On Memorial Day, Sheldon Cuffie reflects on the African philosophy of ubuntu—“I am because we are”—to honor the fallen heroes whose sacrifices made our freedoms possible. Through personal insight and a spirit of connection, this piece is a reminder that we carry their legacy forward in how we choose to live each day—with courage, gratitude, and unity.

From enlisting in the Army National Guard at 17 to mentoring future leaders through i.c.stars, Sheldon Cuffie shares what military service taught him about purpose, people, and leadership. This personal reflection highlights why showing up for others—and believing in their potential—can change everything.

From early uncertainty to leading in government and cybersecurity, this powerful reflection traces one leader’s path shaped by service—from enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps to mentoring future changemakers. As we honor Memorial Day, explore how a life rooted in service can drive lasting impact in both public and private sectors

At i.c.stars |* Milwaukee*, our Cycle 17 interns took a bold leap into the future by designing and building custom AI chatbots. Guided by tech leader Nathan Lasnoski, each intern brought unique ideas to life—tackling real-world challenges and igniting new passions. Discover how their creativity and innovation are shaping tomorrow’s tech landscape.

Summerfest Tech and i.c.stars are partnering to drive innovation, opportunity, and inclusion across the Midwest tech community. Together, they're empowering the next generation of leaders while showcasing the transformative power of education, connection, and community impact.