WGU ADVANCEMENT
California Tech Impactors Network
Empowering Tech Equity and Sustainable Workforce Growth
WGU, a national tech education leader, proudly introduces the Tech Impactors Network—an alumni-led initiative tackling barriers faced by underrepresented groups in tech.
Tech careers offer high-wage opportunities, with 4 million job postings in 2022 and a projected 13 million by 2025. Yet, underrepresented groups like Black, Latino/a, Native American, rural, veteran, and female tech professionals still face challenges resulting in a "leaky tech pipeline" that sees talented individuals drop out of the workforce.
WGU and our partners are changing this narrative by collaborating with employers and supporting non-profits, empowering underrepresented talent in tech. Join us in driving change.
Don’t miss a beat! Sign up today to receive updates and invitations, and to stay in the loop regarding our shared mission to ensure equitable access for all.
OUR GOALS
Increase the number of graduates from underrepfresented populations in WGU's College of Information Technology by 50% by 2026.
Amplify the impact and reach of our community partners by raising a new alumni-led tech impactor scholarship.
Create a sustainable platform for growing social capital through networking, mentorship, and career development for underserved populations entering the tech workforce.
WGU Tech Impactor Network Alumni Chairs
Dr. Jane Chung, Managing Director, Cybersecurity, Deloitte
Terrance Cooley, CISO, Chief People Officer, USAF
WGU Alumni Impactors
Abdullah Albyati, Security, Trust and Safety, Google
John Avery, CISO, TA Group Holdings
Geoff Belknap, CISO, LinkedIn
Gary Catalano, VP, Audible Magic
Valerie Jane Chua, Vice President, JPMC
Jerry Davis, CISA
Steve Dean, VP IT and CISO, Astra
Zach Fernandez, Manager of IS&T, Apple
Geoff Jangua, CISO, Clear (clearme.com)
Mark Jansen, Strategic Advisor, Terbine
Phillip Lacey, Senior Network Engineer, Lucasfilm
Curt Mah, Product Management
Abhijit Marathe, ISSO, NASA Ames Research
Abisola Oseni, Software Engineer, Liberty Mutual
Dr. Manjit Sooch, Director of Innovation, ACT
Non-Profit Organizations
#LatinaGeeks
Calbright
Conectado
Hack the Hood
Hidden Genius Project
Novaworks
NPower
Mission Bit
Richmond Promise
SkillBridge/NPower
StreetCode Academy
TechSF
UC Berkeley
UCSB Extension
UCSC Silicon Valley Extension
YearUp
