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SUMMARY:Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment
DESCRIPTION:Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the obstacles in Hampton Roads’ tech landscape—recognizing that while pathways into tech are often perceived as gated behind degrees\, years of experience\, or security clearances\, there are increasingly valid alternatives that reduce those barriers. They’ll learn how certifications\, apprenticeships\, transferable skills (including military experience)\, and structured support programs can open doors that traditional hiring practices may have previously closed. The event will also emphasize the importance of networking and relationship-building as tools to bypass rigid application filters\, while highlighting real success stories that demonstrate how individuals have overcome these challenges and transitioned into meaningful tech careers. Ultimately\, attendees will leave feeling empowered with actionable knowledge and the reassurance that the region is actively working to remove systemic barriers and create a more inclusive\, accessible tech community. \nBreaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment brings together business leaders\, hiring managers\, technologists\, and community advocates for a powerful evening centered on expanding access\, opportunity\, and diversity in the tech workforce.\nThe event features: \n\nA professional networking hour with drinks and hors d’oeuvres\nAction-focused dialogue around inclusion\, recruitment\, and workforce development\nA moderated panel discussion featuring regional tech and economic development leaders including:\n\nPanelists: \n\nShawn Avery\, President & CEO\, Hampton Roads Workforce Council\nJohnny Garcia\, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer\, SimIS\,  Inc.\nKasia Grzelkowski\, President & CEO\, VersAbility Resources\n\nModerator: \n\nBlair Durham\, Co-Founder/CEO\, Black BRAND\n\nEmcee \n\nFrancesca Garcia Moncion\, Board Member\, Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia\n\n  \nAttire: Business attire is recommended
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/breaking-down-barriers-in-tech-employment/
LOCATION:Rivers Casino Portsmouth\, 3630 Victory Blvd\, Portsmouth\, VA\, 23701\, United States
CATEGORIES:Business,Tech
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T120000
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SUMMARY:Lunch & Learn: AI & The Future of Workforce Development
DESCRIPTION:The Virginia Tech Newport News Center will offer Virtual Quarterly Lunch & Learn Sessions in 2026! These sessions will be from noon-1 p.m. on Zoom and are free and open to the public.   \nAI & The Future Of Workforce Development led by Sarah Rodriguez\, Associate Professor\, Engineering Education at Virignia Tech.  This Lunch & Learn explores how AI workforce development can better meet the needs of diverse learners\, with a particular focus on the pivotal role higher education institutions play in opening doors to high‑demand technology fields. Grounded in research supported through a Microsoft AI Economy Institute Senior Fellowship\, it examines emerging models such as micro-credentials\, stackable certificates\, and short‑cycle programs—alongside early evidence and student experiences—to show how institutions can build equitable on‑ramps to data\, automation\, and applied AI careers for a much broader population of learners.
URL:https://www.innovate757.org/event/lunch-learn-ai-the-future-of-workforce-development/
LOCATION:Virtual
CATEGORIES:AI,Tech
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