Milwaukee County believes that exceptional public service occurs when the demographics of our employees reflect the people that we serve. That is why Milwaukee County recruits qualified candidates with as wide a net as possible, seeking people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and with a passion for public service.
i.c.stars is one of the local partnerships that provides Milwaukee County with an opportunity to both contribute and benefit. Milwaukee County Information Management Services Division (IMSD) employees have provided hundreds of hours of engagement with i.c.stars interns seeking career opportunities in IT. And, in return, Milwaukee County has benefited from the successful recruitment of four i.c.stars program graduates.
Xeleceem Xiong, Cycle 8, is an IT Application Analyst with Milwaukee County. Xeleceem said: “Prior to i.c.stars, I had little understanding of the various technological careers; it was only through this program that I was given an introduction to the various technical careers and the skills/mindsets required to be successful in technology, Xeleceem said. “With these abilities, I was able to acquire an internship with Milwaukee County which led to a full-time position. I am forever grateful for the experience and relationships I developed through i.c.stars and would recommend it to anyone who wants to get their foot in the door when it comes to technology.”
Xeleceem Xiong, 2nd from right
Rashaun Jones, Cycle 10, is an IT Application Analyst. Rashaun said: “Through i.c.stars, I strengthened my skills in project management, teamwork, and communication while also navigating personal and professional growth The biggest lesson I learned is that adaptability, curiosity, and perseverance will open doors. No matter where you start, if you’re willing to keep learning and pushing forward, opportunities will come.”
Raushan Jones, 2nd from left.
Khalil Hall, Cycle 2, is a Service Desk Technician. Khalil Said: “My mom told me about i.c.stars. It didn’t seem like a real thing at first, but it’s a great program. They put you in front of people you’d never have access to. You’re going to get out of it what you put into it and requires a great deal of self-motivation.” About Business Sponsors Khalil said: “They are going to have access to untapped talent. We probably won’t have the normal pre-requisites, but the face-to-face relationships mean you get to meet the talent itself and find the talent that is a good fit for your organization.”
Khalil Hall, i.c.stars alumni at the Capitalize on Wi 2024 event.
Terence Nightingale, Cycle 8, is an IT Applications Analyst. Terence said: “i.c.stars significantly advanced both my soft and technical skills, making the transition into the IT field seamless. Working for the County gives me a profound sense of fulfillment, knowing that the work I do today directly impacts the communities in need around me.”
Former Milwaukee County CIO Lynn Frylund with i.c.stars alumni Terence Nightingale.
In 2022, Milwaukee County was the sponsor for Cycle 10’s final mock RFP projects.
Carlton Bynum, Senior Application Analyst, served as one of the “business-sponsors” for the proposed digital signage project. “We were tough on them during the presentations, but afterward we heard the feedback we gave them really helped them be ready for the real-world.”
“Supporting i.c.stars is personal for me,” Carlton went on to say. “25 years ago, it was different, but I came up the same way they are coming up. Seeing the opportunities that they have is heartwarming. Everybody can’t afford a 4-year degree. The fact that they are giving young people these opportunities is the best thing ever and I can totally relate.”
Carlton continues to be a mentor and workshop leader with i.c.stars. “If I had the aptitude, I would retire and teach for i.c.stars. I whole heartedly believe in their mission.”
Carlton Bynum with an i.c.stars intern.
Jaci Bobo is the CIO with Milwaukee County. “i.c.stars works to activate a technology community of change agents to power social and economic freedom. I have been involved with i.c.stars since 2018 as a mentor, numerous high teas, conducting mock interviews, conference table host, and workshops. Milwaukee County became a formal sponsor in 2019 as well and continues through the current cycle 17. I truly believe I get more out of each experience than I am providing to the interns.”
Jaci Bobo, CIO Milwaukee County (seated third from left) at the 2024 Capitalize Wisconsin event.
The i.c.stars program and its talented graduates contribute to the County’s mission to make Milwaukee County the healthiest county in Wisconsin by achieving racial equity. Every day our employees bring their whole selves in service to the people of Milwaukee County. We are fortunate to have such bright stars join the County team, from whom much is expected, but just as much is gained.
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By Keith Murphy, IT Director Milwaukee County, with contributions from Xeleceem Xiong, Raushan Jones, Khalil Hall, Terence Nightingale, Carlton Bynum, and Jaci Bobo.
(Left to Right) i.c.stars graduate, with Milwaukee County volunteers Keith Murphy, Ross Winklbauer, Terence Nighingale.
Milwaukee County receiving the i.c.stars Sponsor of the Year Award, 2024. (Shown: Michael Copeland, Montez Johnson, Saraya Harris, Genaro Baez, and Khalil Hall).