each tale, jobs working with technology have provided continuing professional growth opportunities and sustainable personal financial stability – despite the pandemic’s economic challenges.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 44 –Carolyn’s Tale: A Triple Threat… Journalist, Business Analyst, Podcaster Dec 07, 2020

Best way to ensure a long, successful career working in the technology industry is by earning a computer science degree first, right? Nope. A conversation with Carolyn April – CompTIA’s senior director of industry analysis, co-author of the recent IT Industry Outlook 2021 and co-host of the popular Volley podcast – continues our series celebrating the upcoming 10th Anniversary of WITS, the Women in Tech Summit.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #8: Why Career Changers Should Consider IT Help Desk Jobs during the Pandemic Nov 24, 2020

This Technologist Talk mini-series encourages career changers to consider training to become IT support specialists now despite today’s economic turbulence. Why? Because U.S. employers continue to seek and hire qualified tech talent to bolster businesses and support our nation’s workforce. Listen as leaders from CompTIA Tech Career Academy explain how their IT-Ready Technical Support program enables career changers to launch new technology careers.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 43 – Kelly’s Tale: “Think Differently, Think Bigger” Nov 06, 2020

How does a technologist become Social Media Professional of the Year and Nonprofit Communicator of the Year? By thinking differently and thinking bigger about technology’s role in business challenges like the pandemic. A conversation with Kelly Stone, lead social marketing strategist for CompTIA, kicks off our November series celebrating the upcoming 10th Anniversary of WITS, the Women in Tech Summit.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #7: Why IT Support Specialist Training is a Form of Economic Stimulus Nov 02, 2020

This Technologist Talk mini-series explains how custom IT help desk training is transforming our nation’s workforce by showcasing the work of CompTIA Tech’s Custom Training team with a key client . Together, they’re helping adults in career transitions and young people from disadvantaged populations find opportunities in the tech workforce – often, with life-altering results. Listen as workforce development leaders elaborate how they help job seekers launch new tech careers.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #6: What is a Workforce Board? And How Does One Work with CompTIA? Oct 30, 2020

This Technologist Tales mini-series showcases the work of CompTIA Tech’s Custom Training team, which collaborates with workforce boards, municipalities and other community-service organizations. Together, they’re helping military veterans, adults in career transitions, and young people from disadvantaged populations find opportunities in the tech workforce – often, with life-altering results. Listen as the leaders of workforce agencies in four states tell tales of helping job seekers launch new tech careers.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #5: Busting 7 Myths that Discourage Teens from Considering Tech Careers Oct 05, 2020

Whether online or in classrooms, millions of young people across the country are back in school, returning to high schools, colleges and universities to prepare for future careers. And with the pandemic’s impact on our nation’s economy and job markets, we believe students should pursue jobs working with technology now more than ever. Listen to a series of conversations with award-winning author and Creating IT Futures CEO Charles Eaton, as he deflates seven fallacies that discourage teens from considering tech careers.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 42 – A Texas Training Tale: Why Young Technologists Will Remember the Alamo Sep 30, 2020

You’ve heard the rallying cry from Texas history, “Remember the Alamo,” right? Well, a lot of young job seekers in the San Antonio region surely will remember this slogan, too, because of a custom IT training program supported by CompTIA called Workforce Solutions Alamo. Listen as executives from CompTIA’s partner, C2 Global, tell the tale.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 41 – Priyanka’s Tale: From Cafeteria Work to Hiring Tech Workers Sep 23, 2020

Which is the one most critical success factor for landing – and keeping – a tech job? Technical training from CompTIA Tech? CompTIA certifications? Or, experience in customer service? The answer to this trick question may surprise you. Listen as Priyanka Neupane, a senior IT supervisor for international medical technology maker Medtronic, tells the tale of how she discovered the right answer for her tech career.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Sidebar – A “Pandemic Pivot” Tale: How Distance Learning Drew TechGirlz Closer to Students Aug 13, 2020

This special edition retells the tale of the “Pandemic Pivot” to virtual delivery of TechShopz, the TechGirlz workshop series that brings middle-school girls face-to-face with tech mentors. Listen as Amy Cliett explains how an unexpected operational challenge evolved into an unanticipated deepening of program’s value to students and volunteers across the country.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 40 – A “Show Me” Tale: How Missouri’s Workforce Board Helps People Gain Digital Skills for Tech Jobs & More Aug 12, 2020

How does a workforce board help hundreds of thousands of people find jobs in the wake of a pandemic? One way is providing on-demand virtual IT training, with support from CompTIA Custom Training. Listen as Dr. Mardy Leathers, director of Missouri’s Office of Workforce Development, holds an audio “show & tell” session, explaining how his team helps workers develop digital skills that will last a lifetime.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 39 – Val’s Tale: Why Women in Tech Should Blaze Their Own Trails to Successful IT Careers Jul 29, 2020

In this latest chapter of our profile series complementing the WITS 2020 Virtual Summit, Val Haskell, Chair of CompTIA’s Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity Community, tells her tale of following a well-worn path to tech success. Well, not exactly the route some expect, but one that best predicts successful careers working with technology. One traveled by workers who enjoy solving problems and helping others.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 38 – Mariah’s Tale: How to Build a Career as a Women in Tech from the Arctic Circle Jul 14, 2020

In this first chapter of our profile series complementing the WITS 2020 Virtual Summit, Mariah Sexton tells her tale of building a successful tech career through IT training, CompTIA certifications and, most of all, mentorship from the community of women working in technology.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 37 – An El Paso Tale (Part 2): How a Texas Workforce Board Narrows the Tech Skills Gap with IT Training for Army Veterans Jul 10, 2020

The U.S. tech sector is still hiring – despite the pandemic – posting hundreds of thousands of ads for open IT positions. Where will these companies find qualified candidates to fill these jobs – especially when our nation’s tech skills gap remains a challenge? One source: Military veterans. Listen as Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, a workforce board operating in El Paso, Texas, tells the tale of helping hundreds of Army veterans transition to new tech careers with support from CompTIA Custom Training.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

How to Win a Podcasting Award for Flipping the Narrative on Pandemic Doomscrolling Jul 08, 2020

Ever heard of doomscrolling? That drive we sometimes feel to seek more info about bad news – especially during times of uncertainty? This pitchcast explains how the producers of Technologist Talk, a podcast for Creating IT Futures, CompTIA’s tech workforce charity, flipped the narrative on pandemic doomscrolling with a 7-piece series that brings listeners considering changing careers the good news about job opportunities working in technology fields.

Chapter 36 – An El Paso Tale: How IT Training Helps a Texas Workforce Board Transition Army Veterans to Tech Careers Jun 19, 2020

What is a workforce board? And how does one serve businesses, states, regions or local communities? Hear some answers in this technologist tale shared by Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, a workforce board operating in El Paso, Texas, that helps hundreds of U.S. Army veterans transition to new tech jobs with support from CompTIA Custom Training.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 35 – Tales Told: 5 Reasons to Launch a Tech Career Today from an IT-Ready Technical Support Class May 22, 2020

Per CompTIA’s Cyberstates research, the IT industry continues to hire despite pandemic conditions, with one of every 10 positions posted online being a tech job. But why even consider launching a technology career during this time of crisis? Listen as graduates of a recent IT-Ready Technical Support class from CompTIA Tech Career Academy and their instructor offer five reasons.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 34 – Podcast Flashback: IT-Ready Technical Support Grads Celebrate Their Dreams May 12, 2020

To celebrate the formal launch of the CompTIA Tech Career Academy, we offer a podcast flashback, with an episode from our award-winning “In the Field with Technologists” series. A happy group of IT-Ready Technical Support graduates share their dreams and express the passion they have for pursuing them.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #4: Who is a Technologist? An Answer in 7 Tales May 01, 2020

Who is a technologist? And why are technologists the best candidates for hundreds of thousands of jobs in today’s digital economy – especially in the post-pandemic future? This Technologist Talk mini-series features seven tales that answer those questions. Listen as award-winning author and CEO of Creating IT Futures, Charles Eaton, joins with CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux to describe the traits of technologists, the best workers to narrow our nation’s tech skills gap.

Original Technologist Tales theme music by C. Ezra Lange

How to Win a Podcasting Award for Helping Nurture the Next Generation of Technologists Apr 01, 2020

This Pitchcast explains why the Technologist Talk creative team sent one of its producers “into to field” for a series of episodes covering events for aspiring technologists – from teens in middle and high school to adults in career transitions. By capturing the sounds and comments from these events, this batch of five podcasts helped Creating IT Futures encourage the next generation of technology talent to envision themselves working in tech jobs.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

How to Win a Podcasting Award for Helping Inspire the Next Generation of Technologists Apr 01, 2020

This Pitchcast explains why the Technologist Talk creative team developed the podcast profile series Technologist Tales. Through conversations with successful people from students to chief executives, this batch of seven Technologist Tales helped Creating IT Futures encourage the next generation of technology talent – from teens in middle and high school to adults in career transitions – to envision themselves working in tech jobs.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

How to Win a Podcasting Award for Helping Your Organization Fill the Tech Skills Gap Mar 31, 2020

This Pitchcast explains how the Technologist Talk creative team developed seven podcasts that helped listeners answer the question, “Who is a Technologist?” The batch of podcasts elaborated and illustrated through conversations with Creating IT Futures CEO Charles Eaton and CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux why aspiring technologists will play a pivotal role in narrowing our nation’s tech skills gap.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

How to Win a Podcasting Award for Helping Your CEO Become an Award-Winning Author Mar 31, 2020

This Pitchcast explains how the Technologist Talk creative team developed a 3-part series of episodes for Creating IT Futures CEO Charles Eaton, author of the 2017 book “How to Launch Your Teen’s Career in Technology: A Parent’s Guide to the T in STEM Education.” The series of 3 podcasts demonstrated Eaton’s passion for “nurturing the next generation of technology talent” and helped him win an International Latino Book Award from Latino Literacy Now for the book’s Spanish translation.

How to Win a Podcasting Award for Helping Your Organization Win a Workforce Award Mar 31, 2020

This Pitchcast explains how the Technologist Talk creative team assembled a special group of seven podcasts to showcase the work of the Creating IT Futures IT-Ready Technical Support team in Minnesota. The focused batch of episodes helped the Twin Cities office win recognition from the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA) – a 2019 Tekne Award in the Workforce category.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #3: 5 Technologist Tales about Closing the Gender Gap in the Tech Workforce Mar 20, 2020

In honor of Women’s History Month, this Technologist Talk mini-series features five episodes about women working to close the gender gap in the tech workforce by blazing trails, rejecting bias and inspiring peers. Listen as Cristina Martin Greysman, Sarah Johnson, Amy Kardel, Tracey Welson-Rossman and Joan Matz share technologist tales about discovering their own tech careers and, now, helping others do the same.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #2: Discussing Diversity & Inclusion in the Tech Workforce in the Twin Cities Mar 02, 2020

This Technologist Talk mini-series features five episodes captured at an IT-Ready Technical Support Employer’s Breakfast in Minneapolis. Fostering this sort of dialog and collaboration around diversity and inclusion in the tech workforce is one reason the Creating IT Futures team in the Twin Cities won a 2019 Tekne Award from the Minnesota High Tech Association (MHTA).

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 33 -- Your Community Library: Where Aspiring Technologists Go to Grow (Part 3) Feb 14, 2020

How do you make failure feel fun? How about treating failure like the cure for boredom? Producer Celine Dirkes learns this technique from Chelsea Woods-Turner, a librarian at the New Brunswick (NJ) Free Public Library. Our third conversation with Chelsea convincing us community librarians may be walking definitions of Creating IT Futures CEO Charles Eaton’s “5 Traits of a Technologist.”

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 32 -- Your Community Library: Where Aspiring Technologists Go to Grow (Part 2) Feb 14, 2020

What is a “Tech Petting Zoo?” And how does one help technologists close what’s often called the “Digital Divide?” Producer Celine Dirkes hears the answer from Chelsea Woods-Turner, a librarian at the New Brunswick (NJ) Free Public Library. Our second conversation with Chelsea suggesting community librarians may be walking definitions of Creating IT Futures CEO Charles Eaton’s “5 Traits of a Technologist.”

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 31-- Your Community Library: Where Aspiring Technologists Go to Grow (Part 1) Feb 08, 2020

Where would you go to find a bunch of aspiring technologists working in one place? How about your community library? Producer Celine Dirkes visits with Chelsea Woods-Turner, a librarian at the New Brunswick (NJ) Free Public Library and discovers that community librarians may be walking definitions of Creating IT Futures CEO Charles Eaton’s “5 Traits of a Technologist.”

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Technologist Talk Mini-Series #1: Diversity & Inclusion in the Tech Workforce Feb 06, 2020

This Technologist Talk mini-series features three conversations with Ulysses Smith, Founder & CEO of Archetype D&I consulting, a featured speaker at CompTIA’s Communities & Councils Forum (CCF) and an advisor to CompTIA’s Advancing Diversity in Technology Community (ADIT).

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 30 -- Joan’s Technologist Tale: Inspiring Teen Technologists through Education Dec 31, 2019

How do you inspire teenagers to explore careers working with technology? One way is starting a tech-focused high school. Joan Matz, a technologist with a passion for education, talks about helping start Chi Tech, Chicago’s Tech Academy High School, a role that led to Creating IT Futuresand a position supporting NextUp initiatives, such as TechGirlz and the Technology Student Association (TSA).

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 29 -- Tracey’s Technologist Tale: Seeing Beyond “Unnecessary” Divides in Tech Dec 26, 2019

What does the championship journey of the U.S. women’s national soccer team teach us about the challenges facing today’s female technologists? How to see beyond the “unnecessary” divides they inevitably will confront on the road to successful tech careers, says Tracey Welson-Rossman, Chief Marketing Officer at Chariot Solutions and founder of the Women In Tech Summit (WITS) and Creating IT Futures’ TechGirlz program.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 28 -- How Women in Non-Technical Fields Can Launch Successful Careers as Technologists Nov 25, 2019

All successful technologists begin their careers as technicians, right? Well, some do. But many do not. Our in-the-field correspondent Michelle Lange heads to Denver for a conference benefitting TechGirlz organized by the Women In Tech Summit (WITS), where she meets two technologists who forged their own paths to business success working in cybersecurity.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 27 -- Who Launches a Tech Career with a Boost from IT-Ready Technical Support? Our Podcast Goes into the Field to Meet Them Nov 13, 2019

Our correspondent Michelle Lange goes into the field at the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) El Centro Campus to talk with graduates of Chicago’s inaugural IT-Ready Technical Support class – where IT workforce demand meets a new pipeline of technologist talent.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 26 -- Why We Should Start Teaching Cybersafe Practices at an Early Age Oct 31, 2019

How early should we teach kids about cybersafe practices? High school? Middle school? Kindergarten? How about three years old? Randi Parker, senior director at Creating IT Futures explains why kids should pick up cybersafe habits as soon as they pick up gadgets – and how partners and programs such as the Technology Student Association (TSA) and TechGirlz pick up this cause as young people progress through schooling.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 25 -- Amy’s Technologist Tale: From Wood Shop to Board Room Sep 30, 2019

How do you rise from tinkering in a wood shop to leading the Board of Directors for the world’s most influential IT association? Amy Kardel, CompTIA’s new Vice President, Strategic Workforce Relationships, walks us through her technologist’s journey – from playing with gadgets beside her dad to side hustles in college to bootstrapping an IT services firm.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 24 -- Sarah’s Technologist Tale: An Award-Winning Passion for Tinkering Sep 20, 2019

Many technologists are tinkerers, working hands-on with technology to solve problems for individuals and businesses. Sarah Johnson, first-ever winner of the CompTIA / ChannelPro Cecelia Galvin Scholarship Award, tinkers with digital marketing, teaching STEM classes and developing autonomous drones. Plus, she runs TechGirlz workshops. In this episode, hear what motivates this fanatical learner.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 23B -- 6 Signs Your School Has a Quality Tech Program – Part 2 Aug 16, 2019

To lay the best foundation for a career working with technology, should your teen enter a technical training program after high school? Or go straight to 4 years of college? Shouldn’t be an either/or proposition, says Eric Larson of Creating IT Futures, who works with NextUp partners such as TechGirlz and the Technology Student Association (TSA). In this episode, he shares three more signs of a quality school tech program with host Bob Dirkes.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 23A -- 6 Signs Your School Has a Quality Tech Program – Part 1 Aug 10, 2019

Millions of teens head back to school this month. And if you’re the parent or mentor of an aspiring technologist, how can you tell whether your school has a good tech program? Eric Larson, who directs the NextUp program for Creating IT Futures, says there are “6 Signs.” In this episode, Eric shares the first three with host Bob Dirkes.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 22 -- What the Business of Basketball Can Teach Companies about Nurturing Tech Talent Jun 21, 2019

Which industry provides the best model for filling our nation’s tech skills gap? In his recent talk at the U.S. News & World Report “Workforce of Tomorrow” event, award-winning author, social innovator and CEO Charles Eaton says look to pro basketball. Charles believes the NBA and WNBA have three lessons to teach other big businesses about defining, refining and inspiring talent in complex, competitive careers like IT.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 21 -- Todd Talk: Why Teamwork is Tops for Today’s Technologists Jun 08, 2019

What’s the most important set of skills for a successful career working with technology? Cloud computing? Cybersecurity? Artificial Intelligence? None of the above. Teamwork skills top them all says Todd Thibodeaux, CEO of the world’s premier IT trade association, CompTIA.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 20 -- Providing More Pathways to Tech Careers: IT-Ready Comes to Illinois’ City of Lights May 24, 2019

Launching a tech career means spending 4 years in college earning a computer science degree, right? Not so. There’s more than one pathway to landing a tech job, and Dr. Adrienne Holloway, Chief Innovation Officer for the City of Aurora, Illinois, is working with IT-Ready to build one for the local community.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 19 -- How Can Young Technologists Thrive in Today’s Multigenerational Tech Workforce? Start Learning to Collaborate with Teammates Now May 18, 2019

Thousands of digital natives from Gen Z will graduate from high schools, universities, trade schools and other programs this spring, eager to join Boomers, Gen X and Millennials in today’s tech workforce. How can they thrive in this competitive field? It’s never too late to learn to collaborate, says Tim Herbert, CompTIA’s head of research, and co-author of his team’s report on managing a multigenerational workforce.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 18B -- What’s So Funny about Working as a Technologist? Our Podcast Goes into the Field to Find Out Apr 30, 2019

Our correspondent Michelle Lange goes into the field with TechGirlz for a TechSavvy event, where middle school students and their parents learn that solving problems with technology is not only a viable career path for girls, but lots of fun, too.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 18A -- Do Digital Natives Have a Digital Edge in Today’s Multigenerational Workforce? Apr 25, 2019

Does being raised a Digital Native -- immersed in an atmosphere of tech gadgetry -- give today’s teens advantages over other aspiring technologists in our multigenerational workforce? Tim Herbert, CompTIA’s head of research, shares insights from his team’s report on managing a multigenerational workforce.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 17 -- Jonathan’s Technologist Tale: Orchestrating a balance between STEM & STEAM Apr 06, 2019

Should STEM education formally incorporate the Arts, transforming STEM curriculum into STEAM programs for today’s teens? Explore the debate with technologist Jonathan Fuller, contributing editor to IEEE GlobalSpec’s Engineering360 blog and a professional musician.

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange (a technologist & professional musician, too)

Chapter 16 -- Cristina’s Technologist Tale: Translating Latin Studies to Leadership Skills Mar 29, 2019

What do software coding, Roman civilization and duck decoys have in common? All were mileposts along Cristina Martin Greysman’s road to a successful career in technology. In honor of Women’s History Month, we showcase Cristina’s technologist tale, rising through dabbling with code to chairing CompTIA’sAdvancing Women in Technology Community (AWIT).

Original Technologist Talk Radio theme music by C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 15 -- Todd’s Technologist Tale: From Lincoln Logs to Leadership Feb 26, 2019

How do you grow from playing with Lincoln Logs to leading the world’s foremost technology association? Well, be warned: You should be tough enough to take punch from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux tells his technologist tale to members of the Technology Student Association (TSA.)

Chapter 14 -- IT-Ready in Action: Busting Diversity Myths Jan 26, 2019

With half a million unfilled tech jobs at any given time in our economy, what prevents talented technologists from launching tech careers? Several myths about who a technologist is, what one should look like and the type of education one should have. Lisa Fasold interviews Laura Beeth and Ann Gibson of Fairview Health Services about how Creating IT Futures’ IT-Ready program helps them bust those myths.

Music: C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 13 -- The “3 U’s”: How IT-Ready is Helping to Fill the IT Skills Gap Jan 12, 2019

With unemployment at historic lows, why do so many jobs working with technology remain unfilled? Correspondent Lisa Fasold sits down with Sue Wallace, Creating IT Futures’ Executive Director for National Workforce Solutions, to discuss how her organization’s IT-Ready program helps fill the IT skills gap with talented technologists from three groups – the unemployed, under-employed and under-represented.

Music: C. Ezra Lange

Chapter 12 -- The Make of Chicago: Highlights from the South Side Mini-Maker Faire Dec 27, 2018

Maker Faires: They’re places where technologists go to play, and grow. Join Michelle Lange in the field at the South Side Mini-Maker Faire. She guides us through some of the booths, and speaks with Jackie Moore: the South Side Mini-Maker Faire Maven.

Music: C. Ezra Lange http://ezralange.strikingly.com/

Chapter 11 -- Technologist On-Ramps for Grown-Ups: Transitioning into Tech Careers with IT-Ready Dec 14, 2018

Is it ever too late to launch your career as a technologist? Absolutely not. But you may need some help. Sue Wallace, Creating IT Futures’ Executive Director of National Workforce Solutions, tells our co-producer Doug Foresta how the IT-Ready program creates on-ramps to tech careers for adults long after high school.

Chapter 10 -- A Look Under the Hood: Angel Pineiro's Technologist Story (Part 2) Nov 26, 2018

Continuing a conversation captured at CompTIA's 2018 ChannelCon, host Bob Dirkes learns from Angel Pineiro, Senior VP of Technology Services at Agilant Solutions, how his company helps teens launch careers as technologists, and why a Spanish-language version of Charles Eaton's book is important for today's parents.

Chapter 9 -- A Look Under the Hood: Angel Pineiro’s Technologist Story Nov 14, 2018

In this conversation captured at CompTIA’s 2018 ChannelCon, host Bob Dirkes talks with Angel Pineiro, Senior VP of Technology Services at Agilant Solutions, about his journey from mechanic to management.

Chapter 8 -- Micro-Progressions: How the Little Things Build Diversity and Inclusion Oct 31, 2018

In this edition of Technologist Talk Radio, Host Bob Dirkes speaks with three panelists from the fifth annual IT-Ready employers breakfast in Minneapolis. These experts share insights on how the smallest changes in behavior make a major impact for current employees, future talent, and the success of their organizations.

Learn more about creating work environments inclusive of all people from CompTIA’s Advancing Diversity in Technology (ADIT) community -https://www.comptia.org/communities/advancing-diversity-in-technology.

Chapter 7 -- Diversity and Inclusion – Part 3: Technologists Expect & Appreciate Respect, Purpose & Trust Sep 28, 2018

Host Bob Dirkes talks with Ulysses Smith, Founder & CEO of Archetype D&I Consulting, who explains the benefits tech organizations earn from pursuing a culture of “Diversity & Inclusion.”

Learn more about creating work environments inclusive of all people from CompTIA’s Advancing Diversity in Technology (ADIT) community -https://www.comptia.org/communities/advancing-diversity-in-technology.

Chapter 6 -- Diversity and Inclusion - Part 2: Technologists Foster “Belonging” in Organizational Culture Sep 21, 2018

Host Bob Dirkes talks with Ulysses Smith, Founder & CEO of Archetype D&I Consulting, to learn the importance of “belonging” when developing a culture of “Diversity & Inclusion.”

Learn more about creating work environments inclusive of all people from CompTIA’s Advancing Diversity in Technology (ADIT) community -https://www.comptia.org/communities/advancing-diversity-in-technology.

Chapter 5 -- Diversity and Inclusion - Part 1: Technologists Value Respect, Cooperation & Collaboration Aug 30, 2018

Host Bob Dirkes talks with Ulysses Smith, Founder & CEO of Archetype D&I Consulting, to define two critical keys for successful tech careers: Diversity & Inclusion.

Learn more about creating work environments inclusive of all people from CompTIA’s Advancing Diversity in Technology (ADIT) community - https://www.comptia.org/communities/advancing-diversity-in-technology.

Chapter 4 -- CompTIA’s Bring-Your-Kids-to-Work Day: Seeing Technologists in Action Aug 17, 2018

Join host Michelle Lange as she takes in the fun at CompTIA’s Bring-Your-Kids-to-Work Day and learns who so-called “Digital Natives” really are.

Chapter 3 -- FUSE Studio Field Trip: Interest-Based Learning in Middle Schools Aug 01, 2018

Join host Michelle Lange on her field trip to Hadley Junior High, where she and the students explore a FUSE Studio developed by Northwestern University and supported by CompTIA’s NextUp initiative.

Chapter 2 -- What IS a Technologist: Defining a Tricky Term Jul 18, 2018

Host Bob Dirkes sits down with CompTIA CEO Todd Thibodeaux to define the tricky term “Technologist” and explore how this term can help young students find the right career for them.

Chapter 1-- Social Innovation: Making Money Matter in the Tech Field Jul 05, 2018

Host Bob Dirkes speaks with author and CEO of Creating IT Futures Charles Eaton about Creating IT Futures ongoing philanthropic programs, their priorities for programs, and how they measure the impact of their giving.

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