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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Marcus DelGado
Laying the Foundation; Impacting Lives

Marcus DelGado is a senior project resource analyst at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory supporting deep space network communications projects.  As a leader, Marcus is poised to discover, create, and deliver solutions that will change the world and inspire future generations. With a dynamic background in the aerospace industry, Marcus has engaged in various avionics projects including experiences with cockpit avionics, new airplane development, and project management activity for Air Force One.  He displays an unparalleled work ethic, and his admiration for aerospace has fueled him to innovate in this space. 

From the time of his first science project in grade school, Marcus has always been passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.  He is a first-generation college student with a Bachelor of General Studies in math, an executive MBA from Arizona State University (ASU), and the proud recipient of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity academic scholarship. Marcus also has a deep commitment to civic leadership that is inspired by a quote from Reverend Jesse Jackson, “Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.” Marcus is a multiple recipient of the Omega Man of the Year award and was recently acknowledged as a community honoree during the University of Washington BSU Legacy Soiree for his investment in the Black community.  

He is a proud board member of a non-profit organization called “The Service Board”. On the board, Marcus oversees the mentorship of teens to conquer personal and cultural challenges through outdoor adventure, environmental and social justice, and public service. Marcus made a powerful contribution during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing events called the “Community Builders Dinner” to support locally Black-owned restaurants. In addition to his strong acts of service, Marcus holds the distinction of being named the City of Phoenix Man of the Year, featured for motivational speaking and health care advocacy in publications like Desert Living, ASU W.P. Carey Magazine magazine, and recognized by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) as one of the “Sexy” 50 Engineers in STEM. In his spare time, Marcus enjoys traveling, cooking, photography, working out, playing basketball, and snowboarding across the globe.   

Guest: Marcus Delgado

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 Host: Shereka Jackson

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James Ritter is a Phoenix native, designer/photographer, proud Sun Devil, dedicated community advocate, and all-around tech nerd. Influenced by his grandparent’s early adoption of personal computers in the 1980s, and by his grandmother’s innovative use of computers in her classrooms during her 40+ years of teaching elementary school, James saw the value of using technology as a tool for education and expression from an early age. Mix his availability to computer resources with his love for video game arcades, movie special effects, and 80’s pop art, and a lifelong passion for using technology to enhance creative expression was born. That interest in digital creativity has helped guide him to his current role as the Public Information Officer for the City of Phoenix’s Office of Arts + Culture, where he advocates for today’s artists. Artists who are redefining how technology can be used to create and share their works of art with the world. James’ role also gives him a unique platform to inspire young creatives by helping them connect to today’s technology resources… The same way his Grandparents were able to connect him to that first Commodore 64 that so greatly inspired him.

Host: Shereka Jackson

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In this episode I talk with Natallia Lane William about her path to being a leader in tech at ON Semi.  I am extremely proud of her and all that she has accomplished in her career and the impact she is having in her community.
 
Natallia currently hold as position as the onsemi IT Service Desk Regional Desk Side Support Manager for North America.   Natallia has been with the company 7.5 years and in that time has excelled within the company and participated in many volunteer events. She is the STEM UP Co-Chair and in that role has had the ability to assist in providing STEM support to many community groups and youth. 

Prior to onsemi Natallia received her Bachelor’s Degree from  Arizona State University after beginning her college venture at South Mountain Community College receiving her Associates.  She began her IT career as a User Technology Intern within the City of Phoenix, Parks & Recreation IT department. She currently has two children which she refers to as her “little adults”.  She continues to have a presence in the community by teaching hip hop to youth in the community she grew up and was groomed in.  She takes pride in making every effort to affect the children and the youth in her community to ensure they see they can pursue career paths in STEM fields or dance their way to the top, basically pursue any path they have a passion for no matter where they come from.

Guest: Natallia Lane-Williams

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Host: Shereka Jackson

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Dr. Sharon Thompson is a practicing obstetrician gynecologist in Phoenix Arizona where she owns and directs Central Phoenix Obstetrics and Gynecology. She earned a B.A. in Biology from Vassar College, an M.P.H in Women and Child health from the University of California at Berkeley and an M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City.  Dr. Thompson completed her training in obstetrics and gynecology at the Harvard University affiliated Brigham and Women’s and Massachusetts General Hospital residency program. 

A sought-after expert in her field, Dr. Thompson is welcomed around the country as a keynote speaker, teacher and health coach. She has given invited presentations to organizations including the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the American Medical Women’s Association and Brigham and Women’s Hospital.  Dr. Thompson is regularly featured on 3TV’s Good Morning Arizona and Fox 10’s Health Watch. 

As a resource for her local community Dr. Thompson serves as Medical Director for the Arizona Community Health Partnership and chairs the Women’s Commission for the City of Phoenix.  Dr Thompson is also a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona School of Medicine Phoenix and an adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University and the Arizona State University College of Nursing and Innovation. 

Outside of work, Dr. Thompson makes time to explore the Arizona outdoors with her nieces and nephews. Downtime will find her with a good book or a karaoke microphone in hand.

Guest: Dr. Sharon Thompson

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Host: Shereka Jackson

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In this episode I talk with Gina Mason about being a soccer player, in college wanting to be an engineer to become a teacher (shaping young minds) to now playing in the rivers and lakes taking water samples. Hope you enjoy the many areas of Ms Gina wonderful paths.

Gina Mason is a wife and mother of three from Chandler, Arizona, and a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Her love of math and science led her to receive a BS in Biology and master’s in Environmental Management. She has been working in the environmental field for over 16 years performing a range of duties including noxious weeds and wildlife management, water quality, and wetlands mitigation.

 

Guest: Regina Mason

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Host: Shereka Jackson

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