A Letter from Ellena
Not everyone has probably heard, but I am leaving state service at the end of January. I have taken a position in the private sector. The position will focus on data, analytics, cloud architecture migration strategies. Yep, a mouthful – lol. This will be an exciting new chapter for me, and I am inspired by many of you.
Conversations with some of you about career paths, retention, networking and accountability inspired me to do more than just having conversations. I knew I wasn’t alone in thinking about moving the needle forward as it relates to Women IT. It was at that time, Dr. Annie Porbeni and I went into a conference and began to identify our purpose for Women IT ChangeMakers Employee Resource Group (ERG). This has built a strong network community for us to support each other.
It was also clear to me, this is something we needed. Many of you stepped up to help, lead subgroups and develop events. I have been proud to work with you all over the past 14 years; it has been a journey that has provided me with an unparalleled foundation to move forward to new and exciting opportunities.
I want to thank Jenna, Allison, Axelina, Joella, Cathy Russel, Marie, Zarina, Colette, Kendall, Kitty, Stef, Dr. Porbeni and Commissioner Tomes for your leadership, commitment and guidance in shaping this work.
I wish you safe travels across the universe and may whomever or whatever you believe in protect you and guide your every step. I leave the Women’s IT Changemakers in the competent hands of Colette Johnson. We have been discussing some exciting avenues for this ERG and she will reach out shortly with some exciting opportunities.
Feel free to add comments to Farewell to Ellena, Online Whiteboard for Visual Collaboration (miro.com). Please don’t respond to this email as we do not want this to generate any unwarranted mail and network traffic plus, I will probably already be flying down the highway blasting some funkytown music.
Please take care of yourselves and each other. I hope our paths cross again.
Ellena Schoop
New Beginnings
It is with great excitement that we can announce that Marie Kennedy & Holly Strojan have agreed to join the Accountability Committee as Co-Chairs. The data collection and analysis initiative they will spearhead offers a view into the system as it exists today, and helps set goals for what could exist tomorrow for women in state service.
Marie Kennedy has worked for the state for over 5 years now in technical customer service and is now a relationship manager for several state agencies.
She previously spent 15 years with Ericsson as a mobile technology professional around the globe.
She is passionately interested in seeing women achieve equity in their professional and personal lives.
“ Accountability is very important to me as I see it as an essential facet of relational dynamics if positive change is to occur .”
Holly Stojan has worked for the MNIT for the past 5 years at several different agencies. She previously worked in consulting, medical device, and healthcare. She is particularly interested in fixing the broken rung to get more women into first-level management.
Upcoming ERG Events
Monthly Lunch & Learns
The ERG hosts a monthly Lunch & Learn session. This event is time for the membership to hear from a speaker, Ted Talk, or to openly discuss trending topics. Sign up to receive the monthly invite or reach out to Colette Johnson to find out more information.
January 26th Topic: Lollipop Moments
We have all changed someone's life -- usually without even realizing it. In this funny talk, Drew Dudley calls on all of us to celebrate leadership as the everyday act of improving each other's lives. Download Invite
Other Events Worth Attending!
The Women IT ChangMakers supports all the activities of our partner State of Minnesota ERGs. See upcoming events for alll ERGs.
Black Excellence- 4th Annual Black History Month Celebration
February 1-28
EJBC is excited to present the 4th Annual Monthlong Black History Celebration. All through the month of February we invite you to celebrate with us. The theme this year is BLACK EXCELLENCE. We have a variety of guest speaker lined up for your experience. Presentations will be held from 12pm to 1:30pm see attached Black History Month Agenda 2023 for schedule and links to add to your calendars.
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