Hmong Women Leading the Way: Stories of Influence and Community
For Women’s History Month, we’re lifting up stories of leadership, resilience, and community, today we're sharing the Hmong women who are making an impact every day.
Op-Ed Feature: Chicago companies are getting quiet on DEI — but staying competitive means hiring diverse talent
Op-Ed Feature for Crain's Chicago Business written by Karin Norington-Reaves. Chicago companies are getting quiet on DEI — but staying competitive means hiring diverse talent.
Women’s History Month: Creating Space for Women in Tech
The tech industry has come a long way, with more women stepping into leadership and innovation roles. Yet, progress hasn’t been as fast or widespread as it should be. Having been one of only two women in my college computer science program, I know firsthand the challenges women face in this field. But rather than competing for limited opportunities, we must lift each other up, mentor, and champion one another. Success is not a finite resource—there’s room for all of us. Let’s create a future where women in tech are not the exception, but the norm.
Mary Golda Ross: A Trailblazer for Indigenous Women in STEM – and for Me
This contribution from Kaia Oathout, Cycle 03, i.c.stars Kansas City intern, is a narrative of personal triumph and a testament to the invaluable contributions of Indigenous people. It is a story of a woman's strength, knowledge and how resilience, ingenuity, and wisdom of Indigenous communities continue to enrich our world, reminding us of the importance of a pioneering spirit. As we reflect on the achievements of Mary Golda Ross, let's also recognize and celebrate ALL women this month and always.
From Pajamas to Powerhouse: The Working Mom Chronicles
Motherhood, career, and chaos—welcome to the working mom life. In From Pajamas to Powerhouse, Dana Moyano shares the raw, unfiltered reality of juggling it all, plus her best sanity-saving tips for making it work.
Paving the Way: A Woman’s Journey in Tech Leadership
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the trailblazers who have shaped industries, broken barriers, and paved the way for future generations. In the world of technology, where women are still underrepresented in leadership roles, sharing our stories is more important than ever.
Embracing the Unexpected: A Journey from Chemical Engineering to Tech Leadership
Some career paths are carefully mapped out, while others unfold in ways we never could have predicted. For Melissa Summers, Managing Director at Accenture, a degree in chemical engineering didn’t lead to the job she expected, but it did open the door to an unexpected and fulfilling 30-year career in technology.
Tech Talent in Action: How i.c.stars Prepared Marco Flores for Success
Hiring Marco Flores through the i.c. stars program was an inspiring experience. His professionalism, career readiness, and ability to articulate his journey stood out immediately. The discipline and dedication he developed in the program made him a strong candidate, and he has already brought great value to his new role. This was my first experience working with an i.c. stars graduate—but certainly not my last.
Empowering Wisconsin’s Workforce: The Vital Role of Broadband Connectivity
At the 2025 WEDA Governor's Conference on Economic Development, Blanca Gonzales, Executive Director of i.c.stars Milwaukee, joined a panel of industry leaders to discuss the intersection of broadband, the economy, and workforce development. The discussion highlighted how expanding broadband access fuels Wisconsin’s entrepreneurial growth and economic opportunities. Blanca shared a powerful story of an intern commuting from Zion, IL to Milwaukee, showcasing the determination and resilience that broadband infrastructure can help nurture across the state
Activism to Innovation: Empowering the Next Generation
On February 7, 2025, i.c.stars Cycle 17 interns took the stage for their Sprint 1 Pitch Presentations, showcasing their technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership. Tasked with developing an AI-powered document workflow solution for ictect, Inc., they demonstrated creativity, collaboration, and resilience. More than just a pitch competition, this milestone marked the interns' transformation into problem-solvers ready to take on real-world challenges.