In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Alison Barman welcomes co-host Shannon Seaver alongside Jenna Zangs, the Chief Data and AI Officer at the University of St. Thomas.

Jenna shares her unique journey into the AI field, emphasizing the importance of female representation in technology.

The episode goes deep into the duo's recent success in the 'She Builds' 48-hour Build-On competition by Lovable, where they won with their innovative educational app, Let's Get Real.

Designed to tailor lesson plans to individual student needs, the app showcases their commitment to enhancing education with AI.

The story underscores their preparation, teamwork, and the challenges they overcame during the build. Winning the competition has provided them with mentorship from industry leaders and the drive to expand their impactful project.

The episode concludes with reflections on their journey and advice for women entering the tech field.

Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:29 Jenna Zangs' Journey into AI03:39 Shannon Seaver's Introduction and Collaboration04:56 The 48-Hour BuildOn Challenge08:22 Live Streaming the BuildOn Experience09:49 Building the Personalized Learning App15:28 Challenges and Team Dynamics17:59 Overcoming Obstacles and Community Support19:15 The Struggle and Pivot20:22 Security Concerns and User Testing22:04 Finalizing and Submitting the Project23:08 Introducing the Product28:02 Winning the Competition31:16 Future Plans and Reflections34:05 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman have in a lively conversation with Himanchu Laiker, a seasoned professional with a background spanning Medtronic and a plethora of mentoring roles.

Himanchu shares his journey from India to the U.S., his transformative career at Medtronic, and his ventures in the startup ecosystem.

He dives into the essence of the entrepreneurial mindset, the critical role of mentors, and the evolving landscape of technology.

Whether it’s about the importance of mentoring, the challenges of startup life, or leveraging AI and tech in today's world, Himanchu shares his deep insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts alike.

Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Tech Together Podcast00:29 Meet Hemanchu Laker: Background and Career Journey04:18 Entrepreneurial Mindset and Skills06:55 The Importance of Mentorship13:10 Gaps in Traditional Education14:11 The Role of Technology in Today's World17:19 The Consequences of Ignoring AI17:49 Mentoring Companies on AI Adoption18:59 Personal Uses of AI21:58 The Importance of Critical Thinking and Data Skills26:06 Collaboration Between Business and Government27:33 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barmann welcome Dr. Stacy Stanley, superintendent of St. Paul Public Schools.

Dr. Stanley shares her journey from an occupational therapist to a leading educational figure, reflecting on her commitment to career and technical education. She discusses innovative programs such as career pathways, online schools, and collaborations with businesses to provide real-world experiences for students.

The conversation also covers the strategic planning process for St. Paul Schools, the importance of student involvement, and the integration of modern technologies like AI and digital cadavers in education.

Dr. Stanley’s inspiring story and forward-thinking approach underline the transformative power of education and community collaboration.

Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:44 Dr. Stacy Stanley's Journey to Education04:35 Career Pathways and Impact06:40 Innovative Programs and Online School17:31 FFA and Hands-On Learning21:12 St. Paul Community and Personal History24:48 The Value of Early Career Exploration25:12 Personal Stories and Experiences27:07 Community Support and Career Readiness29:20 Business Partnerships in Education30:20 Innovative Learning Tools and Experiences35:07 The Future of Education and AI Integration41:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barmann have a dynamic conversation with Sara Paul, the superintendent of North Branch Area Public Schools.

Sara shares her journey from teaching to district leadership, emphasizing her innovative approaches to education and technology.

Topics include implementing a registered teacher apprenticeship program, the impact of strict student cell phone policies, and the proactive use of AI in the classroom. The discussion highlights the importance of community partnerships and economic development in enhancing educational outcomes. Tune in to learn how technology and collaboration are at the forefront of transforming learning experiences for students and educators alike.

Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to Tech Together Podcast00:27 Meet Sarah Paul: Superintendent of North Branch Area Public Schools00:46 Sarah Paul's Journey to Becoming Superintendent01:44 From Teacher to District Leader06:03 The Importance of Trust and Partnership in Education07:08 Innovative Teacher Apprenticeship Program11:35 Challenges and Successes of the Apprenticeship Program16:35 Technology in Education: Addressing Cell Phone Use20:33 The Impact of Cell Phone Restrictions23:15 Leveraging Technology in Education27:34 Addressing Academic Dishonesty with AI30:11 Preparing Students for Future Careers36:08 Community and Economic Development39:25 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barman discuss the transformative impact of technology on community and youth with leaders from the Youth Skills Training (YST) program at the Department of Labor and Industry. Guests Joanna Daggett, Nimo Samatar, and Faye Blough share insights into how YST initiatives are setting youth up for long-term success by exposing them to various careers, providing training, and facilitating paid work experiences.

The conversation touches on the benefits of the YST program for schools, students, and employers across Minnesota, highlighting industries like advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and IT.

They also discuss the challenges and triumphs of creating sustainable partnerships between schools, employers, and community organizations, the importance of communication and personalized engagement, and the evolving landscape of workforce needs driven by technology.00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:24 Meet the Youth Skills Training Team00:53 The Importance of Youth Skills Training02:38 Program Structure and Benefits06:26 Success Stories and Community Impact09:03 Challenges and Solutions in Building Partnerships15:01 Funding and Sustainability20:51 Employer Involvement and IT Integration25:51 Expanding Perspectives on AI26:40 Employer Insights on Automation27:35 Innovative Tech in Education29:54 The Impact of Youth in the Workforce34:48 Future Vision and Collaboration40:16 Rapid Fire Questions

Shannon Seaver, flying solo today, welcomes Lori Ryan, diving deeply into Lori's diverse career from TV news to tech.

They discuss the transformative power of AI, Lori's ventures in change management, AI-driven relocation services, and creating personalized education platforms.

Lori shares her experiences with ChatGPT, and how AI has enhanced creativity and productivity in her life and work.

They also touch on the potential and challenges of integrating AI into everyday life and education.

The episode is a "listen in to two good friends at a fireside chat", talking about the importance of embracing technology and thinking outside the box to solve problems and improve the human experience.00:00 Welcome to Tech Together00:18 Meet Lori Ryan: From TV News to Tech Networking00:40 Lori's Journey Through Various Careers04:47 Relocation Tech: Disrupting an Industry07:19 The Birth of Lori Ignite and AI Adventures12:02 She Leads AI: Women in Tech Conference22:21 The Future of AI in Education and Workforce25:21 The Importance of AI in Education26:52 Creative Uses of AI in Everyday Life29:36 Custom GPTs and Their Impact33:30 Vibe Coding and Lovable Experiences39:26 The Human Side of AI46:28 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barmann sit down with Erica Hanna, founder of Puke Rainbow, to discuss her journey from television to creating her own company.

Erica shares how working with Prince helped her overcome imposter syndrome and inspired her to start Puke Rainbow.

The conversation also explores her experience with AI in video marketing, her passion for storytelling, and the importance of self-care and neurodiversity.

Erica provides insightful advice on how technology can be leveraged for good, the significance of authentic storytelling, and how to boost confidence both in oneself and others.00:00 Introduction to Tech Together Podcast00:11 Meet Erica Hannah and Puke Rainbow00:23 The Prince Story: Puke Rainbow's Origin00:53 From Emmys to Imposter Syndrome01:24 A Night at Paisley Park02:36 Creating Art with Prince05:27 Founding Puke Rainbow05:59 Puke Rainbow's Mission and Impact06:42 Tech Together: The Tech Talent Pipeline06:58 Diving into AI and Video Marketing07:45 The AI Startup Journey09:10 Embracing AI and Educating Others09:59 Using AI as a Bullshit Detector13:42 Authentic Storytelling in the Age of AI14:49 The Power of Vulnerability in Storytelling19:16 Data Tells a Story Too21:12 Tech for Good: Empowering Through Education22:37 The Power of Storytelling in Business22:52 Engaging Non-Marketing Teams in Storytelling24:54 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome26:01 The Neuroscience of Storytelling29:29 Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace33:25 Challenges for Women in Tech37:32 Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of Tech Together, host Shannon Seaver welcomes Allison Barman, Executive Director of Genesys Works Twin Cities, to discuss her journey from mechanical engineer to non-profit executive.

Allison shares her experiences working at a tech startup, pursuing business school, and how her role at McKinsey & Company with the Itasca Project helped shape her career towards community and economic development.

The conversation highlights the impactful work of Genesys Works in providing internships to high school students, the importance of mentoring and networking, and the challenges facing non-profits in today's economic landscape.

Allison also emphasizes the critical need for diversity and inclusion in tech and shares inspirational success stories of students who have transformed their futures through internships. The episode concludes with rapid-fire questions exploring Allison's personal interests and advice for those entering the tech field.

Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:31 Allison's Career Journey01:43 Genesys Works and Its Impact05:07 The Value of Internships07:33 Challenges and Support for Interns14:42 Importance of Mentoring21:24 The Importance of Mentorship23:22 Transitioning from Engineering to Non-Profit25:43 Inspiring Outcomes from Genesys Works27:59 Challenges and Future Goals for Genesys Works31:17 The Role of Diversity and Inclusion in Tech34:57 Reflections and Rapid Fire Questions

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barmann talk with Alyssa Boswell, the CEO of Upper Story and a former educator turned toy inventor.

Alyssa shares her journey from working in education and raising three boys to founding Upper Story and creating educational toys that make STEM learning fun.

The conversation explores her challenges, successes, and the thought process behind innovative products like Turing Tumble and Spintronics.

The episode dives into the importance of hands-on learning, the impact of STEM tools in classrooms, the value of guidance for new generations entering the workforce, and the necessity for lifelong learning.

You'll also get insights into the intersection of personal passion and professional growth, effective strategies for scaling STEM education, and the transformative potential of integrating play into learning.

This episode is a treasure trove for educators, parents, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, education, and play.

Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Tech Together Podcast00:18 Meet Alyssa Boswell: Founder of Upper Story01:07 The Inspiration Behind Upper Story03:06 Creating Turing Tumble: The First Game05:29 Spintronics: A New Way to Learn Electronics07:17 Bridge Building Toy: The Latest Innovation10:02 Challenges and Success in STEM Education12:31 Integrating STEM in Classrooms14:53 Staying Updated with Technology18:56 Advice for the Next Generation20:30 Choosing Between Sports: A Fifth Grader's Dilemma21:08 Teaching Technology: Transferable Skills Over Expertise22:16 Employers and the New Generation: Bridging the Gap24:24 Policy Makers and STEM Education: A Collaborative Approach28:02 Business Challenges and Growth: Lessons Learned32:58 The Value of Interns: Fresh Perspectives and Innovation35:54 Rapid Fire Questions: Personal Insights and Fun Facts

In this episode of Tech Together, hosts Shannon Seaver and Allison Barmann are joined by Richard Walker, former board member of Genesys Works and CEO of York Solutions.

Richard shares his journey from a small farming town in England to leading a major IT consulting firm. The discussion covers the importance of critical thinking, seizing opportunities, and the role of curiosity in personal growth. Richard emphasizes the impact of networking and continuous learning, providing valuable advice for young professionals entering the technology field.

The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of technology careers and how initiatives like Genesys Works and York Solutions' emerging talent program are helping to cultivate new talent. Richard's personal anecdotes and practical advice make this episode a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to advance in their career.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome02:00 Discussing Critical Thinking Skills07:21 York Solutions and Leadership10:24 Challenges and Market Conditions12:47 Emerging Talent Program21:56 Personal Journey and Bridges32:08 The Delta Bus Pass Adventure32:53 Gaining Confidence Through Travel33:19 Struggles and Success in a New Country34:40 A Career in IT Staffing35:26 The Importance of Asking Questions36:55 Opening New Offices and Taking Risks38:22 Overcoming Fear of Failure42:58 Encouraging Young People in Tech49:31 Networking and Differentiation55:15 Final Thoughts and Rapid Fire Questions