MKE Tech News

A monthly skim of the latest #mketech news, events and resources

Issue 43 - June17, 2022

MESSAGE FROM THE CTDO

Tech Hiring is Still Bonkers (6/14 New York Times newsletter article). “There’s a long-term trend of companies wanting to hire more tech workers, and the number of qualified candidates hasn’t kept pace”. 

This likely comes as no surprise. Demographers have projected a shortage in workers for over a decade (reduction in supply) while tech has increased in importance to deliver on business objectives (increase in demand). Add in the impacts of the pandemic and you have a perfect storm. Employers who source solely through traditional means (e.g. university recruitment and attraction) are losing out on a much wider source of viable tech talent. 

The Coalition is here to help. Our talent pipeline strategy includes: 

• Inspiring early talent: with an annual Greater MKE Hour of Tech Challenge 
• Supporting college-level students: by sponsoring FUSE, a summer bootcamp focused on the Ethics and Impact of Data and AI 
• Providing opportunities for reskilling adults: by collaborating with a preferred provider network of reskilling partners to address known gaps 
• Building regional capacity: for registered tech apprenticeships and corporate upskilling programs (e.g. AI Academy) 

We are not alone in this work. The Cream City Talent Collective harnesses the power of over 65 organizations who believe in the infinite talent in Milwaukee. And, 125 CEOs have signed the MMAC Region of Choice pledge to increase the number of black and brown workers and leaders in their workforce. 

We appreciate all of those who are walking this journey with us. 

Laura Schmidt 

Chief Talent Development Officer 

We are excited to welcome Valerie Linton-Reed back to the MKE Tech Hub Coalition as our part-time operations support. We're thrilled to be working with Valerie again!

In other staff news, we say goodbye to Aaron Davis and Chuck Kolawole as they move on to the next chapter in their careers. Aaron recently accepted a role as Product Manager at ConnectureDR. Chuck graduated from Marquette University and is now the Communications Manager at the Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer. Thank you for your contributions to the mission of the Coalition! 

Welcome to our newest Community member Xorbix Technologies. We look forward to collaborating with each of you! 

Virtual Hiring Event on 4/26 a success!  

Seven employers had access to over 245 individuals with experience in software development data/analytics, cybersecurity, and infrastructure/cloud. from across the nation during over 4/26 Virtual Hiring event, powered by Dice. Over 150 individuals progressed in these organizations’ hiring process as a result of the event. Thanks to all who participated! 

Milwaukee County – Showcased globally as combatting racism through AI 

Milwaukee County has declared racism a public health crisis. Through a project launched during a recent SAS Hackathon, Milwaukee County, is also looking to AI to examine and improve ordinances and policies related to foreclosure that may inadvertently promote racial inequities. MKE Tech Hub Coalition was honored to be able to connect this national opportunity to our local needs.

Save the Date: The Greater MKE Hour of Tech Challenge will be held during computer science week 12/5-11. Our regional challenge is to collectively provide over 35,000 hours of mentorship to students across southeastern Wisconsin to help them understand the impact of technology on the world around them and their potential to be part of it. Be a part of the movement. Watch our social media and newsletters for additional information. Link to video. 

FUSE Launch Day 6/16

We kicked off the summer with an in-person launch event at Ward4. Participating students learned about what to expect during the program, heard an inspiring keynote from William Deck (MindBusiness, LLC) about the power of the subconscious over our thoughts and actions, and were asked to consider how that might impact the technological solutions we interact with each and every day.

A special thank you to our event sponsors: Northwestern Mutual, The Milwaukee Bucks, and WEC Energy Group and those who came out to network with participating students. It’s going to be a great summer! 

FUSE Demo Day 8/8

Save the date to join us in celebrating and showcasing the FUSE class of 2022. More information coming soon.

Tech Apprenticeship Expands into Cyber Analyst Roles 

Thanks to a grant from the Department of Workforce Development, Apprenti of Greater Milwaukee (initially focused on Software Analyst/Developer roles) will be expanding to include Cyber Analyst roles. All grant funds will flow to those employers to commit to sponsor an apprentice. Information sessions for employers and referral partners will be held on 6/23. Contact Laura Schmidt if you would like to be included. p.s. Don’t miss the sessions focused on Cybersecurity at Summerfest Tech from 2-4 on 6/29. Registration is free! 

AI Academy Program – Summerfest Tech 

Participants in the AI Academy upskilling program are invited to join us at Summerfest Tech for a session on Ethical Machine Learning from 4-5 on 6/29 with a networking social after. Make sure to stop by our booth to say HI for an opportunity to receive a special gift from the Coalition. Registration is free! Employers will an interest in having their employees participate in the next cohort can contact LauraS@mketech.org for more info. 

• Employ MKE’s Fresh Coast Tech Up Offers FREE IT Service Desk Bootcamp w/wages (Application deadline 7/22) 
• i.c.stars opens registration for iOpener conference on August 4th. 

Congrats to the new FOR-M graduates! 

30 early-stage founders recently wrapped up their cohort, presented their ideas during the first-ever in-person Founder Showcase at Marquette University's 707 Hub and joined 200+ FOR-M grads as alumni of the program. Learn more.

FOR-M Financial Award Application Now Open 

MKE Tech Hub Coalition will again be able to offer financial grants and other awards in 2022. If you are an alumni of FOR-M, you received a direct email with a link to the application. Didn’t receive, check out the FOR-M slack channel or reach out to  contact@mketech.org.

FOR-M Fall Cohort registration open 

The next cohort of FOR-M will start this fall.  Take the advantage of this no-cost, early stage incubator to help advance your tech solution concept. More information and the application is at https://www.for-m.org/ 

Why incubators mean community for early-stage founders

The Commons and FOR-M Program Director Joe Poeschl talks to Technical.y on creating an open door to Milwaukee’s tech ecosystem. 

Reverse Pitch Challenge sponsors

Great ideas can come from anywhere. Through Reverse Pitch MKE, companies open their doors to entrepreneurs, startups and other creatives to help solve industry challenges. We are seeking this year’s corporate challenge sponsors. ICYM the May QnA, please watch the recap HERE. Interested in joining the exciting growth of Reverse Pitch MKE? Become a challenge sponsor by emailing Kathy@mketech.org no later than July 1. 

Reverse Pitch High School Edition programmed by Young Enterprise Society held an in-person Pitch Back event on Friday, May 20th. Students pitched back their solutions to this year’s industry challenges; Froedtert & The Medical College of WI and Northwestern Mutual. Three teams progressed forward to the final Pitch Back. Congratulations to Team Smairt from Brookfield East High School & Brookfield Academy who won first place solving the Froedtert & The MCW challenge: Community Health Literacy & Trust. Well done to all the teams that participated in this year’s program. Thank you to the mentors and Young Enterprise Society for their investment and dedication to inspiring the next generation of innovators. 

Join us June 29-30 at Summerfest Tech! 

Grow your knowledge by participating in this free event, happening throughout the city of Milwaukee. 

While you are there, stop by the Coalition’s booth to say hello, and join us and eight other community partners for a lunch-hour “Community Speaker Blitz”. It’s your chance to learn more about local organizations and how you can get involved. Grab your tickets.

Announcing Tech Week 2022: October 3-7 

MKE Tech Hub will again host Tech Week in 2022 and planning is in full swing. Call for content submissions will open soon. Start planning your ideas for sessions, fill out this form and we'll add you to the list. 

If you'd like information on sponsor opportunities, email us at contact@mketech.org

Lead The Movement Business Conference, August 25 

Learn how to connect and recruit diverse tech talent like an entertainer! MKE Tech Hub Coalition is partnered with Fourever Media to assist with the Tech Track. Tickets available here.

zizzl health ICHRA 

zizzl health’s ICHRA solution is now available nationwide! Visit www.zizzlhealth.com for a first look at our best-in-class ICHRA solution. 

Balancing Infection Control and Energy Efficiency : A New Analysis in the ASHRAE Journal 

The May issue of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Journal features an article called “Airborne Disease Transmission risk and Energy Impact of HVAC Mitigation Strategies”. Authored by Johnson Controls team members, it examines ways HVAC systems can balance these competing priorities and improve indoor air quality in efficient, sustainable ways. 

Avasant names Capgemini a Leader in Insurance digital services 

Capgemini was rated highly for its Insurance practice maturity, investments and innovation, and partnership ecosystem. 

Amassing the Tech Pool 

Congratulations to Maribeth Actherberg, Molson Coors and Angela Johnson, Children’s Hospital who highlighted the career opportunities to work on advanced technologies in our traditional industries in the recent Milwaukee Business Journal article 

Milwaukee recognized as the “Water Capital of the World” 

A combination of assets, including The Water Council, cited in that declaration 

Fresh Coast Tech Up - IT Service Desk Technician Bootcamp 

Learn more about the totally free certificate bootcamp provided by Employ Milwaukee and MATC here! 

CAPtivate your career comeback with Capgemini 

Their returnship program is designed for experienced tech professionals who took a career break and are looking to reintegrate into the workforce. Whether you stepped away for two or 20 years, the program offers the support and training to help you return to work. Our program includes a full-time, benefit-eligible position with 8-weeks of comprehensive training, as well as a dedicated mentor through the whole journey and beyond. 

Submit Your Proposal for a Breakout Session for STEM Forward's 19th Annual sySTEMnow Conference By July 11 

As part of the annual sySTEMnow Conference on October 26, 2022, local experts lead breakout sessions on timely and relevant topics. If you have a session in mind, please submit your idea here by July 11. Multiple proposals are welcome, and you will have the option to submit additional proposals after selecting the submit button. The planning committee is looking for engaging sessions 30 to 50 minutes in length that provide an opportunity for attendees to take action post-session. We encourage submissions from education, business, and community representatives. 

Wisconsin venture capital firm launches tool to help investors find startups 

Wisconsin venture capital fund of funds manager NVNG Investment Advisors LLC has launched an online database designed to help expose venture capitalists to startups in the state 

VC MKE Connecting VCs with Founders of Color. 6-28-2022 

Register Today at VC MKE 

Experies releases 'The New Age of Tech Talent,' report

The report finds that employers need to be more creative and agile in their talent strategy – both inside and outside their organizations. The research suggests that HR leaders should be guided by workforce data, a clear talent philosophy and a willingness to experiment. 

Accenture Midwest Women in Technology: June 22, 5:30 pm –6:45 pm

The event is open to recent college graduates and rising college juniors and seniors graduating between Dec 2022-Dec 2024, looking for technology opportunities in the Midwest. 

Founders Spotlight series showcases women tech founders : June 22, 12:00 pm

Northwestern Mutual has joined forces with the New York Tech Alliance community to help build a sustainable, connected and inclusive tech ecosystem. Join us online on June 22nd at the New York Tech Alliance Founders Spotlight, featuring Tara Falcone, reason.app, and Northwestern Mutual’s Vice President, Innovation Marty Ringlein. This monthly series showcases women tech founders who have gone against the odds to start amazing companies. 

Accenture MidwestLatinX Power Panel: June 23, 5:30 pm –6:45 pm

The Power Panel will be an intimate conversation with executive leadership within the LatinX community in the Midwest.  

Artificial Intelligence and Analytics Symposium, Online, hosted by UWM, June 24

An industry panel discusses AI and analytics in practice at 11:50, after two morning keynotes. Panelists are: Steven Lueck of Associated Bank, Guy Russ of Church Mutual Insurance Company, and Brett Young-Moxon, of Image Mover. Registration is free.

MMAC Event: MOR Speed Networking for Entrepreneurs June 27, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Marshalling Our Resources (MOR) for Entrepreneurship is holding a pilot event.

Learn more about entrepreneurship and the startup landscape in southeast Wisconsin: June 28

Local innovators and experts will discuss this topic at the next INNsights Speaker Series event at 11 a.m. CST on June 28. The virtual panel discussion — presented by Cream City Labs — will feature Joe Poeschl, The Commons; Precious Drew, gener8tor; Matt Younkle, Pythonic AI; and Moiz Dawoodbhai, Northwestern Mutual Future Ventures. The discussion will be moderated by Avani Patel, senior director of innovation at Northwestern Mutual. Register for the event.

MARS Solutions Group is hosting a webinar on How to Sell Yourself in an Interview, July 14, 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm

MARS Solutions Group is hosting a 30-minute webinar that discusses How to Sell Yourself in an Interview. This webinar will be hosted by our Sr. VP of Operations, Nicole Whitbeck-Dohnal. Nicole has over 14 years of experience in the staffing industry and has held senior level sales roles. Using her experience, she will give insight into how to incorporate sales tactics into the interview process to land your next role. 

SIM Wisconsin 21st Annual Charity Golf Classic: August 22

SIM Wisconsin is proud to help others and give back to the community, donating over $100,000 to charities over the past 20 years. Key to our ability to give back is our annual charity golf event and your generous contributions. Please save the date and join us to help the community. 

FOR-M Alum, ,Former elite athlete and chiropractor starting healthy food app

Milwaukee-based Investii taking part in gener8tor’s 2022 Madison program

STEAM & Dream launches national tour to teach kids science, entrepreneurship skills

Milwaukee startup raises $4 million to help make decarbonizing heavy industry affordable

Milwaukee's Socialeads reaches new industry with Marathon Laundry partnership

Doyenne 5x5x5 Pitch event applications due 6/17/2022 

Share the Vibes Music and Tech Festival, June 18 9 AM – 9 PM 

MAKE48 at MIAD: National prototyping on Saturday July 16