Latest news with #TechEcosystemConferences
Technical.ly
4 days ago
- Business
- Technical.ly
The latest issue of Tech Council of Delaware's magazine highlights its Tech Ecosystem Conferences
The Tech Council of Delaware, in collaboration with is excited to present the Tech Council Chronicle. This storytelling publication offers an overarching narrative about Delaware's tech ecosystem, tech workforce and status as a tech hub. The online magazines are also a helpful resource for stakeholders both across the state and nationally, with plenty of useful information about resources, career tools and training programs available across the First State. The fourth edition of the Tech Council Chronicle is a must-read for anyone plugged into Delaware's tech scene. This special issue dives into the growth and impact of our annual Tech Ecosystem Conferences — including the award-winning 2024 event that just snagged a TECNA Innovation Award for Major Impact! From special moments to powerful partnerships and community highlights, this edition celebrates the energy, momentum, and connections fueling Delaware's tech community. The previous editions of the Tech Council Chronicle, published in 2024, can be found here and here. Tech Council website and its page on
Technical.ly
11-07-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Delaware conference builds confidence and offers access to tech industry
If you're a young adult looking to work in technology, Delaware is a great place to be. That was the message at the About That Life Tech Ecosystem Conference, held May 20, 2025, at Wilmington University in New Castle. 'This is your warm welcome into the tech industry,' said Zakiyyah Ali, executive director of the Tech Council of Delaware, as she kicked off the 2025 convening. Hosted by the Tech Council of Delaware and sponsored by JPMorganChase, the third annual event brought together young adults from underrepresented backgrounds for a day of workshops, speakers, networking and career exposure. Attendees were encouraged to see themselves as valuable members of the tech community, then given the tools to start building that future. Author and speaker Christopher 'CJ' Gross asked participants to name how their ideal futures would make them feel. Responses like 'confident,' 'secure,' and 'happy' lit up the room, affirming that this wasn't only talk, but a day built around real growth and momentum. Many attendees saw the world of tech open up for them as they experienced the day's events. 'Anything is possible if you put your mind to it… there are more people you can rely on and get help from,' said Omar A. Noor, aspiring tech professional member of the Council. Some attendees clearly interested in a tech path tapped new opportunities, like Bridget Owusu. She spotted a mentorship sign from Holmes Smith Consulting, asked to connect with founder Pat Smith, and within minutes expanded her network. She later found out the Tech Council had already arranged two months of free coaching. The event reflected the Tech Council's focus on action, intentional content and connecting young people with real opportunities to help them grow into future technologists. How past conferences set the stage The previous two Tech Ecosystem Conferences laid critical groundwork for what became 2025's breakthrough event for young adults. The inaugural 2023 gathering at the Westin Wilmington marked the first time Delaware's tech ecosystem committees convened under one roof. With sessions on workforce partnerships, inclusive tech talent pipelines and defining Delaware's tech identity, the event was all about alignment, intentionality and strategy. It served to strengthen collaboration across member organizations. By 2024, the second annual event opened its doors beyond committees to welcome engagement with key stakeholders leading other tech initiatives, including strategic partners like CompTIA and General Assembly. The two-day conference featured a Tech Startup Symposium, Black Men Talk Tech panel discussion, future-focused AI sessions and the unveiling of the Council's three-year strategic plan as it prepared to exit its Rodel incubation. The evolution from coalition-building to ecosystem development led directly to 2025's About That Life Tech Conference. What began as strategic conversations and organizational partnerships actualized into real impact on Delaware talent. The ongoing conferences have not only built a layered foundation, these events cultivated relationships within the tech community. Take Whitney Akinola, founder of Future Proof Consulting and a past conference attendee. Akinola moved from presenting as a startup founder to moderating this year's panel of young professionals, and in the meantime has grown her Tech Council involvement from Current Tech Professional to Corporate member. What made this event different Yes, the speakers were engaging and the food was great, but what truly set the conference apart was its commitment to meeting young adults where they are and facilitating connections to foster professional network development. And all this after just a few short years of strategy setting. Workshops like 'Tech Connect: Step Your Tech Game Up,' 'Decision-Making 101: Adulting Made Easy,' and 'Financial Literacy: Securing the Bag' highlighted the demand for real-world guidance. From conflict resolution to LinkedIn headshots, every activity was crafted to instill confidence and clarity. Attendees shared the messages that resonated with them most: 'Your decisions make your whole life,' said young adult Kayne Wilson. A suite of community partners rounded out a holistic support system in their resource booths. Still, participants made it clear they were still hungry for more practical skills: 'They really want to know, how do we get there, and how do we negotiate?' said Jennifer Thompkins of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, who co-facilitated the 'Self-Advocacy: Speak Up for Yourself' workshop. With Delaware's unique market, additional workshops on negotiation, networking, branding/LinkedIn and financial literacy could build on this hunger and further grow the Tech Council community's impact on aspiring tech professionals. Showing up matters Smith, the career coaching partner, reminded attendees that sometimes it's the baby steps that hold back progress. The Tech Council's post-conference Career Planning Support & Coaching resource provides the structure and mentorship to assist young people with moving from interest to action. It's these small nudges, like enrolling in a tech training program, that kickstart the journey. Tia Jones, who led a workshop on conflict resolution, spoke to the value of visibility and support: 'Many people trying to get into corporate think they're the only ones facing challenges,' Jones said. 'We need to meet people where they are and help them along the way.' Tech Council board member and program officer at Longwood Foundation Adara Scholl called on employers to do more: 'We're going to keep losing businesses who leave the state simply because they can't find talent. That's so unfair to youth who did the right thing but just didn't know about the opportunity.' Employers reward initiative During the Employers Talk Tech panel discussion, leaders from JPMorganChase, M&T Bank, WSFS Bank and Akkodis Group offered an honest look at what makes early-career talent stand out. 'While you're looking, keep your skillset relevant. We are looking for the energy, the drive, the motivation — those who take the initiative,' said Dan Burkhart, technical recruiting manager at JPMorganChase. Other employers echoed this sentiment. 'It's those that we see stretching themselves, that extra curiosity,' said Chris Frahme, tech team lead at M&T Bank. 'We're looking for individuals that have the aptitude,' said Robert Eastwood of WSFS Bank. 'Don't stop your education once you've graduated…we don't know how to mold you unless you come with some skillsets,' said Matthew Sullivan from Akkodis. 'This is a channel that people need to leverage. We may be looking for talent and they're right in front of us!' said Jones. …And initiative gets results When it comes to breaking into tech, showing initiative can outshine extensive job experience. In the 'Tech It from Us: We've Been Where You Are' panel discussion, moderator Akinola praised the panelists for their focus, learning, and hustle — from cold-messaging CEOs to learning AI independently. Jayden Worthington spoke on the 'Tech It from Us' panel about how he landed his role through a direct message on LinkedIn after applying to hundreds of jobs. Panelist Jacqueline Means, founder of Girls Empowerment STEM Initiative, took the reins of her degree program from pre-med to marketing and management information systems (MIS), while Nahshon Little founded an AI training company with self-taught methods. Coming to the conference is a show of initiative itself. 'Economic mobility is achievable,' Tech Council Executive Director Ali reminded young talent. 'Don't squander the opportunities right in front of you.' All jobs are tech jobs Anyone who wants to get into tech has the tools to do it, and there's no part of Delaware's workforce that doesn't touch tech. The Tech Council's board of directors itself has cross-industry representation, including leaders from nonprofit and consulting. 'The board isn't made up of just 'techies.' That diversity shows young people that they belong here,' said Scholl, Tech Council board member. 'Tech is a lot more horizontal now,' said Stephanie Eldridge, CEO of coding academy Code Differently. Creativity and communication are crucial, and low-code tools mean tech is even closer in reach to career seekers. Growing Delaware as a tech hub Deon Gordon, President & CEO of TechBirmingham, traveled to the event to participate in the fireside chat and showcase what Delaware could become. He's expanded his tech council from workforce development into advocacy while growing tech ecosystems in multiple cities. 'There's a real dedication to Delaware as a tech hub. The Council touches policy, small businesses, workforce development. It's the state's secret weapon,' said Scholl. 'It takes a tech village like ours…we have to pay it forward for the next tech generation,' said Ali. The About That Life conference was a launchpad. For young adults, it brought tech careers closer. For employers, it showed how connection builds future pipelines. For all, it proved mobility starts with support and a little bravery. 'Everybody should know about the Tech Council. If you're in tech and you live here, you should know about it,' said Akinola. What you can do next If you're an employer, educator, or community partner: get involved now. Schools and youth programs: Connect with the council, foster students' awareness and prepare them for tech careers. Corporate partners: Become a sponsor AND show up, get involved and stay connected. Organizations: Spread the word of the council in Delaware communities. Investors: Consider providing funding. 'If you want quality professionals, you have to develop them early. Fund the Council, and you're funding your own workforce,' said Scholl.
