What does it take to build a thriving talent pipeline in a city like Buffalo? It starts with helping tomorrow’s tech talent see their place here. That means creating memorable experiences, and building connections that last.

For the last three years with TechBuffalo, Mary Ruelle has had a hand in developing strategic talent initiatives. She’s helped Buffalo college students connect with job opportunities and build an affinity for the city. Now in her newly expanded role, she’s heading up programs to increase technology access and aptitude at the K-12 level. TechBuffalo’s also leaning into measuring outcomes and advocating for policy change that positively impacts tomorrow’s tech workforce.

Join Mary and host Joe Ray as they explore the journey from internships to professional careers, holistic thinking around regional talent attraction and retention, the vision for Buffalo’s “K-to-gray” tech talent pipeline, and much more.

Plus, meet Lighthouse’s Director of Talent Services Brenda Czyz and learn more about a day in her life connecting tech talent with job opportunities in Buffalo and beyond!

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0:00 - Welcome Back to Level Up with Lighthouse!

0:32 – Show Introduction

1:35 – Lasting Impact of First Internships

4:36 – Mary's New Role and TechBuffalo's Growth

9:25 – PowerUpTech and the C3 Event

13:04 –Tech Design Challenge and Real-World Impact

20:48 – Measurable Impact of Talent Programs

23:12 – Foundational K-12 Tech Experiences

27:45 – “K-to-Gray” Talent Pipeline Vision

31:22 – Transformation of Seneca One and Buffalo

33:54 – Impact Across Generations

39:42 – Mary Takes On The Hero’s Journey

46:48 – Day in the Life with Brenda

53:05 – Wrap Up, What’s Next

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Learn more about TechBuffalo on their website: https://www.techbuffalo.org/

Experience TechBuffalo’s 2024 PowerUpTech events through their recap video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUtBga4ADW4

Voices of Vision 43North Foundation event recap (Buffalo News subscription required): https://buffalonews.com/exclusive/voicesofvision/article_b703162d-31d4-470e-a39e-3e043caf381a.html

Learn more about Lighthouse Technology Services, The Place for Technology Talent: https://www.lhtservices.com/

Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ruelle/

Connect with Brenda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-czyz/

Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeray119/