BATTLE CREEK, Mich., May 22, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Ida Byrd-Hill, CEO of Automation Workz, a top 10 ranked U.S. cybersecurity bootcamp, with the support of W.K. Kellogg Foundation, is leading the West Michigan African American Tech Readiness Collaborative and feasibility study. The West Michigan African American Tech Readiness Collaborative and feasibility study will celebrate unification of the Battle Creek/ Kalamazoo/Grand Rapids/ Benton Harbor/Albion/Jackson region with a Kickoff meeting at 7:30 a.m. on May 24 at 400 W. Michigan Ave. in Battle Creek. The event will feature a keynote speech by Allen Walker who will answer the question, “Can the Battle Creek region become a NSF Innovation Engine?”
Allen Walker is a senior advisor in the U.S. National Science Foundation’s newly established Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). In this position, Walker focuses on potential partnerships through engagement with stakeholders across government, academia, industry, and nonprofits. He also advises directorate leadership on research and development strategy and policy. He acts as the TIP chief of staff supporting the assistant director.
While West Michigan has attracted 3 battery factories within a 60-mile radius it did not become an NSF Regional Innovation Engine in 2022. Most of the NSF Regional Innovation Engines were designated in the US Southeastern corridor with its plethora of battery factories.
“This West Michigan region is attracting also sorts of tech employer investments, like the Ford-CATL Battery plant, LG Energy Solutions expansion, Ultium Cells battery plant and the Gotion Semiconductor plant,” Byrd-Hill says. “As the CEO of a tech startup, I see the Michigan information technology cluster replicating the 22% growth it experienced over the past 10 years.”
“Sadly, the Michigan Information Technology Industry Cluster Workforce Analysis for 2022 highlights that African Americans comprised only 7.6% of this workforce, while they make up 14% of the general population,” Byrd-Hill continued. Automation Workz is known for its skills-based certification training that is leading low-income, women and people of color to high-paying middle-skilled tech careers.
The West Michigan African American Tech Readiness Collaborative includes these partners:
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Alex Andrews Talent First |
Heather Ignash Battle Creek Unlimited |
Dr. Matias Soto Andrews University |
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Dr. Alisha Davis Grand Valley State University |
Heidi Groulx Denso |
Dr. Michael Horrigan Upjohn Institute |
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Alvin Hills Midwest Tech Project |
Dr. Herman McCall Homestead Savings Bank |
Michael McCullough Calhoun County Broadband Taskforce |
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Brian DeRoo Bronson Healthcare |
Jakki Bungart-Bibbs Michigan Works Southwest |
Pastor Monique French Washington Heights UMC |
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Pastor Chris McCoy New Level Sports Ministries |
Joseph Anderson, Jr. TAG Holdings |
Dr. Nakia S. Baylis Village Network of Battle Creek |
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Danielle Williams Amplify GR |
Joseph Matthews Gentex |
Dr. Preston Hicks Goodwill Industries |
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Dr. Dennis Baskins Kellogg Community College |
Joshua Hilgart Kalamazoo Defender |
Rob Llanes The Right Place |
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Dr. Dennis Bona EPIC |
Kara Beer Battle Creek Chamber |
Sarah Klerk Kalamazoo Promise |
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Erick Stewart LAGNIAPPE Community |
Dr. Kara Van Dam Grand Valley State University |
Dr. Sharon Vriend-Robinette Corewell Health |
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Frances Hogsten Haworth |
Dr. Keli Christopher STEM Greenhouse |
Dr. Tino Smith Kingdom Builders |
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Gregory Moore CMS Energy |
Kellie Hoffman Northern Initiatives |
Come learn how the West Michigan African American Tech Readiness Collaborative lays the foundation for the $160 million NSF Regional Innovation Engine.
RSVP for the Kickoff meeting www.autoworkz.org/events.
Join the collaborative here. https://autoworkz.org/corporate/corporate-services/
Contact: Ida Byrd-Hill
Email:
359371@email4pr.com
Phone: 313-483-2126
SOURCE Automation Workz
