Filling the need for leaders: the latest cohort of Advanced Tech Leaders graduates from AIM Leadership Academy
The latest cohort of AIM Institute’s Advanced Tech Leaders course graduated from the leadership academy last Friday. Congratulations to the 28 graduates!Advanced Tech Leaders is an annual management course for tech professionals, with the goal of enhancing leadership skills that are essential for current and upcoming managers in the tech industry. Each session addresses common on-the-job issues faced by tech managers, including strategic planning, communication skills, innovation and empowerment. The 2019-2020 cohort adapted quickly to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant the last few months of the program were fully remote and online. “Getting to hear from - and get feedback from - top local executives was so valuable,” said academy participant Laurie Lee. “The skills I’ve learned in this training have and will continue to help me be a better leader for my staff and my company.”The academy’s focus on skill development also left a lasting impression on the participants. “I can leave more confident in my abilities as an IT professional,” said Megan Thiemann, reflecting on sessions about personal development and pitching projects to executives.
This was the 10th cohort of advanced technology professionals to graduate from AIM’s leadership academy. A strong emphasis on networking was also appreciated by many of the participants, including Rajan Bhattarai. “This is a very powerful tool we have in Omaha,” he said. “I’ve met so many great people, and a few people I will be friends with forever.”During Friday’s virtual graduation ceremony, former participant and steering committee member Todd Campbell charged the group to step up in their organizations and in the community. “More than ever, we need leaders,” said Campbell, who also taught one of the academy’s sessions. “You’re good leaders, and I know you care about the people you are about to lead and serve. I’m so proud of you.”“This class of Advanced Tech Leaders showed personal growth and a commitment to their career development during the last nine months,” said Monika Philp, director of tech leadership development at AIM. “They have built a great personal network and I’m excited to see how their careers advance.”Interested in participating? Find out more about AIM’s leadership academy for advanced and emerging IT leaders here. Congratulations to this cohort’s graduates!Robby Antonio, First National Technology SolutionsAshwin Bhatnagar, Blue Cross Blue ShieldRajan Bhattarai, Werner EnterprisesRavinatha Buchupalli, ProkarmaHeath Christiansen, Nebraska Public Power DistrictPeter Gamboian, Blue Cross Blue ShieldRoger Garfoot, Omaha Public Power DistrictCory Haglund, Blue Cross Blue ShieldMichelle Jenson, CSG InternationalGaynor Kipp, Mutual of OmahaJonathon Klimek, Mutual of OmahaDeepa Vasanth Kumar, National Indemnity CompanyLaurie Lee, DTNCollins Love, Omaha Public Power DistrictKatherine Palmer, Mutual of OmahaJayendra Pawar, Farm Credit Services of AmericaJessica Porter, Omaha Public Power DistrictTravis Reineke, Omaha Public Power DistrictSara Rivedal, FiservBidisha Roy, CSG InternationalMichael Sachar, Goodwill OmahaBabu Shafi, TenaskaDonald Shirley, Millard Public SchoolsDivya Singh, National Indemnity CompanyJessica Steffen, Metropolitan Community CollegeMegan Thiemann, First National Technology SolutionsShelly Welch, Farm Credit Services of AmericaJeff Yost, Millard Public SchoolsThe AIM Institute is an innovative not-for-profit that grows, connects and inspires the tech talent community through career development and education.