Expanding tech-talent pathways in Central Virginia
We are working to bring more people into technology careers in Virginia. Join us for our upcoming virtual community events and complete our survey. We want to listing to your feedback to make these recommendations most impactful.
VCU Engineering’s Tech-Talent Pathways Project works to increase prosperity by addressing Central Virginia’s ‘tech-education deserts’
VCU Engineering is expanding access to careers in the region's rapidly growing technology sector.
Joining forces with business leaders and community organizations, VCU Engineering is mapping Central Virginia’s existing technology education opportunities, including all K-12 and higher-education programs, tech-industry certifications and ad-hoc opportunities to upskill the workforce for the digital economy.
Through the new Tech-Talent Pathways Project, these leaders are also pinpointing gaps where resources don’t exist — or access to them is hindered by barriers. They aim to revitalize these “tech-education deserts” by creating stronger links across the tech-education community.
Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia), a bipartisan, business-led economic development initiative, has awarded $100,000 toward this initiative.
- A highly skilled workforce for Central Virginia
- Greater access to good jobs in Virginia’s digital economy
- Robust tech-education pathways, without gaps
- More tech-education opportunities for underserved communities
- Business and educator links that nurture innovation at all levels
John D. Leonard II, Ph.D.
Professor of Computer Science
Paul F. Rocheleau
Executive Director of Strategic Development
Jenilee Stanley-Shanks
Director of Government and Community Outreach
Anita Hazel Taylor, P.H.R.
Director of VCU Engineering Career Services
Gregory E. Triplett, Ph.D.
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Todd Waldo
Founder and CEO of Hugh Helen LLC
Touri Goode
Project Coordinator and Researcher
| Name | Position | Company |
|
Brian Anderson |
President and CEO |
ChamberRVA |
|
Peter Blake |
Director |
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia |
|
Raymond Burton |
Dean, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math |
Sargeant Reynolds Community College |
|
Matt Catatachea |
Coordinator of Technology Integration and Innovation |
Goochland County Public Schools |
|
Chris Dovi |
Executive Director |
CodeVA |
|
Chuck English |
Virginia STEM Coordinator |
Science Museum of Virginia |
|
Kume Goranson |
Executive Director |
CodeRVA Regional High School |
|
Miles Gordon |
Director of Government and Community Relations |
Virginia Commonwealth University |
|
Dawit Haile, Ph.D. |
Dean, College of Engineering and Technology |
Virginia State University |
|
Kim Mahan |
Founder and Partner |
MAXX Potential |
|
Sharaza Nelson |
Director, Workforce Programs |
ChamberRVA |
|
Emily Salmon |
Senior Associate |
State Council of Higher Education for Virginia |
|
Sandy Turnage |
Director of Corporate Relations |
Virginia Commonwealth University |
|
Bruce Watson |
Director, Career and Technical Education/STEM |
Goochland County Public Schools |
|
Charles Watson |
Careers Outreach Facilitator and JVG Jobs Specialist |
Richmond Public Schools |
|
Alida Williamson Smith |
Assistant Principal |
Richmond Technical Center |