Networking for Good: Building Business by Making Philanthropic Impact

Many of DFW’s leading CIOs, CTOs, and VPs of IT gathered for Digital Conduit’s Technology Ball August Reception last week. The home of BravoTECH CEO Valerie Freeman served as the backdrop for the event. Attendees enjoyed an open networking environment that allowed guests to build and strengthen relationships in a relaxed, social setting. Notable attendees included Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne, as well as IT decision makers from companies such as Cash America, CROSSMARK, Dr Pepper Snapple Group, Flowserve, Fossil Group, Interstate Batteries, Mary Kay, Schneider Electric, TXU Energy, and many others.

Technology Ball Executive Host Joan Holman, CIO, Strasburger & Price, LLP with Valerie Freeman, CEO, BravoTECH and Stacie Hyatt, VP, Global Sales, Marketing and Support, Plexon, Inc. [Photo via Technology Ball]

STEM CRISIS IMPACT

Attendees said they were energized by the knowledge that participation in the Technology Ball series of events makes an impact on the community.

Proceeds from Technology Ball support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education initiatives in the social sector through its nonprofit beneficiary, MentorNet, a division of Great Minds in STEM (GMiS).

Catherine Jojo and Abby Wheeler, students involved in the program, were on hand to share their experiences as “MentorNet Protégés.”

MentorNet supports students in higher education, nationally and in the DFW area, by providing access to virtual, guided, one-to-one mentorships with STEM professionals.

Over the past 10 years, U.S. growth in STEM jobs was three times greater than non-STEM jobs. Yet demand in many STEM fields is dramatically outstripping supply, according to MentorNet CEO Mary Fernández. The pipeline for graduating students and advancing graduates into STEM careers is leaky, resulting in a critical talent gap that must be addressed to realize continued technological advances and sustained economic growth.

MentorNet’s goal is to ensure all students who are interested in STEM have the opportunity and support necessary to persist in their educations, enter the U.S. workforce, and contribute to scientific advancements and technological innovations.

Great Minds in STEM and MentorNet align with Technology Ball’s philanthropic focus on advancing STEM education and addressing the STEM workforce shortage.

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE FUTURE

The Technology Ball series of events will continue with its “Technology Cocktail” lead-in networking reception in October, and culminates on with a black-tie gala at the Omni Dallas Hotel Nov. 5. The evening’s theme will be “Shine a Light on the Future,” highlighting the bright minds impacted through MentorNet’s STEM Education initiatives.

Many opportunities exist in the technology community to network in a business setting. Technology Ball aims to provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage with this community in a social setting –- while “giving back” through a common, philanthropic cause.

GALLERY

Karen Krygowski Bruno, President & Founder, Digital Conduit/Technology Ball and Executive Host Mike Anderson, SVP & CIO, Crossmark. [Photo via Technology Ball]

Technology Ball Executive Host Gerry Mecca, VP IT, Packaged Beverages & Client Services, Dr Pepper Snapple Group (left) and wife Michele (right) with Michael Vagts and Kelleen Young from Epitec (center). [Photo via Digital Conduit/Technology Ball]

Technology Ball Executive Hosts Ajay Patel, Director of Data & Infrastructure Services, Mary Kay; Ravi Malick, VP Technology, TXU Energy; Ed Robben, SVP & CIO, Fossil Group. [Photo via Digital Conduit/Technology Ball]

Technology Ball Executive Host Earl Barnes, Head of Global Infrastructure, Flowserve. [Photo via Technology Ball]

Technology Ball Executive Host Earl Barnes, Head of Global Infrastructure, Flowserve. [Photo via Digital Conduit/Technology Ball]

Technology Ball Executive Hosts Caren Shiozaki, EVP & CIO, Thornburg Mortgage and Onyeka Nchege, CIO, Interstate Batteries shaking hands. [Photo via Digital Conduit/Technology Ball]