Charisse Richards is currently the Chief Information Officer for the Judicial Branch of Arizona in Maricopa County, the country’s 4th largest court system, supporting a staff of more than 3,000 employees and serving a population of 4.8M.  She joined in 2019.  Richards oversees the transformation and delivery of IT solutions to provide the community access to the Court’s services and ensure public trust and confidence in the Judicial Branch.  During her tenure, the Court has been nationally recognized for implementing several innovative solutions supporting Criminal Justice and Public Safety during the COVID pandemic.

Richards has more than 25+ years of infrastructure and operations experience and has held senior leadership roles in the Data Center, Hospitality, and Government industries.  Previously, she led IT strategy as Chief Information Officer for IO Data Centers and Vice President of Global Integration for Iron Mountain Data Centers.  At Choice Hotels International, her team designed the infrastructure for ChoiceADVANTAGE©, the hospitality industry’s first cloud-based property management system.

Charisse was recognized as #9 of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Arizona for 2022 and in 2018  as one of the TOP 5 Most Influential Women in the Data Center Industry; she has served as Diversity and Inclusion Chair and Co-Chair and Advisory Council member for Infrastructure Masons, and has collaborated with Girl Scouts, Google, Arizona’s state universities, and various professional organizations on diversity and inclusion in STEM. Richards earned an MBA from Arizona State University with a concentration in Supply Chain Management.

Guest: Charisse Richards

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Host: Shereka Jackson

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In this episode I talk with Leo Anderson, you will about his path through tech starting in public services, Sprint now Fox. It was great conversation for me to learn more his love of tech.  

Leo attended the University of Missouri – Columbia with a major of Electrical Engineering and also attended the University of Central Missouri with a major of Computer Information Systems. He joined Sprint PCS/Sprint focusing on Research and Development. During my time with Sprint, he developed technologies such as Internet Data, Push to Talk and WiFi Enabled cell phones. He was responsible for a $12 million annual budget that required research, bidding and procurement. 

He spent 11 years at AT&T/DirecTV, as a Managing Engineer, working on the Advanced TV/DirecTV Next Generation Platform. This included AT&T U-Verse and DirecTV Stream.

He holds 7 U.S. patents and 22 patent submissions. 

Currently, Leo is the Director of Affiliate Operations. He is responsible for getting all of FOX services to 209 affiliates and 1000+ cable and broadcast partners.

Guest: Leo Anderson

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Host: Shereka Jackson

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JENNIFER L. FRANCIS

Scientist since Middle School with an ever growing passion to share science through the fundamental principle of Science in Everyday Experiences (SEE).  Jennifer uses the concept of SEE to share science locally and internationally to all ages.  She has introduced youth locally to SEE as a presenter for Girl Scout Troops, National Engineering Week, and Weekend Science Programs.  Internationally, Jennifer has lead science activities in Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, and Tobago.  Professionally as an Industrial Hygienist employed with Intel Corporation, Jennifer uses her formal science education along with the concept of “SEE” to provide for the protection of employees and the environment during the semiconductor technology  development and manufacturing process.   In applying “SEE” she is able to communicate environmental, health and safety hazard concerns and controls to employees with varying levels of science awareness and understanding.  Jennifer has also previously used the concept of “SEE” to share biblical truths in Pre-K Children’s Church classes at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church.

Jennifer’s passion for science is supported by a Master of Science Degree in Toxicology from the University of New Mexico along with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from her beloved alma mater of Prairie View A&M University.  She also holds a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) designation through the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and a Certified Safety Procession (CSP) from the Board of Certified Safety Processionals.  Her educational portfolio is well rounded with a Master of Education from Arizona State University and Teacher Certification credentials for Secondary Education: Biology, Chemistry and Physical Science.

Guest: Jennifer Francis

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Host: Shereka Jackson
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