2 L.I.T. Chicks (Leaders In Tech)

Ep 2 | Bringing AI to Life Today

In this episode of Two L.I.T. Chicks, hosts Fern Johnson and Dr. Alicia Makaye dive straight into the world of AI with special guests Dr. Geanie Asante, Amy Green, and Charles Wright.
 
We're talking AI and the mindset needed to implement AI into your organization, along with actionable insights that you won't want to miss.
 
Get ready to learn how AI can transform your work environment and what you can do to stay ahead.
 
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Welcome to Two Lit Chicks
03:06 Meet the Guests: Dr. Geanie Asante
05:24 Meet the Guests: Amy Green
06:30 Meet the Guests: Charles Wright
10:59 Diving into AI: Applications and Insights
21:33 Charles shared leveraging AI to do a multiple year project into months
23:01 Fern talks Accelerator
23:02 Amy Shares Challenges in AI Adoption
24:28 Careers and Opportunities in AI
26:10 Diversity and Inclusion in AI
29:53 Adopting a Culture Ready for AI
31:44 Large Companies Adopting AI
32:18 AI Tools Everyone Should Be Using
35:48 Advice for Embracing AI
41:34 Black Girl Magic Doing the Work First
42:57 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Ep 1 | Upskill Reskill Yourself!

Episode Update:NPower operates in nine US states and Toronto, Canada.  The recorded podcast stated the organization operates in "thirteen or fourteen states," which is not accurate.
The tech industry's appetite for skilled professionals continues to grow unabated.  
In this episode, Fern Johnson (Former CTO Vice President, PepsiCo) and Alicia Makaye (Air Force Veteran & Chief Outreach Officer at GXA) are joined by two powerful leaders, Detrick Garza-Propes and Juliet Odima, to explore the rapid pace of change in the tech industry and what it means to upskill and reskill.
The tech industry's appetite for skilled professionals continues to grow unabated.
As technology advances at a rapid pace, staying current is crucial.
Dietrick and Juliet share their insights on helping veterans, women, and youth transition into successful tech careers. This conversation is packed with stats, success stories, and the impact that DFW ATW and NPower programs are having on individuals seeking to break into tech or elevate their existing skills.
Key Points:
The growing need for upskilling and reskilling in the tech industry.
Overview of DFW ATW and NPower's missions and programs empowering tech professionals.
Success stories of program participants overcoming barriers and launching tech careers.
The importance of wraparound support services in addition to technical training.
How to get involved or take advantage of these organizations' offerings.
Notable Quotes:
"We believe that tech skills can be a powerful tool for economic mobility." — Detrick Garza-Propes
"From homelessness to then getting into her first career as an apprentice in a tech environment. To then becoming a data engineer." — Juliet Odima sharing a success story.
Resources Mentioned:
DFW ATW website: dfwatw.org
NPower website: npower.org
Dallas Community Help Desk: 469-306-0469
Get Involved:
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about creating opportunities and transforming lives through technology education and career development! For more information on these two powerhouse organizations helping to upskill and reskill in tech, reach out at:
DFW ATW
NPower
Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and Podbean today!

Preseason | 2 L.I.T. Chicks | STEM vs. STEAM (ft. Patcasso)

On this week's (video!) episode... Fern Johnson and Dr. Alicia Makaye are joined by artist Patrick Hunter aka "Patcasso" to discuss the topic of STEM vs. STEAM. 

Preseason | 2 L.I.T. Chicks | Graduating Into Tech

Happy Graduation season! In honor of all our grads, Dr. Alicia Makaye and Fern Johnson are dedicating this episode to those looking get their foot in the door of the tech world. From corporate tech to entrepreneurship, they discuss how to not only establish yourself from the start, but also how to move upwards and onwards throughout your career. 

Preseason | 2 L.I.T. Chicks | Women Overcoming Challenges

Fern Johnson and Dr. Alicia Makaye discuss the many challenges they face as Black women in the tech industry and what steps they've taken to navigate and overcome them. 

Preseason | 2 L.I.T. Chicks | Women's History Month

In honor of Women's History Month, Fern Johnson and Dr. Alicia Makaye highlight some lesser known pioneers who've paved the way for women of the present and future. 

Preseason | 2 L.I.T. Chicks | Giving back, paying it forward!

Dr. Alicia Makaye and Fern Johnson give an introduction and detail the purpose of the podcast (0:00). Dr. Makaye and Fern each provide their background and experience in the tech industry (1:09). Dr. Makaye and Fern discuss their journey into entrepreneurship, starting a business and learning on the Job (08:23). We end on partnerships and commitment to giving back (21:23).