CHICAGO (WLS) — Technology company IC Stars and nonprofit organization New Moms have partnered on a unique program that gives mothers the opportunity to build a career in information technology.
The IC Stars Hackathon is part of the company’s Tech Pathways program and gave 12 mothers the opportunity to learn about advancing their careers in technology. Sponsored by Pfizer, which seeks solutions for the mental health of Black mothers.
“In a way, it’s like being a spokesperson for us,” said Katrin Vargas, one of the 12 mothers who participated. “With wearable technology, we’re looking at apps. We’re looking at different platforms. We’re looking at all the points of failure in the system.”
IC Stars programs typically involve 60 hours per week over four months. But CEO Karin Norrington-Reeves said she partnered with New Mamas to create a unique program for women who need more time.
“Given the need to support our children, we knew we could not cope with the intensity of the traditional program, so we modified the program,” she said.
“You don’t necessarily have to have a background or corporate experience in the field,” says Ehi Aimiuwu, an IC Stars program graduate.
Aimiuwu, who is also a mother of five children, says all you need is a willingness to work hard. She said the condensed version of the program is more manageable for people with children.
“We literally connect each practice to something everyday,” she said. “So it’s easy for them to understand it.”
Each group will also have the opportunity to present their ideas in a panel discussion and have them adopted by Pfizer. Aimiuwu said places like this are where mothers learn to dream without limits.
“They really changed my perspective on what I could do with my life and my career, and made me decide that I had to do this not just for myself, but for my family. It helped me get it down,” she said.
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