MKE TECH News
Issue 25- November 14, 2020
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Last week, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of the MKE Tech Hub Coalition. We started the week with special guest Chuck Swoboda who inspired us to utilize the “Innovator’s Spirit” to achieve the impossible in our organizations and community (Replay). This was a perfect message to lead us into Thursday’s sessions (Replay) where we laid out individual strategies and progress towards our goal of doubling tech talent in the region. It was inspiring to hear members speak to their commitment to developing diverse talent in the MKE region as a pathway to “life changing jobs.”
This can only be achieved through community partnerships and the commitment of our members. This month, we’re excited to welcome Milwaukee Tool, Continuous Technologies, Maydm, NEWaukee, Milwaukee Business Journal, Penta Technologies, SignalWire, SIM, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County and Wisconsin Inno as new Coalition members.
Our membership growth to 59 has allowed our Community Members to elect a representative to the Board of Directors. We’re pleased to announce that Marlena Eanes, Regional Lead for Teals will join us in November as a Board Member.
During the anniversary sessions, it was so obvious that collectively we can make a HUGE impact in the region. If you’re interested in joining us in this transformational mission, please reach out to kathy@mketech.org. I look forward to hearing from you!
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COALITION UPDATES
Progress and Calls to Action Aligned to Key Strategies
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Bold Vision Showcasing Milwaukee as a Tech Hub
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Advancements TV to Highlight MKE Tech Community on November 21
Tune in to CNBC at 1:30 p.m. to hear members speak about how they are leveraging advanced technologies to transform essential products and industries. Our collective efforts as a Coalition attracted this national attention. Glow with pride as our tech sector takes the national spotlight. Also available via streaming on Amazon prime after air date .
MKE Tech Hub Coalition Recognized as “Inno on Fire Community Builder”
One Year Anniversary Updates
Thank you to Stephanie Hoff from WisBusiness for covering the MKE Tech Hub Coalition’s one year anniversary. A special thank you to SignalWire and their local Founder and CEO, Anthony Minessale, for donating the SignalWire Work technology and team to enable our virtual event. Many commented that this provided the most natural means of networking during a virtual event.
Announcement of MKE Region Tech Awards.
In each of the subsequent sections of the newsletter, you’ll see updates on key announcements. During the Bold Vision portion of the event, Milwaukee Business Journal announced the creation of regional Tech Awards which will collect inspirational stories around the region. Look for more details prior to the end of November. Reach out to Kira Lafond at klafond@bizjournals.com if you’re interested in learning more about sponsoring.
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K-20 Developing and retaining the next generation of tech talent
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Anniversary Event – Afternoon Breakout Session
We had an amazing conversation about collaboration with the Milwaukee Academy of Science (CSforALL SCRIPT participant), members of the MKE K-12 Computing Alliance (TEALS, MSOE STEM), and one of their industry partners (Northwestern Mutual) during the afternoon breakout session. For a recording of the session, click here. For more information about how this session connects to the work of the Coalition, please check out the K-20 Committee Page on our website.
Session at Nvisia Tech Showcase Designed for Students
In recognition of the Greater MKE Hour of Code challenge, the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition is coordinating a session on December 10, 4-5 p.m., designed for high school and college students interested in pursuing a career in (or adjacent to) tech. Registration is now open. Speakers include early talent representatives from Concurrency, GE Healthcare, Rockwell Automation and Northwestern Mutual. Participants will learn about the wide variety of tech enabled advancements across industry sectors and how to prepare for the roles that made them possible. The K-20 committee is working on a special video to launch during this session as well. Please share this with students in your network!
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Greater MKE Hour of Code Participants: Event Confirmation Forms Due November 17
- Resources to plan your own Hour of Code activity with family or friends and encourage your co-workers to do the same.
- A public events calendar that lists ways to participate without needing to plan your own activity.
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Past project examples as inspiration. For more inspiration, listen to what one of last year’s volunteers had to say about teaching an hour of code to students during their lunch hour.
To stay up to date on K20 subcommittee priorities and progress, please check out our web page.
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Re/Upskilling Developing new sources of talent that match our employers needs and demonstrate a value for diversity
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Anniversary Event – Afternoon Breakout Session
We had an amazing conversation with a few of our Preferred Reskilling Providers (I.c.stars, Dev10 and MARS Returnship) and one of our member employers (Northwestern Mutual). For a recording of the session, click here. For more information on how this session connects to our work of the Coalition, please visit the Reskilling Committee Page on our website.
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Join us for an Info Session for Referring Agencies on November 18, 3-4 p.m. In honor of Apprenticeship Week, the Milwaukee Tech Hub Coalition announced a new partnership between member employers, the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards and Apprenti to build capacity for technology apprenticeships within the Milwaukee market. This move is aligned to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce Region of Choice pledge and will help increase the diversity of our tech workforce. Read more here.
Employer Input Needed – Hiring Veterans
If you are an employer with a workforce strategy designed to recruit and support vets transitioning from service to civilian life, please contact LauraS@mketech.org for a short call to better understand your needs in this space.
To stay up to date on Re/Upskilling subcommittee priorities and progress, please check out our web page.
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Attraction & Retention Attracting mid-level tech talent to the region, including freelancers, virtual workers and employees
Voice of the Engineer Study
During the One Year Anniversary, we shared key learnings from a primary research study conducted by the MKE Tech Hub Coalition to understand why tech talent returns to MKE and why they don’t. Key insights include the fact that tech talent wants to work on problems that matter with advanced technologies. They care about opportunities to continue to develop technically and to advance their careers (both lateral and upward opportunities). They also want to work in teams with individuals from diverse backgrounds and care about our investments in developing diverse talent. A positive on which to build is our quality of life in the MKE region. Coalition members can request the full report via contact@mketech.org.
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Startup Leveraging cross-industry partnerships to accelerate local start up growth and drive innovation
Reverse Pitch MKE
If you missed the 11/11 Reverse Pitch event, there is still the opportunity to participate. The corporate challenges were recorded and posted on the Reverse Pitch MKE website. You'll also find information on how to register your intent to "pitch back" your solution in February in order to have access to additional resources. Great opportunity to start a business with corporate supports, first customer base, and up to $100K in funding.
Identifying and Capitalizing on New Opportunities, 11/16 at 3 pm
As part of Startup MKE Week, Kathy Henrich, will be interviewing zizzl CEO, Ray Seaver on how the zizzl Health product was created as a result of new legislation around ICHRAs in 2019. Learn how to position yourself to “get lucky” by identifying and capitalizing on industry trends.
FOR-M Pitch Night, 11/23 at 7 pm
The second cycle of FOR-M with over 60 founders will host their pitch night on 11/23. You can sign up to listen for the event at https://www.for-m.org/.
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COALITION MEMBERS IN ACTION |
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'Tech Caucus' Will Help Keep State Lawmakers Apprised of Trends, Issues
Four veteran state lawmakers who have served as leaders on bills advancing Wisconsin’s tech-based economy over time will act as co-chairs of a new ‘Tech Caucus’ within the Wisconsin Legislature. The goal of the caucus, which is not a formal committee of the Legislature, is to work together along bipartisan lines to bring ideas and information to the attention of state policymakers. Learn more.
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Million Women Mentors Award
STEMconnector, the nation’s largest professional services organization dedicated to developing a diverse, STEM-ready workforce, recognized Northwestern Mutual’s hi, Tech efforts with a Million Women Mentors (MWM) Corporate Trailblazer Award celebrating women in STEM. This award is for a company who has made notable contributions and demonstrated excellence internally or to their community in the field of mentoring. Read more.
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Tuatara Awarded Veterans Affairs VIP Certification!
Tuatara Consulting Inc. was recently awarded the Veterans Affairs (VA) VIP Certification designating the organization as a Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business for assisting the VA and other government organizations with efforts to transform and enhance tech-enabled services. Learn more.
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Alchemy Angel's Guthrie Named Managing Partner of Milwaukee's Gateway Capital Fund
Dana Guthrie, product manager at Johnson Controls International and founder of Milwaukee angel investment network Alchemy Angel Investors, has been selected to lead Milwaukee-based venture fund Gateway Capital Fund. Guthrie, a Milwaukee Business Journal 2020 40 Under 40 honoree, will be the full-time managing partner of the fund, which is restructuring to be the first venture capital investment in startup companies that are not yet generating revenue. The fund focuses on startups in Milwaukee County. Read more.
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Resources & Opportunities |
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Carroll University’s Idea Lab, ABIC Offer Programs for Business Leaders
Carroll University’s new Idea Lab will offer a new slate of programs for regional business leaders starting November 18. Idea Lab is home to the Analytics and Business Intelligence Consortium (ABIC) at Carroll’s School of Business and includes flexible spaces for conferencing, research, study or individual work and can host gatherings as well. It’s equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and high-resolution monitors for presentations and virtual meetings. ABIC’s first program of the season, Data Privacy: Competing in a Digital Economy, is scheduled for November 18. This event can be attended in-person or online. Free to ABIC members and students, the cost is $25 for non-members. Check here for more information.
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Volunteer Info Session with i.c.stars |* Milwaukee
If you’re interested in the idea of volunteering with i.c.stars but unsure about where to begin, join us at this info session on November 23. i.c.stars staff will share some background and statistics on program participants along with the impact of volunteers on program operations and upcoming volunteer opportunities. The session also includes a participant Q&A. Attendees are encouraged to join this call with audio & video enabled to allow for maximum participation. Register here.
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Gearbox Labs Offers Free Online Workshops
Gearbox Labs is presenting a series of free workshops that explore physical computing, engineering design and coding in C/C++ using the free online platform Tinkercad.com. Workshops are presented in Spanish or English at different times of the week. Please use this link to see the various classes and to register.
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New Survey on Corporate-led K-12 STEM Outreach Programs in Southeastern Wisconsin
Help grow southeast Wisconsin’s talent pipeline! With over 70% of state companies report difficulty finding talent, we know that engaging students early in STEM experiences is key to growing a diverse talent pipeline. Your response to the survey below will help us benchmark current STEM outreach and develop a coordinated strategy to scale these efforts regionally. This survey is for corporate-led STEM Outreach Programs (educational institutions or non-profit organizations are not eligible). Survey participants will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 Amazon gift. Please take 3 - 6 minutes to complete this survey by November 20.
Next Dev10 Cohort Graduates!
In just three short weeks, the next Dev10 cohort will graduate and embark upon new IT careers. Graduates come from a variety of backgrounds, such as Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Finance & Statistics, Biology, Mathematics, Physics and even Fine Arts. They have degrees from UW Madison, Milwaukee and Eau Claire, the University of Minnesota, Macalester College and Indiana University. Sixty-five percent are from Wisconsin and Illinois, 75% percent are new grads and the rest are making the move to IT. Forty percent are female! If you would like more information, contact Jennifer Turnquist.
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NCWIT WI Welcomes Board Members, Call for App Reviewers
NCWIT WI welcomes Megan Choy (UW-Madison CS, NCWIT Alumni Engagement), Joan Nordick (PDS, NCWIT Digital Marketing) and Lita Mallett (Milwaukee Excellence Charter School, NCWIT Diversity Engagement) to the Board for the 2020-21 school year. NCWIT WI has received the largest number of Aspirations in Computing applications in its history and needs volunteers to review student applications to select emerging technologists to be honored at the Virtual Aspirations in Computing Awards Ceremony in May 2021. If interested, please email ncwit.wi@gmail.com.
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Women in Technology Launches Professional Connection Program
Women in Technology (WIT) remains active in the community, despite the pandemic. WITonCampus, one of three pillars within WIT, has recently launched The Professional Connection Program. This program supports college students in exploring technology career opportunities, by pairing them with a professional. The pair works together to accomplish a goal set by the student for typically an entire semester. Interested students or professionals should visit the website for additional information.
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MARS Returnship
Do you know any women in technology looking to restart their careers following a gap in employment? MARS Returnship provides paid on-the-job learning, mentorship and professional development to prepare members to successfully rejoin the workforce. This is a great opportunity if you:
1. Have been on a career break for two years or more and want to come back.
2. Want to return to work on a part-time or full-time basis.
3. Have prior experience working in Information Technology or a closely relevant field.
4. Are a strong communicator and a team player.
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Startup Week Underway!
Startup Milwaukee Week runs through November 19! You’ll find the line-up of 40+ free virtual events here.
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Brooksource Veteran Spotlight Speaker Series
Our #ProjectPatriot program is hosting a series of FREE virtual events in honor of #VeteransDay. We wanted to bring our veteran community together and provide members of different organizations another avenue to share stories and ask questions from others who have served. We’ll be hearing from Noreen and David Gilliland, Craig A. Jones and Stacy Trucott and Caitlin Icart. We hope you'll join us! RSVP here. If you missed a session, register anyway and a recording will be sent to you.
Diverse Disrupters Live Podcast Premiere
The staggering underrepresentation of people of color and women in tech and entrepreneurial spaces is well-documented. Large companies promise to do better, but still struggle to attract and retain diverse talent. This new podcast from 88Nine Radio Milwaukee is about leaders who found their own way to innovate with inclusion and accessibility at the forefront, rather than an afterthought. Join 88Nine’s Tarik Moody and Amanda DoAmaral, Fiveable, on November 16 for episode one of Diverse Disrupters. They’ll discuss:
- Her journey from teacher to startup founder.
- Challenges on building a startup and moving to Milwaukee.
- Future of remote learning and recent investment and the future of Fiveable.
This kicks off a six-episode pilot season featuring guests from Undock, Blue Studios, Black Innovation Alliance and more. Register here.
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Women’s Entrepreneurship Week
Held virtually November 17-20, Women’s Entrepreneurship Week (WEW) is a series of events that sparks business and economic growth by showcasing, educating and connecting women entrepreneurs and professionals in Milwaukee and beyond. WEW is for women and their allies who want to grow their networks, learn something new and be a part of a community for change. The event schedule is live – check these out to get started:
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Executive Briefing with Microsoft VP Brian Willson: 2021 Tech-Driven ROI
Concurrency is excited to announce an exclusive Executive Briefing: 2021 Tech-Driven ROI featuring special guest Microsoft Midwest Region Vice President Brian Willson on November 19. Learn five tech initiatives every organization should prioritize to drive business outcomes in 2021. Register here.
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Women in Tech Conference
We’re excited to invite you to the free 2020 Women in Tech Conference on December 3, virtually hosted by Northwestern Mutual! Carefully developed by women in our tech organization to explore what our community could be when we join forces to advance women in technology, the conference features 50 sessions by 25 speakers from 25 companies. Keynote presentations include Laila Ali, four-time undefeated world champion; Ann Herrmann-Nedhi, author of The Whole Brain Business Book; Nathalie Molina Nino, investor, technologist, entrepreneur and author of LEAPFROG: The New Revolution for Women; and a CIO Roundtable hosted by Neal Sample, CIO of Northwestern Mutual. Learn more and register here!
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2020 Tech Showcase
The 2020 Tech Showcase, scheduled from December 7-11, is officially live for registration. Since last year's successful event at the Fiserv Forum, much has changed in the world and we've seen digital transformation become a necessity for many companies. Businesses all over the world had to learn how to function remotely, grapple with distractions and be able to still drive growth. This year's Showcase will feature the top in IT from the Midwest. More than 50 IT leaders from companies like Kohl’s, Uline, Vitamin Shoppe and more are scheduled to speak on critical topics facing our industry. Register for free here.
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STEaM Summit for Girls
This year’s STEaM Summit is going virtual and will be delivered via free online videos, which are now available. Check out the website to hear from female leaders who are thriving in STEaM fields, meet young women who are pursuing a STEaM education or who are early in their STEaM careers. You’ll also have a chance to try out fun hands-on STEaM projects you can do using items found around your home or school. Learn more.
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Mobile Autonomous Robotic Cart (MARC™) Wins "Coolest Thing Made" Award
An autonomous mobile robot work cart made by Mequon-based MūL Technologies, was voted as the Coolest Thing Made in Wisconsin. The cart operates independently within manufacturing facilities. It maps the building and can be pre-programed to go to a destination with a single command. It operates without a WiFi connection and does not require IT support or infrastructure changes. Read more.
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MPS Charter School Quadruples Number of Wisconsin Black Students Taking AP Computer Science Exam
Milwaukee Excellence Charter School is single-handedly more than quadrupling the number of Black students taking Advanced Placement Computer Science Principles exam in Wisconsin by preparing its entire sophomore class of 102 students to do it. Last year, only 23 Black students took in the entire state the test. Read more.
Wisconsin needs a strategic plan for Computing Science
Computer science is the single most important knowledge area for 21st century tech jobs. Yet only 52% of Wisconsin's public high schools teach it. Contrast that with Indiana, where 72% of public high schools teach it. The difference? Indiana has adopted a Computer Science Strategic Plan and eight other policies recommended by Code.org to make this critical subject foundational for all students. Read about how Indiana is outpacing Wisconsin in K-12 computer science education and what the implications are for future workforce development in this column by 5 Lakes Institute Executive Director and Milwaukee Journal Sentinel columnist Kathleen Gallagher.
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UWM CSI Presents “Connecting with Industry Leader” Speaker Series
UWM Connected Systems Institute has developed a speaker series to provide a forum for industry leaders to share their experience and perspective with students in the greater Milwaukee area. Great opportunity to help students create a network of support within the Greater MKE Region. Virtual and in-person options available. Registration is open via the UWM CSI events calendar.
- Dec 10, 12 – 1 pm CST: Introducing the Connecting with Industry Leader Series
- January 21, 12 – 1 pm CST: Reflections from women in different phases of their career
- Feb 18, 12 – 1 pm CST, Understanding the Traditional White Male Culture & Steps you can take to create an inclusive environment.
- March 18, 12 -1 pm CST, How to Market Yourself: a discussion on Personal Branding.
- April 15, 12 – 1 pm CST: Other Worldism: Handling the Challenges of living in two worlds.
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Resources & Opportunities |
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BREW 2.0 Accepting Applications
The Water Council is accepting applications for BREW 2.0, its next-generation accelerator program that provides late-stage, market-ready water technology innovators access to experts, training and targeted connections to scale and grow. BREW 2.0 builds on the format and success of the former BREW (Business, Research and Entrepreneurship in Water) program. Up to 10 participants will be invited to the two-week virtual experience, which includes professionally-led sales and growth programs, access to customer connections, a pitch opportunity sponsored by the American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact and ongoing training opportunities. Applications are being accepted through November 29.
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Microsoft Azure Fundamentals Courses at UW-Milwaukee
The Connected Systems Institute (CSI) at UW-Milwaukee works collaboratively with manufacturers to develop and use technology and products that tame the data streaming on the IIoT, allowing companies to make strategic decisions. In December, CSI is offering a pair of courses presenting Microsoft Azure fundamentals on December 2-3 (half-days) and December 9-10 (half-days). These are open to both degree-seeking and non-degree seeking students. For all upcoming learning opportunities see the CSI website.
New Resources Consulting Expands Programming
New Resources Consulting (NRC) has expanded its Educate Program to include relevant trainings, webinars, executive briefings and other activities to continually inform clients and the business community about current and upcoming technologies, best practices and technology management trends. A number of IT-related workshops can be tailored to client needs and staff talents and are facilitated by subject matter experts in person, on/off-site or virtually. Most recently, NRC delivered a two-day Scrum Best Practices workshop for a large manufacturing client. For additional information, please visit our website or contact us at info@newresources.com.
How to Find a Technical Co-founder
Do you need a technical cofounder to bring your idea to life? Or do you just need software built? There are many ways to get software built, including agency partners and low code solutions. That prototype or MVP can get you first customers or investors to continue the build. Check out the options and resources to find a cofounder in this blog by Amanda Daering of Newance.
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15 Statistics You Should Know About a Career in Product Management
If the product manager role intrigues you, be sure to read this article covering salaries, skills that product managers have, how many years of experience they have on average, measures of the current demand, salaries and more.
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Women Entrepreneurs in HealthTech
In celebration of both Startup Wisconsin Week and Women’s Entrepreneurship Week Milwaukee, HealthTechMKE is holding a virtual event on November 17 highlighting three women entrepreneurs in the healthcare technology industry. To learn about their companies, their startup journey and what it takes to be an entrepreneur in the Milwaukee healthtech ecosystem, register here.
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Brew City HDI Executive Panel: Collaboration, Peers, Talent, Today, Nov 17 from 5-7 pm
Come hear an executive panel led by Oliver Degnan and including Kristen Connor, Bill Mitchell and Kathy Henrich regarding collaboration in organizations and across the region. Stay and network with peers. Sign up here.
gener8tor Lightning Round, Dec 7- Dec 11
Accelerators commit to taking a block of meetings, startups apply to pitch them, and gener8tor facilitates the one-on-one pitches. Lightning Rounds is completely free for both startups and accelerators. If you are interested in increasing your startup’s visibility, apply by Nov 15 here.
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