I.c.stars Milwaukee

Talent is everywhere. Opportunity is not.
For one of our interns, that truth was personal.

She grew up believing her choices were limited: college or a dead-end job. She wanted to make her family proud, but after enrolling into university, she struggled. She felt isolated, uncertain, and eventually made the decision to leave. It all felt like failure.

Then she discovered i.c.stars. From the moment she walked through our doors, she felt something different: energy, challenge, possibility. At i.c.stars, she didn't just learn coding and technology; she learned resilience, collaboration, and how to actually solve problems instead of just memorizing tasks.

Through i.c.stars, she was able to build a future of her own design. In 2019, she completed the i.c.stars program in Milwaukee and landed her first tech role immediately.

Today, she is a Senior Software Engineer.
From intern to technologist to leader… this is what opportunity can do and why your gift matters.

Take a moment today and give the gift of opportunity.

Make your gift: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/747167/donate?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=I.c.stars%20Milwaukee

Unlock Opportunity This Giving Tuesday
Talented individuals are ready to transform their futures. They just need a chance.

i.c.stars provides intensive training, mentorship, and leadership development; launching resilient individuals into high-wage tech careers. Additionally, our program provides wrap-around supports, including a participant stipend to help cover their general expenses.
When you make a gift on Giving Tuesday, here's what you make possible:

-Alumni salaries increase 220% over pre-program wages
-25% of alumni become homeowners
-Graduates persist in employment at higher rates than non-participants

This year, we've increased program participant stipends to make our program even more accessible, and we need your help to fund this expansion. Make your gift today: https://giving.classy.org/campaign/747141/donate?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=I.c.stars%20Milwaukee

At EdTechWeek 2025, our CEO Karin Norington-Reaves joined innovators and education leaders for the panel "Future Proof: Building Talent for an AI-Driven Economy."

As AI reshapes the workforce, the advantage won't go to those with the most technical skills, it will go to those with the most human intelligence. The panel explored how education and workforce development must evolve to cultivate critical thinking, adaptability, and intellectual resilience; skills that help learners thrive amid ambiguity and change.

At i.c.stars, we see this truth every day. When individuals develop both technical expertise and leadership capacity, they become the tech leaders of tomorrow who will drive innovation and build more equitable communities.

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One year ago, Karin Norington-Reaves became CEO to continue the mission: to unlock economic mobility through technology, mentorship, and community.

Since then, that mission has come alive in unforgettable ways:
• A Chicago graduate overwhelmed with joy after landing their first job
• Milwaukee employer partners creating new pathways for non-traditional talent in their firms
• Kansas City interns developed a tech solution that will be implemented by a local hospital system

These are more than moments. They're the beginnings of futures once out of reach now made real through i.c.stars.

As we celebrate Karin's first anniversary as CEO, we're honoring what her leadership represents: hope, access, and the belief that talent is everywhere — opportunity is not.

Your support helps bridge that gap.
Join us in fueling the mission — and help the next generation in tech rise.
Give today: http://give.classy.org/summer2025icstars?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=I.c.stars%20Milwaukee

Today at Hack the Dream, the Brown Berets were honored for their legacy of courage and activism.

They received a proclamation from County Executive David Crowley, a plaque of honor from i.c.stars, and retired U.S. flags from U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin. In a powerful recognition of their work, their names were even mentioned in the U.S. Senate, a testament to their fearless fight for Chicano equality in Milwaukee during the 1960s and 70s.

We were honored to have Kyle Ashley from the County Executive's Office and Tiffany Henry from Senator Baldwin's office join us. Following the proclamation, Maria Cruz presented her research on the Brown Berets, further shedding light on their enduring impact.

Moments like these remind us of the power of activism and the importance of honoring those who paved the way for progress. ✊🏽

Highlights from i.c.stars Milwaukee - https://mailchi.mp/icstars.org/heres-the-icstars-milwaukee-recap-8331097

For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.
Celebrating Women in Tech on International Women's Day

At i.c.stars, we believe that technology is a tool for empowerment, one that should be accessible to all. Yet, despite the incredible contributions of women in tech throughout history, many still face barriers to entry, recognition, and leadership opportunities.

This International Women's Day, we embrace the theme "For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment." It's a powerful reminder that equity in technology is not just about representation; it's about ensuring that every woman and girl has the opportunity, resources, and support to thrive in STEM fields and beyond. Click the link below to learn about 5 inspiring women in tech.
Learn More: https://www.icstars.org/celebrating-women-in-tech-on-international-womens-day/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=I.c.stars%20Milwaukee

Empowering Women Through Opportunity – A Celebration of Partnership & Impact Honoring International Women's Day

March 8th marks International Women's Day, a global celebration of the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women in all fields. At MARS Returnship, we recognize that true empowerment comes through opportunity, support, and access to meaningful careers.

This is why our partnership with i.c.stars is so important—it represents a commitment to fostering growth, bridging skill gaps, and creating a future where women, regardless of career breaks or past challenges, can reignite their professional aspirations. - Keep reading from our partner
Rashi Arora Khosla, Founder and CEO —MARS Solutions Group as she shares about Victoria, an i.c.stars alum and their Returnship program. https://www.icstars.org/international-womens-daymke/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=I.c.stars%20Milwaukee

We're Hiring!
Join the i.c.stars Team 🌟

At i.c.stars, we believe in the power of technology, leadership, and community to create lasting change. For over 25 years, we've been transforming lives through training in technology, leadership and business skills, to develop skills for high-level careers in information technology.
Now, we're looking for passionate, mission-driven leaders to join us!

Open Positions:
• Director of People and Culture
• Director of Program Operations
• Director of Curriculum & Experiential Learning
• Senior Data Insights Analyst

Why Join i.c.stars?
• Mission-Driven Work – Be part of an organization that empowers nontraditional talent through technology and leadership training.
• Innovative & Inclusive Culture – Work with a dynamic team committed to equity, growth, and impact.
• Professional Growth – Make meaningful contributions while growing as a leader in the tech and nonprofit space.

If you're ready to make a difference and work with an inspiring team, apply today!
Apply here: https://www.icstars.org/careers/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=I.c.stars%20Milwaukee

Lisa Gelobter, Creator of Web Animation
Lisa Gelobter's work in computer science contributed to the development of several technologies, including: web animation (GIFs!), and online videos. She has completely shaped the way that we communicate online and how we consume media through technology today. Lisa served as the Chief Digital Service Officer to the US Department of Education and is now the CEO and Founder of tEQuitable.

Throughout history, Black innovators have always played a crucial role in shaping the technology that we rely on today. From groundbreaking inventions to visionary leadership, they broke barriers and redefined what was possible. At i.c.stars, we honor their contributions by continuing the work of empowering the next generation of diverse tech leaders. To check out our full list of Black Innovators Who Have Transformed the Tech World, click here: https://www.icstars.org/10-black-innovators-who-have-transformed-the-tech-world/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=I.c.stars%20Milwaukee

Black innovators have been driving progress in technology for generations, breaking barriers and redefining what's possible through bold ideas and visionary leadership. At i.c.stars, we honor their legacy by equipping the next generation of diverse tech leaders to shape the future.

Roy Clay Sr. led the team and development of Hewlett-Packard's first computer and later advocated for increased diversity in the tech industry. He owned his own consulting company which contributed to the formation of Silicon Valley. His leadership opened doors for Black professionals in Silicon Valley and in the tech field. You can read his book "Unstoppable: The Unlikely Story of a Silicon Valley Godfather"

To check out our full list of Black Innovators Who Have Transformed the Tech World, click here: https://www.icstars.org/10-black-innovators-who-have-transformed-the-tech-world/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=I.c.stars%20Milwaukee

Dr. Shirley Jackson, Pioneer in Telecommunications
Dr. Shirley Jackson's research in theoretical physics led to inventions like caller ID and touch-tone dialing. She was one of the first two Black women in the United States to receive a doctoral degree in physics and the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT. While at MIT, she established the Black Student Union to increase the number of Black students on MIT's campus, blazing a trail for others to follow.

Black innovators, like Dr. Shirley Jackson, have long been at the forefront of shaping the technology we depend on today. Through groundbreaking inventions and visionary leadership, they shattered barriers and redefined what's possible. At i.c.stars, we celebrate their legacy by empowering the next generation of diverse tech leaders to continue transforming the future.

Don't miss out on our full list of Black Innovators Who Have Transformed the Tech World, click here to read more: https://www.icstars.org/10-black-innovators-who-have-transformed-the-tech-world/?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=I.c.stars%20Milwaukee