CT Tech Week kicks off next month, and we’re proud to be part of it with our AI for Impact: The Nonprofit Challenge Hackathon, happening June 3–5 in Stamford. This collaborative event brings together tech professionals and nonprofit leaders to develop real-world AI solutions that drive social good. Whether you're helping build a prototype or presenting a challenge to solve, there's a role for everyone.
In this month’s newsletter, we’re also highlighting a Tech Ready trainee success story, a spotlight on workforce leader Mark Lazarus, and a roundup of upcoming events across the region. Thanks for staying connected and helping build a stronger, more inclusive tech ecosystem.
Best, Patricia Meyer Director
Good Jobs Challenge Grant
UPCOMING EVENT: AI FOR IMPACT – THE NONPROFIT CHALLENGE HACKATHON
Join us June 3–5 in Stamford for AI for Impact: The Nonprofit Challenge Hackathon—a high-energy event where tech professionals and nonprofit leaders come together to develop real-world AI solutions for social good. Part of CT Tech Week, this collaborative experience is open to both technical and non-technical participants. Whether you’re building a chatbot, optimizing a website, or dreaming up your next big idea, this is your chance to use AI to make a difference.
Nonprofits will kick off the event by presenting real challenges they’re facing—from fundraising to operations to community engagement. Competing teams will then have 24 hours to create innovative AI-driven tools and prototypes. The experience wraps up with live presentations, awards, and networking with changemakers across tech and the nonprofit world.
📆 Kick-Off: June 3, 8:00 AM–12:00 PM at Ferguson Library 📆 Submissions Due: June 4, 12:00 PM 📆 Final Presentations & Awards: June 5, 4:30–6:30 PM at Shippan Landing
NEW LEADERSHIP: WELCOMING DARRELL JOHNSON TO STAMFORD PARTNERSHIP
We’re excited to welcome Darrell Johnson as the new Executive Director of Stamford Partnership. A Stamford resident for 27 years, Darrell brings more than three decades of experience across the corporate and nonprofit sectors—including senior roles at organizations like WWE, Heineken, PepsiCo, and the United Way of New York City.
In addition to his extensive background in strategic planning, marketing, and community engagement, Darrell is well known locally for his commitment to youth and civic programs through his work with the Positive Coaching Alliance and the Stamford Peace Youth Foundation. As Executive Director, he will lead the Partnership in its mission to align stakeholders, champion innovation, and create economic opportunity across Stamford and the broader Southwest Connecticut tech community.
SUCCESS STORY: FROM JOB TO CAREER WITH TECH READY TRAINING
We’d like to celebrate Annette, a recent graduate of the Tech Ready Career Training Program, whose journey reflects the kind of transformation that’s possible when people are given the tools, training, and support to thrive.
After earning her Project Management credential, Annette secured a new role as a Leasing Consultant at Bozzuto—a clear step forward in her professional journey. She's continuing to grow through micro-internships, gaining hands-on experience that will serve her well for years to come.
Workforce training initiatives like this are a core part of our work at Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub, in partnership with The WorkPlace, to expand equitable access to high-quality tech training and career pathways. Annette’s story is just one example of the impact this work can have. Dozens of learners across our region are following similar paths—turning skills into confidence, and confidence into careers.
The Digital Frontiers Initiative at UConn’s School of Business is seeking a sponsor for a Summer 2025 Capstone Project in the MS in Business Analytics & Project Management (BAPM) program. This 9-week project pairs your organization with a team of graduate students who apply their skills in data analysis, predictive modeling, large language models, visualization, and project management to tackle a real business challenge. With support from UConn faculty, companies receive fresh insights and actionable recommendations—at a fraction of the cost of a traditional consulting engagement.
This is a great fit for businesses facing a data challenge, looking to improve a process, or exploring dashboards or predictive analytics. Recent projects include a warranty claims dashboard for Stanley Black & Decker and predictive maintenance models for Autoshop IQ, a Stamford startup. Sponsors benefit from structured project milestones, a final deliverable aligned with their goals, and the opportunity to support Connecticut’s future tech workforce.
Please reach out to dfi@uconn.edu if you are interested in learning more!
TECH READY, LIFE READY: HOW MARK LAZARUS IS REIMAGINING WORKFORCE TRAINING
As Director of Workforce Innovation at The WorkPlace, Mark Lazarus plays a central role in advancing the goals of Southwest Connecticut Tech Hub. Through a strong partnership between our organizations, Mark leads Tech Ready Training, a program that equips participants across Greater Fairfield County with the tools they need to thrive in tech careers—through hands-on learning, industry engagement, and personalized support.
With a focus on work-based learning and adaptability, Tech Ready Training goes beyond certification to build real experience and real results. Over 40 participants have already landed high-paying roles, and more than 100 are in the pipeline. Whether it’s helping someone build a Python portfolio, earn a CMMC credential, or navigate a career pivot, Mark’s work is making a measurable impact in Connecticut’s tech workforce.
Lateral Moves in Tech: Why Leaders Should Support Employee Mobility Published by ITPro As competition for talent intensifies, tech companies are rethinking how they support growth from within. Encouraging lateral career moves helps employees expand their skill sets and strengthens long-term retention.
AI Talent: It’s Not Just for High Tech Anymore Published by American Enterprise Institute Demand for AI skills is expanding across industries—from healthcare to manufacturing. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday operations, a broader, more inclusive AI workforce is essential.
From Code to the Cockpit: Big Tech Expats Chart Bold New Career Paths Published by WorkLife Tech workers are exploring unconventional career pivots, from aviation to nonprofit leadership. The trend reflects both evolving workforce values and the flexibility of tech skill sets across industries.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS
SMARTE Series: The Digital Twin + Technology Open House | CCAT May 28, 2025 | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM CCAT Advanced Technology Center, 409 Silver Lane, East Hartford, CT Explore how digital twin technology is transforming manufacturing through live demos and expert insights.
Part of CT Tech Week, this fast-paced hackathon brings together tech professionals and nonprofit leaders to build AI-powered solutions for real-world social impact challenges. Open to both technical and non-technical participants.
Join Darrell Johnson and Dr. Albert Green for a conversation on how Connecticut is positioning itself at the forefront of quantum and AI innovation—covering workforce development, infrastructure, and statewide collaboration.
Pitch Competition | StartUp Westport June 12, 2025 | 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM The Stamford Hotel, 700 E Main St, Stamford, CT Early-stage Connecticut startups can compete for a five-figure, non-dilutive cash prize. Finalists receive mentorship and pitch live at Westport Library in November.
Tech Ready Career Training Info Session | CT Tech Hub June 19, 2025 | 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM Virtual (Zoom) Learn about a no-cost, 3-month online training program to gain in-demand tech skills and job placement support.
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Thank you to the following organizations for supporting the Southwest CT Tech Hub:
Advance CT · Airbornway Corporation · Analytic-Aware LLC · Bank of America · Benchmark IT · Blueprint Business Consulting · Business-Higher Education Forum · Charles IT · Charter Oak State College · City of Stamford · Deloitte · GE Appliances · George Comfort & Sons · Havyn Coworking · IBM · Indeed · Interactive Brokers · Janus Associates · KJM Textiles · McKinsey · Merrill · Neolumin · NBC Sports · Nuvance· Office of Workforce Strategy · PreRound · Priceline · Renquiry · Scala Computing · SDG Corp · Silicon Valley in Your Pocket · Social Venture Partners · Software Development Resources · Southern Connecticut State University · Sparks Policy Group · Stamford Health · Synchrony · The Workplace · Thorney Advisors · UCONN
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number ED22HDQ3070186, awarded to the State of Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy by the U.S. Department of Economic Development Administration.
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