This spring, I had the opportunity to attend a Lumity STEM Career Readiness event at Instituto del Progresso Latino. Long-time Lumity partner and volunteer, Miguel Guerra, met with 10 students who previously expressed interest in learning more about technology. Guerra is a Senior IT Network Engineer at Microsoft and spent the afternoon teaching the students about Wi-Fi mapping.

Not only did Guerra teach the students about cutting edge technology, he also shared the struggles he faced earlier in life and how he learned to overcome obstacles. He allowed students to ask anything about his life and Guerra provided guidance on socio-emotional development and personal awareness. Because of Guerra’s STEM Talk training from Lumity, his message was direct, well-received and relevant for many of the students. Guerra’s advice: when you see someone doing something you like or are interested in, ask them how they got there.

What struck me most was the level of engagement from the 16 & 17 year old students. I, too, was so engaged and inspired that I shared some of my own story with the students. They were very responsive to the stories and advice that afternoon, several of them even stayed late to hear more.

This event really showcased the dynamic latent potential is many Chicago communities and the need for invaluable industry connections that Lumity brings to these spaces.

By Daniel Olsen, STEM Program Manager, Lumity