As we wrap up 2023 and look ahead to 2024, I am excited to announce that in-person programming is back underway here at TAG. Since starting in August of this year, I have been warmly welcomed and supported by the board, our members, and our community. Together with the Board of Directors, we honed in on an updated mission statement: “To build collaborations and create connections in support of a thriving tech community in Whatcom and Skagit County.” With a fresh mission and vision, I have been hard at work focusing on building sustainable systems within our organization, meeting with and listening to the voices of our members and community, and am wrapping up the year with hope and excitement for 2024.
Some areas that particularly excite me are our Lunch & Learn series, where diverse leaders in our community teach applicable skills and share knowledge. Special thanks to Gina (Bremer) Mulligan and Gina Stark who joined me to teach on topics like gig work, data analytics reports, and community broadband! If you would like to teach a Lunch & Learn in 2024, please reply to this email and let me know!
I am also thrilled that as part of our mission revamp, our leadership team has committed to sustainable programming, transparent reporting, and partnerships with community organizations to maximize our reach. One way we are doing this is through our partnership with Futures Northwest via their Learning with Leaders program. We are helping to connect students with working professionals in tech jobs to provide students with social capital who may otherwise lack connections in the technology space. Last month, several of our members taught workshops and made themselves available to students who are launching into adulthood. If you would like to be involved in this partnership, the next event is coming up in early February. Email me to connect!
