Tech Careers 1.0 Summer Social
Where early stage technology professionals meet to learn and continue mapping out their careers in technology, together.
Recapping Tech Talent 2024
Each fall, the Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) hosts the Tech Talent Conference, bringing together technical leaders, educators, policy makers, and hiring managers to collaborate on nurturing Minnesota’s tech workforce.
On October 11th, 2024, nearly 300 attendees gathered at Best Buy headquarters for this one-day event featuring inspiring speakers, networking, and learning. MnTech’s mission is to help organizations inspire, hire, develop, and retain tech talent, with the conference serving as a key initiative.
Setting the Stage With Data
Tech Talent 2024 began with a presentation from RealTime Talent. The local workforce data agency provided an overview of the strength of our state’s tech talent workforce, roles and skills in demand, and what will be needed to sustain growth for the future.
You can explore all of the stats on Minnesota’s tech workforce in the newly released 2024 State of Tech Talent Workforce Report. This in-depth report covers hiring trends, in-demand skills, tech job openings, and workforce shifts.
Keynote: GenAI and Our Workforce
Building on the data presented by RealTime Talent, we welcomed Harvard Professor Joe Fuller to the stage for his keynote: “Technology and the Workforce in the Post-Covid, Generative AI Era.” In his presentation, Fuller explored how generative AI is having a massive impact on the output of workers, how adoption has increased dramatically, and how it will soon impact an increasing number of non-technical professions.
Diving Deep With Breakout Sessions
Throughout the day, attendees split into 12 breakout sessions focused on important topics in talent. Popular topics included innovative hiring practices, how to support new entrants and non-traditional talent, upskilling your organization to use AI tools, and equitable hiring practices.
A Conversation With CIOs
The final gathering of the conference welcomed four c-suite leaders to the stage for our executive panel discussion. Four Chief Information Officers from Optum Insight, Best Buy, the State of Minnesota, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota gathered to share their thoughts on changes to their workforces, how new technology such as AI is impacting their organizations, and changes they see ahead for their workforces.
The future of Minnesota’s technology economy relies on the strength and innovation of its people. The goal of the Tech Talent Conference is to empower leaders with tools, knowledge and connections to build a stronger tech workforce. Thank you to our sponsors for supporting this event and to our speakers for sharing your time and insights. We hope to see you at Tech Talent 2025!
View Photos From Tech Talent 2024
2024 Sponsors
Meet the 21st Cohort of ACE Leadership
The Minnesota Technology Association is thrilled to announce the 21st cohort of the ACE Leadership Program. For nearly two decades, this program has nurtured leaders who will help drive our tech community forward. This cohort is comprised of a broad variety of professionals with diverse experiences and specialities but who share a desire to move forward in their careers. Our 21st cohort is represented by organization large and small, with leaders working both directly in a technology roles and in tech-enabled roles.
Throughout this six-month course, these cohort members will learn from subject matter experts on discovering their leadership style, building their leadership brand, communicating for results, building a positive culture at their organization, engaging in their broader tech community, and cultivating inclusive organizations. Additionally, they are paired with an executive coach to provide mentorship and guidance as they chart the course for their growth.
By participating in ACE Leadership, they and their organizations demonstrate a commitment to developing the leaders of our workforce.
If you would like to learn more about the ACE program or apply for the 22nd Cohort, visit the ACE home page.

Jeffrey Amundson
IT Senior Manager
3M

Jacob Anderson
Principal Data Manager & Developer
University of Minnesota

Nathan Anderson
Manager II, Development
SPS Commerce

Maura Bremer Peterson
Solution Director, Crew
Turnberry Solutions

Taylor Bremness
IT Engineering Manager
CHS

Laurel Chu
Sr. Manager, Customer Success
SPS Commerce

Jakeh Clark
Full Stack Engineering Instructor
Prime Digital Academy

Cory Flemming
Manager II, Development
SPS Commerce

Priya Gopalsamy
Senior Engineering Manager
Target

Jonathan Harper
Principal Information Systems Auditor
University of Minnesota

Brian Hayden
Technical Lead
University of Minnesota

Curtis Hebbard-Langille
Development Manager
SPS Commerce

Jessica Hughes
IT Program Manager
3M

Brandon Johnson
Consultant
Digineer

Jake King
Senior Manager, IT Engineering
CHS

Cherie Lemer
Digital Experience & Technology Program Manager
University of Minnesota

Eric Lytle
IT Security Manager
3M

Michelle Mattioli
IT Security Manager
CHS

Andrea Mistelke
Project Portfolio Manager – Cloud Services
Involta

David Norman
Data Engineer
University of Minnesota

Kristina Ortman
Senior Manager, Development
SPS Commerce

David Peterson
Data Analytics Manager
3M

Wendy Rash
Senior IT Manager
Donaldson Company

Andrew Roberts
Information Technology Manager
Summit Orthopedics

Sara Schoen
Instructional Designer
University of Minnesota

Ruvim Skochko
Cloud Platform Delivery Lead
Accenture

Britta Svoboda
Academic Technologist & Instructional Designer
University of Minnesota

Ron Tatro
Director of Engineering
Target

Jess Thoma
Product Ownership Consultant
Digineer
20th Cohort of ACE Leadership Graduates
Last week, the 20th cohort of the ACE Leadership Program gathered near downtown Minneapolis to take the final step in their leadership development program: graduation. Since the beginning of the program nearly two decades ago, the program has culminated in a final presentation showcasing what leaders have learned, tactics they will use in their leadership journey going forward, and the impact they will make in their community.
During this six month program, ACE Leaders hear from expert speakers on topics such as “building and sustaining your leadership brand,” “engaging in the broader community,” “strength-based leadership,” “building positive team culture,” “communicating for results,” and “cultivating inclusive organizations.” The goal of these sessions is to develop a wholistic leader who will be prepared to drive our technology industry forward.
The final session involves ACE Leaders presenting to their executive mentors, MnTech Board Members, and ACE alumni on their personal investment strategies. ACE Leaders take what they have learned in the six month program and develop a strategy to implement these new skills and tactics into their own organizations and teams.
Congratulations to the 20th cohort of ACE Leadership on successfully completing this course! Take a look at an album of photos from their final presentations below.
Thinking of Applying to ACE?
If you're interested in joining the next cohort of ACE Leadership, there is still time to apply. You can visit the ACE Leadership home page to view more about the program and apply. Cohorts begin in March and September.
One Non-Profit's Tekne Triumph
Last year at the 2023 Tekne Awards, createMPLS took home the Building Our Future Tekne Award for their work in inspiring youth to consider careers in technology and equipping students with the skills and experiences needed for success in this field. The data shows that this work is sorely needed.
By 2033, the Minnesota Technology Association predicts that the state of Minnesota will need 92,537 new technologists to replace exiting workers and account for growth of new roles. Meeting this demand will take serious effort by educational institutions, community organizations, and tech-enabled companies. createMPLS is dedicated to taking on this challenge by preparing students in underrepresented communities for rewarding careers by removing barriers and providing accessible STEM learning programs at no cost to the students or families.
We sat down with createMPLS Executive Director Rob Warland to hear about his experience winning this award and what it means for the organization.
“To win this award as a small nonprofit in an ecosystem of tech giants showed us that our work is needed and an important part of talent development.” – Rob Warland, Executive Director of createMPLS
In 2023, createMPLS won the Building Our Tech Future award. Tell us about the experience of winning that evening.
What an honor! To be considered with like-minded & impactful organizations and then to be recognized from industry leaders that our mission to provide accessible technology learning opportunities has value was very humbling and encouraging.
Had you been to the Tekne Awards before? Has createMPLS won any other awards?
We had not attended the Tekne Awards before and this is the first award createMPLS has won.
What was the application process like for you?
The application process was quite easy; it was completed by me (Executive Director) in under an hour. What I put in the application is on the top of my mind everyday.
CreateMPLS has been heavily involved in the MnTech community and in talent initiatives. What does it mean to win a Tekne Award for your impactful work?
With the goal to prepare students for the future of work and our focus on accessible technology education, being a part of the community that is fueling the success in Minnesota’s tech ecosystem is a no brainer to be heavily involved with. To win this award as a small nonprofit in an ecosystem of tech giants showed us that our work is needed and an important part of talent development.
What would you say to someone who is on the fence about applying for a Tekne Award this year?
Stop what you’re doing and make this a priority. MnTech has been very welcoming and the opportunity to win an award for Building Our Future isn’t just about the trophy, but rather validates your purpose and solidifies your place in the tech ecosystem.
Thinking about applying for a Tekne Award?
Applications are being accepted until August 9, 2024. The Tekne Awards are a great opportunity to highlight the amazing work that your organization or colleague is doing to positively impact Minnesota’s tech community. There are 16 awards available to apply for across three categories: Business Impact, Community Impact, and Individual Achievement. You can learn more about each award and apply at the link below.
TWIST Program Gives Teachers Hands-On Experience in STEM
TWIST Program Gives Teachers Hands-On Experience in STEM
Teachers are familiar with a common complaint from students: “When am I ever going to use this in the real world?”
For complex subjects like science and technology, it can be a difficult question to answer given the wide breadth of careers and opportunities. What better way to answer this question than by giving teachers an actual example to draw from?
To help solve this, 3M developed a summer internship for teachers called TWIST (Teachers Working in Science and Technology) which the Minnesota Technology Association helps run. Since 1984, teachers from around the country have been paired with a 3M employee to assist them with real-world projects.
Over six weeks, middle school and high school teachers can experience how science and technology are utilized in the real world, practice their skills at a high level, and bring back valuable insights on industry science opportunities to their students.
Additionally, 3M survey data shows that the TWIST program has a large improvement in the teacher’s knowledge of industry. Prior to the program, only 35% of teachers stated they were “somewhat or very satisfied” with their knowledge of industry. After completing the program, that number jumped to 95%. Survey responses below also highlight the impact of this program.
“It has definitely changed the way I view and teach science, as well as how I encourage my students to pursue science.”
“Now, I have more confidence in the ‘why’ behind what I teach AND I can incorporate real world examples and future career possibilities.”
“The tours and talks were all really great! It was fun to meet people who truly were getting joy out of the cool science/engineering projects they worked on.”
Back in the Lab
Sarah Vance, a high school science teacher at Legacy Christian Academy in Andover, Minnesota, has participated in the TWIST program twice. Her first experience was in a microbiology lab working on implantable devices and her second summer focused on bacterial DNA.
Vance went back to school to earn her master’s degree several years ago and says she appreciated the opportunity to get back in the lab again. Working with a scientist on a technical project at 3M gave her the opportunity to absorb how science is practiced in an industry setting and bring a better learning experience to her students when teaching microbiology.
As part of the TWIST program, Vance presented her research and work during a poster session. This experience reminded her that being able to present and discuss research is an important skill to have when pursuing a career in science, technology, engineering, or math. Since her first experience with TWIST in 2018, Vance has been integrating poster sessions regularly into her pedagogy and seen her students succeed in this application of a real-world skill.
Hosting and Teaching
Paired with each teacher is a 3M employee who helps guide the educator through a research project. Dr. Kevin Frankel, Senior Product Development Specialist at 3M, has been involved with the program since 2008 as both a host for teachers and as a co-chair for the TWIST committee.
Dr. Frankel sees his work with TWIST as an opportunity to provide teachers with something to bring back to students, whether that is a greater appreciation for how science and technology can be taught or a better understanding of careers in the STEM field.
The component of TWIST that Dr. Frankel enjoys the most is the opportunity to connect with teachers. Joining a 3M employee can be a challenge because teachers need to flip their mindset from a teacher focus to a student focus, where asking questions, rather than answering, is a priority. Often, Dr. Frankel says that teachers will ask questions he would not have thought of, and this allows him to approach problems from a unique angle.
Dr. Frankel notes that a major goal is to empower teachers to show students how they can fit into a career at 3M. As a large organization that works across major industries, Dr. Frankel says there are opportunities at 3M for students even if they don’t pursue science or technology careers.
Encouraging Careers in STEM
As the demand for technologists grows, Minnesota is facing several growing pains. Many roles in areas such as software development and engineering go unfilled simply because there are not enough people with the skills needed to fill the roles. Programs such as TWIST are an important piece of the puzzle in easing these shortages. By gaining hands-on experience to bring back to their students, teachers can become more effective educators, and hopefully inspire their students to pursue a career in science and technology. Their lessons have real-world examples behind them, and students may see themselves in a role that they had not previously known about.
If you have interest in participating in the TWIST program and teach middle or high school math, science, or technology, reach out to the TWIST program chairs at TWIST@mmm.com or visit the 3M TWIST site here.
Meet the 20th Cohort of ACE Leadership
The Minnesota Technology Association is thrilled to highlight the 20th cohort of the ACE Leadership Program. For nearly two decades, this program has nurtured leaders who will help drive our tech community forward. This cohort is comprised of a broad variety of professionals with diverse experiences and specialities but who share a desire to move forward in their careers. Our 20th cohort is represented by organization large and small, with leaders working both directly in a technology roles and in tech-enabled roles.
Throughout this six-month course, these cohort members will learn from subject matter experts on discovering their leadership style, building their leadership brand, communicating for results, building a positive culture at their organization, engaging in their broader tech community, and cultivating inclusive organizations. Additionally, they are paired with an executive coach to provide mentorship and guidance as they chart the course for their growth.
By participating in ACE Leadership, they and their organizations demonstrate a commitment to developing the leaders of our workforce.
If you would like to learn more about the ACE program or apply for the 21st Cohort, visit the ACE home page. If you are an ACE alumni, we would love to see you at our ACE Leadership Alumni Happy Hour on June 26. You can sign up here.
Students Honored at the 2024 Aspirations in Computing Awards
On Thursday, April 18, the Minnesota Aspirations in Computing Program (MnAiC) celebrated 40 students for their achievements in technology with the Aspirations in Computing Award Ceremony. National and state review teams selected these students from high schools across Minnesota. One National Award winner was recognized along with 10 National Honorable Mentions, 18 State Award winners, and 17 State Honorable Mention winners. This group of bright, young students are active in their schools, communities, and extracurricular activities. They show great promise as future technologists and they stand out for their exceptional technical prowess, leadership skills, and dedication to leveraging technology for positive social impact. You can view the names and biographies of each honoree here.
Celebrating a National Award Winner
This year, MnAiC is proud to announce a national award winner from Eden Prairie High School, Jasmine Garry. Jasmine is a social entrepreneur who draws inspiration from the belief that early education on the positive impact of technology can shape the next generation into innovative thinkers through STEM disciplines. Through workshops, classes, and hackathons, she empowers students to explore and excel in STEM fields. Jasmine’s love for programming apps has led her to win the Congressional App Challenge in 2022 for her app “RexCycle,” which leverages machine learning to simplify the intricacies of recycling. Subsequently, she earned global recognition as a Technovation Combating Hunger Award Winner for her app “HOPE,” a social networking platform connecting volunteers with refugees. Fueled by the thrill of solving cyber security challenges, Jasmine was honored as a 2023 National CyberStart Scholar ranking in the top 7% of CyberStart players nationwide. When she’s not programming, Jasmine enjoys competing in Mock Trial, Debate, and DECA, which complements her love for app development and entrepreneurship, placing 2nd globally at ICDC. Jasmine’s aspirations extend to college, where she envisions studying and delving deeper into technology innovation. She strives to give back to her community through civic engagement on congressional youth boards, advocating for computer science and environmental initiatives.
Educators Receive Awards
In addition to student honorees, MnAiC recognized three educators for their work in empowering students within the STEM field. Dr. Michael Wulf was recognized as a National Educator Award winner, Dr. Kate Lockwood was recognized as a State Education Award winner, and Princessa Hansen was recognized as a State Honorable Mention Recipient. You can read about these educators here.
About Aspirations in Computing
For the past 12 years, MnAiC has been a leading force for hundreds of students, steering them towards educational and professional paths in technology. The program empowers high school students who identify as women, genderqueer, or non-binary by providing various opportunities. These include prestigious awards, paid internships, mentorship pairings, job shadow experiences, scholarships, and hands-on learning experiences aimed at cultivating technical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills. MnAiC amplifies voices, builds identity, rewards persistence, and recognizes fortitude as participants enhance their proficiency in technology and computing.
Congratulations to the 2024 Aspirations in Computing Award Honorees!
How to Get Involved and Support MnAiC
If you want to support this community of students to help inspire a future generation of technologists, there are numerous ways to get involved.
- Sign up to be a mentor
- Sign up to provide a job shadow experience
- Donate to the MnAiC Scholarship Fund
MnTech Receives DEED Grant for Tech Workforce Development
We are pleased to share that the Minnesota Technology Association (MnTech) has been awarded $285,000 by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to lead technology sector initiatives as part of DEED’s $20 million Drive for Five workforce initiative. This effort is intended to prepare more Minnesotans for high-demand jobs in five occupational categories: technology, the trades, caring professions, manufacturing, and education.
MnTech will be working with employers of technology talent to identify the most in-demand and hard to fill job functions, the skills and competencies required to succeed in those roles, and then work with tech training providers to better align curriculum and skills training with employer needs. By leveraging labor market data and employer feedback, MnTech intends to create more efficient, impactful, and inclusive pathways into tech employment, particularly for those underrepresented in Minnesota’s tech workforce.
Additionally, MnTech intends to create programming and resources to help employers better onboard nontraditional talent coming from tech training academies and bootcamps. By addressing issues and challenges on both the supply and demand sides of the tech talent hiring equation, MnTech will positively impact how we inspire, hire, develop, and retain tech talent in Minnesota.
“The Minnesota Technology Association is committed to building a strong, innovative, and inclusive technology ecosystem in our state,” said Jeff Tollefson, MnTech’s President and CEO. “This funding is a great start in helping to ensure that Minnesota organizations have access to the tech talent they need, while providing opportunities for individuals to access high-paying and fulfilling tech careers.”
You can read more about the Drive for Five initiative and all grant recipients by visiting DEED’s website. To get engaged with MnTech and learn more about its talent initiatives, visit MnTech’s website.
Catching Up With ACE Alumni: Jon Beattie of SPS Commerce
Jon Beattie, a Senior Engineering Manager at SPS Commerce, participated in the 18th cohort of ACE Leadership back in 2023. Since his graduation, Jon has been active in helping current ACE Leadership participants and participating in MnTech programs and events. We caught up with Jon to learn more about his experience with the professional development program and how it has benefitted his career.

What is your current role and how would you describe what you do?
I’m a Senior Engineering Manager at SPS Commerce. I lead a team of managers, software engineers, quality engineers & technical business analysts located here in the US. We help to build out, and maintain, what SPS calls our ‘retail network’ – all connections to allow suppliers to connect to, and comply with requirements of, their retail trading partners (for receiving orders, sending shipment information, doing invoicing, etc). As a leader, I do my best to coach and mentor the leaders and individuals on my team, to partner with other key business leaders internally to drive strategic initiatives, to help with setting the vision for, and driving execution on, our team strategy/roadmap, and to oversee the operational excellence of the team.
What aspects of the program did you find most appealing?
I appreciated the wide range of topics covered and the fact that there were always industry experts and tech leaders coming to share their wisdom, perspective and time. Additionally, to be able to learn alongside of leaders from the broader Twin Cities area tech ecosystem was a blessing and a huge benefit of the program. I greatly enjoyed getting to know, and to share ideas and learn from, these other tech leaders.
ACE Leadership covers multiple topics, from stronger communication to understanding the tech landscape in MN. Which session was most valuable to you in your leadership journey?
I found value in each of the sessions and actually still revisit my notes every now and then to refresh on a specific topic. I think the one that has had the biggest impact on my life was the networking session. I’d say that I had built a strong internal network over the years in my current company but had been hesitant to get out there and intentionally network with others outside of SPS. I learned that there’s value in networking externally as well, not just ‘to find a job someday’ but in the act of getting more connected with others in tech, learning from them, providing value to them, and broadening my perspective on being a leader in the tech space.
I started with the others in my cohort and have since gotten more involved in tech events in the cities, I’ve been consistently active on LinkedIn and I’ve made many great connections with others in the area, both virtually and in person. It was what I needed to get out of my head a little bit and to start investing not just in my network for my own sake but also in the hopes of providing some level of value to others as well. Shout-out to Joel Crandall for giving me the positive encouragement/nudge needed when I told him “I’ve had some ideas for how I can get more active on LinkedIn” and he responded “You should absolutely do that!”
How has being a part of ACE Leadership changed how you work with your team and create a positive work environment?
After each of the ACE sessions, I used my team meetings to share my biggest takeaways with the other leaders on my team. We would then discuss the topics and how it could apply to us within our roles at SPS or within our lives beyond the walls of SPS. I wanted (and want) to create a space where we can be growing together and giving each other encouragement to think beyond the daily/weekly task list. I’d also say that more recently I’ve been more conscientious about the way I show up within my team (my brand), not just as a big picture thinker or a strong leader of strategic initiatives but also as someone who is personally invested in the growth and development of each of my team members. Not to say that I didn’t think this way before, but I’ve been more thoughtful about how I am showing this to my team and working to have that be a bigger part of my personal brand.
Thinking about your interactions with other leaders and peers in the program, how have these relationships helped you grow?
I hit on this a little above, but being able to grow alongside of other leaders is invaluable. These are people doing things that are different than what I do (yes, there’s similarities, but there are nuances and sometimes pretty big differences, just by the nature of the work that one company does compared to another). I’ve gained a broader perspective for how to effectively lead in the tech space and have several people that I know I can bounce ideas off of whenever needed. I’ve also had the joy of getting more connected with one of the session leaders, Zach Hughes, and our conversations (and his weekly articles) have helped me to think about things in a new way. I always come away from his articles or from our coffee chats with a handful of nuggets to keep pondering on and to start putting into practice. Thanks Zach!
I’ve also been more heavily involved in MnTech events since my ACE cohort and have recently joined the Tech Careers 1.0 committee. I imagine I wouldn’t have been invited to join this awesome group if it wasn’t for the interactions and relationships formed during and after my time with ACE. Huge thanks to Ismail Ali for inviting me to join the committee!
Lastly, I hope that I continue to nurture the relationships formed with my peers and the other leaders from ACE and I can’t wait to reflect in the future on additional growth that’s come for me, and all of us, as a result of this.
Apply for ACE
There is still time to apply for the 2024 cohort of ACE Leadership. Learn more and apply by visiting the ACE Leadership webpage.