i.c.stars |* Chicago

Lisa Gelobter, Creator of Web Animation Lisa Gelobter's work in computer science contributed to the development of several technologies, including: web animation (GIFs!), and online videos. She has completely shaped the way that we communicate online and how we consume media through technology today. Lisa served as the Chief Digital Service Officer to the US Department of Education and is now the CEO and Founder of tEQuitable. Throughout history, Black innovators have always played a crucial role in shaping the technology that we rely on today. From groundbreaking inventions to visionary leadership, they broke barriers and redefined what was possible. At i.c.stars, we honor their contributions by continuing the work of empowering the next generation of diverse tech leaders. To check out our full list of Black Innovators Who Have Transformed the Tech World, click here: https://lnkd.in/eWVQgeUW

Black innovators have been driving progress in technology for generations, breaking barriers and redefining what's possible through bold ideas and visionary leadership. At i.c.stars, we honor their legacy by equipping the next generation of diverse tech leaders to shape the future. Roy Clay Sr. led the team and development of Hewlett-Packard's first computer and later advocated for increased diversity in the tech industry. He owned his own consulting company which contributed to the formation of Silicon Valley. His leadership opened doors for Black professionals in Silicon Valley and in the tech field. You can read his book "Unstoppable: The Unlikely Story of a Silicon Valley Godfather" To check out our full list of Black Innovators Who Have Transformed the Tech World, click here: https://lnkd.in/eWVQgeUW

Dr. Shirley Jackson, Pioneer in Telecommunications Dr. Shirley Jackson's research in theoretical physics led to inventions like caller ID and touch-tone dialing. She was one of the first two Black women in the United States to receive a doctoral degree in physics and the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT. While at MIT, she established the Black Student Union to increase the number of Black students on MIT's campus, blazing a trail for others to follow. Black innovators, like Dr. Shirley Jackson, have long been at the forefront of shaping the technology we depend on today. Through groundbreaking inventions and visionary leadership, they shattered barriers and redefined what's possible. At i.c.stars, we celebrate their legacy by empowering the next generation of diverse tech leaders to continue transforming the future. Don't miss out on our full list of Black Innovators Who Have Transformed the Tech World, click here to read more: https://lnkd.in/eWVQgeUW

Meet Mark Dean, Co-Creator of the Personal Computer Mark Dean is the innovator behind the microcomputer system and is the reason for computer technology today. Holding three of IBM's original nine patents for the PC, Dean's innovations helped revolutionize information technology, computing, and making technology more accessible. Throughout history, Black innovators have always played a crucial role in shaping the technology that we rely on today. From groundbreaking inventions to visionary leadership, they broke barriers and redefined what was possible. At i.c.stars, we honor their contributions by continuing the work of empowering the next generation of diverse tech leaders. To check out our full list of Black Innovators Who Have Transformed the Tech World, click here: https://lnkd.in/eWVQgeUW

Throughout history, Black innovators have always played a crucial role in shaping the technology that we rely on today. From groundbreaking inventions to visionary leadership, they broke barriers and redefined what was possible. At i.c.stars, we honor their contributions by continuing the work of empowering the next generation of diverse tech leaders. Today we honor Katherine Johnson. Katherine Johnson's calculations were essential to some of NASA's earliest space missions, including an astronaut's orbit around the Earth. When she was asked what she felt her greatest contribution to space exploration was, she discussed her calculations that helped sync Project Apollo's Lunar Module with the lunar-orbiting Command and Service Module. Her work laid the foundation for all modern space travel. To check out our full list of Black Innovators Who Have Transformed the Tech World, click here: https://lnkd.in/eWVQgeUW

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, i.c.stars hosted Hack the Dream, a unique hackathon that brought together tech talent, community-based organizations, and healthcare professionals to tackle systemic health disparities. This event wasn’t just about identifying problems; it was about designing solutions that could drive real change in Chicago’s communities. A Space for Reflection and Action Dr. Nita Lee, Associate Professor at University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, described Hack the Dream as an opportunity for deep reflection and collaboration. “Because it takes place on MLK Day, it has a natural theme of justice—especially health justice,” she shared. “It’s a space for individuals and organizations to reflect on their roles in moving health equity forward.” Unlike many discussions around disparities that focus solely on the problems, Hack the Dream pushed participants toward tangible solutions.  Keep reading her reflections of the event here: https://lnkd.in/eirGvBkP

This Black History Month, we’re honored to share the story of Marcus McCormick, Application Development and Release Engineer Manager at Seyfarth Shaw LLP, whose journey from Mississippi Valley State University, an HBCU education to a thriving career in technology embodies the spirit of innovation and resilience. Marcus’s path, from securing a NASA internship to shaping the future of legal tech, is a testament to the impact of mentorship, equitable access, and the drive to push boundaries. As he reflects on his experiences, he also challenges us to continue fostering diversity in tech, ensuring that the next generation of changemakers have a seat at the table. Continue reading here: https://lnkd.in/eHZNBdms

Need IT talent? Look no further! Our current cohort of brilliant stars are almost to the finish line of completing the i.c.stars internship and will be ready to work after March 7th. If you have open roles, contact us today to get signed up to interview several of our interns back to back during one of the sessions available. Hire your next IT professional from us! #techtalent #hirefromicstars #icstars Karin Norington-Reaves Dr. Cheryl Camacho Elizabeth Anderson Ferruelo Larry Cowans Tandelaya Hill Cristhian Romero Brandies Meva'a Sarah Cook Jennifer Nicole Pierce Ryan Magley Jessica Moton Sherronda Booker Brian Anderson Lauren Zachok Amanda Hogan Sarai Usry

This Black History Month, we honor the legacy of Black innovation, leadership, and resilience: past, present, and future. At i.c.stars, we believe in the power of people and technology to create economic opportunity and drive change. Last month in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we hosted Hack the Dream 2025; a hackathon that challenges tech professionals and aspiring leaders to build solutions that advance equity in our communities. If you weren't able to make it, visit our website to explore the innovative solutions developed and see how we collaborated to advance health equity through technology. https://lnkd.in/eEhH9JzX

Today is #DigitalLearningDay, and at i.c.stars, we witness its power every day For Digital Learning Day, we reached out to someone who has put learning at the center of everything she does. Dr. Cheryl Camacho, Chief Learning and Program Officer for i.c.stars shares what sets our non-traditional talent apart, and the support systems that provide them the encouragement to keep learning. https://lnkd.in/g5k_ygRM Dr. Cheryl Camacho, Karin Norington-Reaves, Andy Duddleston, Elizabeth Anderson Ferruelo, Josh Miller, Blanca Gonzales, Amanda Hogan, Shamika Hogan, Brian Anderson, i.c.stars |* Milwaukee, i.c.stars |* Chicago, i.c.stars |* Kansas City, Tammie Brings, Sarah Cook, Shannon DiMaggio