AIM Institute hosted a TRIO Day recognition event for Omaha-area high school students that AIM serves, on Friday, March 14 at the Kiewit Luminarium.
The event commemorated National TRIO Day, a day that allows students who benefit from the TRIO programs to be inspired and give back to their local community through acts of service.
The students selected the topics they wanted to learn about. Keynote speaker, nationally known TikTok content creator, Bryan Hicks, discussed technology and gadgets. His “BryanTechTips” has over 100,000 followers on TikTok. Dr. Ben Petersen also spoke during the keynote. Petersen is a popular content creator and Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Nutritionist based in Lincoln.
AI is everywhere and a panel of experts unpacked what Artificial Intelligence is all about for the students. The panel included AIM’s President and CEO Dala Alphonso. Other panelists were Dmitriy Khots, VP, Data Analytics at Boys Town where he oversees the AI/ML/BI practice, innovation and transactional fundraising, and Stephanie Velez, a dynamic professional with a strong foundation in healthcare, technology and artificial intelligence.
Students participated in a volunteer activity for Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, received a tour of the Luminarium and enjoyed hearing the different speakers.
AIM Institute’s Infotec is back—reimagined and reconfigured to help business and nonprofit professionals apply today’s rapidly changing technology to make their organizations more relevant, efficient and successful. The day-long conference is May 5 at the Kiewit Luminarium on Omaha’s riverfront. The theme, “Harnessing Technology for Business Growth & Innovation” underscores how technology is changing the way we do business and live. As Silicon Prairie’s premier business tech conference, Infotec will help people better understand new tech innovations to drive results in their businesses and nonprofits.
For over 30 years, AIM has been shaping the Midwest’s tech landscape. Infotec 2025 will bring together visionary leaders, leading startups and top industry experts in AI, automation, cybersecurity and business innovation.
In today’s evolving tech landscape, the difference between leaders and followers is knowledge. Infotec 2025 will give you access to the insights, tools and networks you need to lead the future.
Who Should Attend?
Business & Technology Professionals: Gain insights into how technology is shaping industries and how to leverage it for innovation and growth.
Entrepreneurs & Startups: Learn how AI, automation and digital tools can streamline operations, attract customers and scale profitability.
Community & Government Leaders: Discover how technology drives economic development, workforce growth and policy innovation.
What To Expect at Infotec 2025:
AI & Automation – Explore the tech, shaping industries.
Cybersecurity & Risk Management – Protect digital assets & mitigate threats.
Data & Business Intelligence – Leverage analytics for smarter decision-making.
Tech Talent & Workforce Development – Attract, retain and upskill employees.
Emerging Technologies – Stay ahead of the curve with cutting-edge innovations.
Get your tickets today, early bird pricing ends March 31
(Please note college students can register for free with a school email.)
AIM Institute receives 25+ Years Service Award from the Council Bluffs Area Chamber
of Commerce. At the ceremony, from left, AIM representatives Monika Philp, Jayme
Busch, Dala Alphonso, Jess Coffman, Charles Kaup and Erin Lasiter.
The AIM Institute was recently recognized for over 25 years of service by the Council
Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce for AIM’s programs serving Southwest Iowa. Here’s
a snapshot of some of the AIM initiatives in SW Iowa:
Events such as Hour of Code align with AIM’s Youth in Tech and Youth
Academies programs, which open the door to the possibilities of a student’s
potential in tech. Recently, AIM hosted an Hour of Code event at Woodrow
Wilson Middle School for close to 900 students. Computer coding-related
activities sparking creativity and problem-solving skills taught at the event helped
introduce students to a rewarding tech career.
AIM’s SWIFTT initiative or Southwest Iowa Free Technical Training, offers entry-
level and accelerated training programs for Iowans interested in a career in
technology. The program is generously fully funded by the Charles E. Lakin
Foundation, meaning that participants can register at no cost to themselves.
Through AIM’s partnership with the Council Bluffs Community School District,
about 25 Thomas Jefferson High School students recently received refurbished
Chromebook computers donated by AT&T and Human I-T. The students are part
of AIM’s TRIO program to prepare first generation, under-resourced high school
students for college.
AIM Institute President and CEO Dala Alphonso was featured on the front page of the
Jan. 31 Midlands Business Journal, highlighting his inspiring career journey and vision
for the future of AIM.
Dala’s vision for AIM focuses on strengthening the tech talent pipeline, increasing
accessibility to technology careers, and fostering innovation across Silicon Prairie. With
a passion for empowering individuals through education and workforce solutions, he
aims to build on AIM’s 32-year legacy while driving new initiatives that prepare
professionals and businesses for the evolving tech landscape.
Be sure to check out the Midlands Business Journal to read more about his journey and
aspirations for AIM: Dala Alphonso Leads from the Heart: Survivor, Seeker, Entrepreneur
Looks to Transform the AIM Institute | Featured | mbj.com
AIM Institute Former and Present CEOs Gather; from left, Dr. Kandace Miller, Dr. Bob
Sweeney, Dala Alphonso
The CEOs of AIM Institute’s past and present came together to celebrate the
organization’s legacy and future at a recent AIM Team meeting. Founding President and
CEO Dr. Bob Sweeney and former President and CEO Dr. Kandace Miller, joined newly
appointed President and CEO Dala Alphonso to reflect on AIM’s 32-year journey and its
transformative impact on workforce development in tech and education across Silicon
Prairie.
Dr. Sweeney took the helm in building AIM from 1992 to 2007. Dr. Miller, who joined
AIM in 1993 as a grant writer, was promoted to Chief Operating Officer; she succeeded
Dr. Sweeney as President and CEO from 2007 to 2022. Dr. Miller then became interim
CEO for part of 2024 prior to Dala Alphonso joining AIM in December 2024 as current
President and CEO.
Their discussion revisited AIM’s origins—how business leaders identified the need for a
stronger tech talent pipeline and how AIM responded with innovative workforce
solutions, recruitment strategies, and tech education initiatives. Under the leadership of
each CEO, AIM has evolved to meet the changing demands of our region’s business
community, ensuring that career changers, aspiring tech professionals and youth have
access to the training and opportunities needed to succeed and contribute to
organizations’ needs for tech-proficient employees.
The gathering underscored the continued importance of AIM’s mission and the
excitement surrounding its next chapter under Dala Alphonso’s leadership. With a
legacy of innovation and a future focused on expanding opportunities in tech, AIM
remains a driving force in building a skilled and diverse workforce.
