The latest cohort of AIM Institute’s Advanced Tech Leaders course graduated from the leadership academy last Friday. Congratulations to the 28 graduates!
Advanced Tech Leaders is an annual management course for tech professionals, with the goal of enhancing leadership skills that are essential for current and upcoming managers in the tech industry.
Each session addresses common on-the-job issues faced by tech managers, including strategic planning, communication skills, innovation and empowerment.
The 2019-2020 cohort adapted quickly to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant the last few months of the program were fully remote and online.
“Getting to hear from – and get feedback from – top local executives was so valuable,” said academy participant Laurie Lee. “The skills I’ve learned in this training have and will continue to help me be a better leader for my staff and my company.”
The academy’s focus on skill development also left a lasting impression on the participants.
“I can leave more confident in my abilities as an IT professional,” said Megan Thiemann, reflecting on sessions about personal development and pitching projects to executives.
This was the 10th cohort of advanced technology professionals to graduate from AIM’s leadership academy.
A strong emphasis on networking was also appreciated by many of the participants, including Rajan Bhattarai.
“This is a very powerful tool we have in Omaha,” he said. “I’ve met so many great people, and a few people I will be friends with forever.”
During Friday’s virtual graduation ceremony, former participant and steering committee member Todd Campbell charged the group to step up in their organizations and in the community.
“More than ever, we need leaders,” said Campbell, who also taught one of the academy’s sessions. “You’re good leaders, and I know you care about the people you are about to lead and serve. I’m so proud of you.”
“This class of Advanced Tech Leaders showed personal growth and a commitment to their career development during the last nine months,” said Monika Philp, director of tech leadership development at AIM. “They have built a great personal network and I’m excited to see how their careers advance.”
Interested in participating? Find out more about AIM’s leadership academy for advanced and emerging IT leaders here.
Congratulations to this cohort’s graduates!
Robby Antonio, First National Technology Solutions
Ashwin Bhatnagar, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Rajan Bhattarai, Werner Enterprises
Ravinatha Buchupalli, Prokarma
Heath Christiansen, Nebraska Public Power District
Peter Gamboian, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Roger Garfoot, Omaha Public Power District
Cory Haglund, Blue Cross Blue Shield
Michelle Jenson, CSG International
Gaynor Kipp, Mutual of Omaha
Jonathon Klimek, Mutual of Omaha
Deepa Vasanth Kumar, National Indemnity Company
Laurie Lee, DTN
Collins Love, Omaha Public Power District
Katherine Palmer, Mutual of Omaha
Jayendra Pawar, Farm Credit Services of America
Jessica Porter, Omaha Public Power District
Travis Reineke, Omaha Public Power District
Sara Rivedal, Fiserv
Bidisha Roy, CSG International
Michael Sachar, Goodwill Omaha
Babu Shafi, Tenaska
Donald Shirley, Millard Public Schools
Divya Singh, National Indemnity Company
Jessica Steffen, Metropolitan Community College
Megan Thiemann, First National Technology Solutions
Shelly Welch, Farm Credit Services of America
Jeff Yost, Millard Public Schools
The AIM Institute is an innovative not-for-profit that grows, connects and inspires the tech talent community through career development and education.
AIM Code School has been named one of the top online coding schools of 2020 by Newsweek. One of seven organizations to be chosen for the list, AIM Code School is the only one in the Midwest.
Our code school courses moved fully remote and online during the COVID-19 global pandemic, making it easy for students to continue their coursework on the foundations of web development and coding speciality courses.
“This designation reflects the success of our flexible AIM Code School offerings,” said Emily Matis, AIM Code School director. “Our accredited courses have changed the lives of our students and strengthened the Omaha tech talent pipeline.”
No matter where you are on the tech continuum, AIM Code School has a course for you, from free workshops on web development basics to advanced programming courses in Python, .Net and full stack Java.
In addition to learning crucial programming and development skills, our students build meaningful connections within the community — the kinds of connections that lead to new jobs, new opportunities and new perspectives. Like Java class graduate Eric Swanson, whose AIM Code School contacts opened the door to his first programming job at Flywheel, along with the opportunity to give back to the community by teaching at Highlander Code Camp.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for a programmer is $86,550. The average salary for an entry-level web developer in Omaha is $60,409 (indeed.com) and $76,604 for an entry-level full-stack developer (Glassdoor).
Contact one of our tech navigators today to learn more about how the AIM Code School can help advance your career.
Two students explore robotics and programming at the AIM Brain Exchange.
AIM Institute has had an impact across generations throughout its 27-year history. The 2018 nonprofit impact report highlights how AIM, through the support of its partners, donors, collaborators and the community, has impacted lives through the footprint of its programs and services, and how to support AIM as it elevates its mission.
We are at an unprecedented time where technology touches every industry and occupation. AIM Institute is the only nonprofit dedicated to building a connected community for tech talent. In 2019 and beyond, AIM Institute is steadfast in its mission to continue to grow, connect and inspire the tech talent community, impacting thousands of lives across the Silicon Prairie.
Nonprofit AIM Institute will celebrate achievement in youth programming with an ice cream social at the AIM Brain Exchange, 1902 Howard Street on Wednesday, May 22 at 11 a.m. During this event, visitors will enjoy complimentary ice cream and “Raspberry Pi” as they experience student STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) technology used in AIM’s youth programs at area schools. Visitors also will have an opportunity to support expansion of AIM’s youth programming in Omaha and Council Bluffs.
In a world that’s becoming increasingly complex, success is driven not only by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know. It’s more important than ever for our youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information. Reaching more than 6,000 children in 2018 thanks to support from the community, AIM’s youth programming is designed to build skills students need through hands-on and inspirational activities with technology that incorporates STEAM.
AIM Institute, an innovative not-for-profit that grows, connects and inspires the tech community, today announced an expansion of its youth in technology program. The three-year, $850,000 program expansion is partially funded by grant funding received from an anonymous donor and will reach an additional 1,500 students, beginning September 2019.
AIM provided technology and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math) education to more than 6,000 children and teens in 2018 at multiple schools, including Wakonda Elementary School in north Omaha and at the Brain Exchange, AIM’s technology exploration and education center in downtown Omaha. The program expansion will increase AIM’s presence at additional elementary and middle schools in Omaha and Council Bluffs, providing after-school and summer activities that emphasize technology exploration and STEAM learning.
“The program expansion will truly be an investment in the future of our youth and our community,” said AIM Institute President and CEO, Dr. Kandace Miller. “We are grateful to the anonymous donor who has helped set our goals into motion.”
“The need for STEAM skills permeates every industry. Sparking interest and excitement early through engaging, hands-on STEAM activities involving the latest technology creates opportunity and visualization of the future for children in our area, particularly those from underserved populations who would not otherwise have had this opportunity,” said Miller.
