Ep 41: Dr. Denise Mahoney: Building the Future Diverse Workforce

Diva Tech Talk Podcast

Diva Tech Talk interviewed Dr. Denise Mahoney, the Pre-Apprentice Liaison for the Kent County Technical Career Center, situated in the Kent County, Mi., Intermediate School District. Her current work is funded by a U.S. Department of Labor grant to increase the number of technology-oriented apprentices in West Michigan. Fosters technical opportunities and educational paths for 11th and 12th graders. “Companies should keep their eyes open to the apprenticeship model,” Denise said. “It is just another way to get qualified employees into the workforce.” For Denise, Fortran and Cobol programming were part of her initial undergraduate curriculum at the University of South Dakota. While she worked for a financial company serving the Kodak Corporation, Denise was quickly drawn into another love: teaching. At Western Michigan University, she got her teacher’s certificate and then moved over to Michigan State University for her Master’s in Education Leadership. She ultimately obtained her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction at New Mexico State University, and Denise’s dissertation concentrated on issues of gender diversity in technology. She described her personal evolution as “not super-exciting but fairly typical of people who moved into IT from other areas.”

Denise’s high school career tech center has served over 2300 students, to date, with 70% placed as apprentices in information technology roles, and 30% situated in manufacturing environments and/or mechatronics. The benefits for students include the ability to “earn while they learn;” test their fitness for a specific career; test a company’s culture; attain a recognized credential; and gain a career mentor. The companies who participate increase access to a talented, expanded workforce and get the chance to “try before they buy” in terms of potential job candidates. Denise has a lot of advice for students. “Learn everything you can,” she exclaimed. “We are training you for jobs that don’t even exist,” today.

In getting her doctorate, Denise gathered data about the factors that influence women to choose technology careers. Her findings were broken down into 5 key themes. These women were: influenced by others, had a supportive network, mentored others, possessed technological aptitudes, and possessed well-developed communication skills. She sees the female technologist’s success paragon as collaborative and creative. Many of the employers with whom Denise works tell her that what they need in their employees are not just the technical skills but the “soft skills”: teamwork, collaboration, problem-solving, and the predilection to help and collaborate with others.

Denise stressed that “IT is a great career for women.” It offers flexibility, the ability to be “hands-on”, and strong opportunities for leadership. “You just have to figure out where your niche is,” Denise said.

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