Earlier this week at Summerfest Tech 2025, we were thrilled to partner with Generac for a lively and engaging panel discussion highlighting how rethinking talent strategies can have powerful, real-world results. The event was led by our very own Blanca Gonzales, Executive Director of i.c.stars Milwaukee, who guided a genuine and inspiring conversation about breaking down traditional hiring barriers.

Panelists William Cummings (CISO at Generac), Amanda Schmidt (HR Director at Generac), ChaChi Gallo (former VP of IT at Generac), and Luciano Salinas—an i.c.stars graduate now thriving as a Cybersecurity Analyst at Generac—shared personal insights about their experiences and how a single internship dramatically reshaped their approach to hiring and talent development.

Luciano’s Journey: From Intern to Cybersecurity Leader

Luciano’s story captivated everyone in attendance. Without a traditional college degree, Luciano joined i.c.stars looking for a pathway to break into technology. His first role at Generac was on the help desk, where he admittedly faced plenty of struggles. During the panel, Luciano candidly shared, “I started on the help desk. I failed a lot. But I kept showing up. I stayed hungry. And eventually, that changed everything.”

Luciano’s commitment and passion quickly caught the attention of his supervisors, especially ChaChi Gallo, who immediately saw Luciano’s immense potential. ChaChi became an advocate for creating more opportunities for underestimated talent candidates like Luciano, prompting Generac to rethink their hiring standards and practices.

Amanda Schmidt described how Luciano’s success story sparked crucial conversations within Generac’s HR department about prioritizing skills and potential over traditional credentials. This shift led to new doors opening, making room for more diverse and talented individuals to join the organization.

William Cummings highlighted Luciano’s swift rise within Generac, detailing his move from the help desk to taking on a pivotal role in global cybersecurity. Luciano is now leading cybersecurity projects affecting more than 10,000 employees worldwide—a responsibility traditionally reserved for highly experienced professionals.

Reflecting on Luciano’s remarkable progress, ChaChi noted, “Luciano didn’t just meet expectations—he reset them.”

This open and heartfelt discussion emphasized the powerful impact that inclusive hiring practices can have — not just for individuals, but also for organizations as a whole. Luciano’s story showed clearly how talent, passion, and dedication can transform hiring processes and create meaningful opportunities for growth.

We’re grateful to Generac and the Summerfest Tech community for their willingness to explore these innovative approaches alongside us. Stay connected with i.c.stars to discover more inspiring stories and join us as we continue to reshape tech careers and foster inclusive workplaces.