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A strong tech community is developed through connections. During our COVID-19 time warp, it was more difficult to build these connections, but we are seeing a strong rebound. For example, according to Milwaukee World Festival, Inc., this year’s Summerfest Tech recorded more than 2,100 registrations, from 35 states and 10 countries.
By offering free programming in-person and online, the organization was able to bring forth our diverse community to celebrate tech. Thank you Lena DeLaet for your leadership! An achievement worth the biggest smile and the highest praise.
Now, we turn our attention to MKE Tech Week to continue fostering our community. This weeklong event, by the community, for the community is scheduled for Oct. 3-7. During this week, over 85% of the 50+ events are to be hosted by partners.
With that said, we are now accepting content submissions! Please submit a description of an event you’d like to host here, or reach out to MKE Tech with an interest in sponsoring, volunteering or providing event space.
Witnessing the success of Summerfest Tech was inspiring, and we’re hoping to build upon the momentum with MKE Tech Week — further showcasing our rebound, as well as the region’s vibrant, inclusive tech ecosystem!
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MKE Tech News
Issue 45 - July 15, 2022
A monthly skim of the latest #mketech news, events and resources
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Welcome to our Manager of Member Growth & Engagement, Shakkiah Curtis
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Congratulations to Laura Schmidt who received a scholarship to U.S. Chamber of Commerce Talent Pipeline Management Program (July-September)
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Welcome to our new Bronze Member, Clarios! We appreciate your support. Looking forward to supporting your work within the tech space. | |
Attracting Tech Talent & Business | |
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According to BizTimes, Milwaukee now has a 52% lower cost of living than Chicago
Inflation is a challenge everywhere, but it is increasing the gap between our neighbors to the north. More here.
Plan your visit to Milwaukee
MSN lists Milwaukee as a top 10 city to visit
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A Diverse Tech Talent Pipeline | |
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FUSE Demo Day to take place at Fiserv Forum
Participants in the FUSE summer bootcamp have been busy learning Power BI, Python, and how data tools can facilitate artificial intelligence.
They are hearing from industry leaders how the power of data and AI impacts technological solutions across our region’s key industries, and they are learning how to prepare for a tech or tech adjacent career.
Many thanks to Codeworks for hosting individual and group coaching sessions last week. Over the next month, participants will be placed on their capstone project teams and start preparing for the showcase event on Aug. 8 at the Fiserv Forum. Invitations have been to emailed to all members.
We are looking forward to celebrating and showcasing the FUSE class of 2022! If you are not yet a member and would like an invitation to attend, please send an email to MKE Tech. Thank you to this year's Demo Day sponsors: Associated Bank, Northwestern Mutual, The Milwaukee Bucks and WEC Energy Group.
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Association for Talent Development Presents at Joint Coalition Meeting
On June 27th, the SE-WI Association for Talent Development presented a session entitled ‘Closing the Skills Gap’ featuring:
This session was attended by members of the Coalition’s K-20 Education Committee, Re/Upskilling Committee and Preferred Reskilling Provider Network. The panelists discussed critical skills for managers to enable reskilling, how organizations can strengthen on-the-job learning opportunities, and how reskilling challenges provide an opportunity for organizations to become more inclusive. A brief recap of the discussion can be found here. Slides are available upon request via Laura Schmidt.
This was a follow-on discussion to the presentation the Coalition did for SEWI-ATD in May on The Business Case for Up/Reskilling.
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Accelerating Startup Growth & Innovation | |
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FOR-M Fall Cohort registration remains 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. Apply.
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Lead The Movement Business Conference
Celebrate talent and togetherness at the Lead The Movement Business Conference! This interactive training experience is geared for HR professionals, sales and marketing leaders, business owners and community leaders. Propel your business.
The conference is by Foureva Media, a branding and media agency whose mission is help people expand their business like an entertainer. It's scheduled to take place at Fiserv Forum 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 25.
As sponsors of this event, we want to gauge your interest. Please take a moment to answer the poll question below. Thank you!
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| Are you interested in attending the Lead The Movement Business Conference? | | | |
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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) is 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 were held last month. If interested in more info, contact Laura Schmidt.
AI Academy Program – Congratulations to a Strong Start!
Participants in the AI Academy upskilling program started workshops along with on the job learning at their company on July 11. Employers with an interest in having their employees participate in the next cohort (starting January 2023) should contact Laura Schmidt for more info.
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. If you missed the May Q&A, please view here. Interested in joining the exciting growth of Reverse Pitch MKE? Become a challenge sponsor by emailing Kathy Henrich.
The Greater MKE Hour of Tech
The Greater MKE Hour of Tech Challenge will be held during computer science week Dec. 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.
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Board Member Rashi Khosla Recognized as a Woman of Influence
Congratulations to Rashi Khosla, CEO of Mars Solutions Group, for being recognized as an innovation leader!
Godfrey and Kahn’s Sarah Sargeant Featured in Security Roundtable
Thanks to Milwaukee Business Journal for the opportunity to discuss the ever changing cybersecurity threats. A great panel discussion with Sarah Sargeant, Sara Deschner, and Patrick Barwick led to practical recommendations to protect your organization.
MMAC hosts First Region of Choice Summit
Over 120+ CEOs have signed the pledge! Read about the summit! There are many insights which can be applied to improving the diversity of our tech talent pipeline.
New articles via MKE Startup News
Thanks to MMAC for highlighting the tech ecosystem, including:
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The Light the Hoan Intern Challenge to Return
For the second year, Northwestern Mutual is the presenting sponsor for the Light the Hoan intern competition, taking place on July 25. The event will feature tech interns from 12 local companies who will develop light shows on the Hoan Bridge, reflecting their company’s brand and culture as part of a March Madness-style bracket competition.
MARS Solutions Group Named One of Milwaukee’s Best and Brightest Companies
MARS Solutions Group is excited to be named one of Milwaukee’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For®! Companies that distinguish themselves as having the most innovative business acumen and human resource practices can be bestowed this honor.
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Resources & Opportunities | |
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UWM Launches New Tech Resources Page
The UWM School of Continuing Education recently released a ‘special page’ on their website designed to showcase all of the opportunities to upskill-reskill in tech currently offered via UWM. On behalf of the tech industry, thank you for making it easier to find opportunities to learn! Please contact Ron Wiza with questions on the content or how to engage.
Girls Who Code is hiring a Regional Outreach Coordinator
The Regional Outreach Coordinator will:
- Encourage individual schools and community-based organizations to start Clubs and recruit students for our summer programs
- Cultivate and leverage brand new partnerships to support our programmatic growth
Johnson Controls Sustainability Maturity Assessment
Do you know how mature your sustainability practices are? Take 2 minutes to use our quick and easy maturity assessment, which will produce customized, targeted information and actions to help you realize real value from your environmental investments.
2022 Wisconsin Inno Under 25
This program is sponsored by Wisconsin Inno, highlighting young entrepreneurs and innovators from around the state. Submit nominations by Aug. 7!
STEM Experiences at Northwestern Mutual Community Park
Northwestern Mutual employee volunteers joined Peter Haydock and Isabel Mendiola, founders of Gearbox Labs, to deliver STEM activities to more than 1,600 families! As a part of the free Sunday Family Fun Days, this effort will continue with the goal of furthering the reach of STEM opportunities in the community, Sept. 18 and Oct. 9.
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