These leaders have gone above and beyond to support Creating Futures which provides free IT training and certification opportunities to populations who have historically been under-represented in the IT workforce, including U.S. military veterans, individuals with disabilities, women, minorities, at-risk youth and dislocated workers.
This year, we’re honoring:
- Ricoh – Lifetime Donor: Supporting Creating Futures since the beginning of the program, Ricoh’s donation of cash and online training seats have allowed Creating Futures to reach a national and international level. Beverley Patterson, senior director of learning and organizational development, Ricoh Americas Corp., also has served on the Foundation’s councils and committees, providing key leadership and insights for the program as well as encouraging other companies to join.
- SkillSoft Corporation – Lead In-Kind Services Donor: SkillSoft has provided multiple donations of training seats for Creating Futures during the past three years as well as financial support of the Creating Futures Charity Golf Classic. Jack Nelsen, vice president of global business development, SkillSoft, volunteers on the program’s development committee, giving direction to the implementation and most effective applications of advanced IT training for program participants.
- Xerox Corporation – Lead Corporate Support: Xerox’s long-term commitment makes it one of the four largest cash donors to Creating Futures. Its ongoing support has helped to launch Creating Futures programs in Chicago, Boston, Florida, the Pacific Northwest and Washington, D.C. Gary Gilliam, vice president, channel operations, Xerox North America Reseller Sales, volunteers his leadership and time on the Foundation’s board and advisory council.
- MeasureUp Inc. – Corporate Volunteer Service: Kevin Brice, president, MeasureUp, is a founding member of Creating Futures and was instrumental in the research, design and roll-out of the program. Since its launch, he has helped monitor and fine-tune the program to ensure that only the most current and relevant training processes are used. MeasureUp also donates practice tests and assessments to appropriately place participants in the proper training and to allow the participants to practice testing before sitting for their final exams.
- The Chicago Lighthouse – Outstanding Program Partner: For the last three years, the partnership between Creating Futures and the Chicago Lighthouse has trained minorities and women with sight impairments for careers in IT. Using special equipment, custom training techniques and leveraging State of Illinois work contracts, the partnership has provided these participants with the skills, confidence and internships to put them on a solid career path.
- Pitney Bowes – Lead Donor: Its cash donations for the past three years have helped more than 100 under-served people in Stamford, Bridgeport, Shelton, Danbury, Hartford, Conn.; Washington D.C.; and Spokane, Wash. receive IT counseling and training to jumpstart their lives through a career in IT.
In 2009, Creating Futures trained 854 individuals in need for an IT career. This year we’re out to train 1,000 and we’re on our way to achieving that goal. These philanthropic leaders have provided not only cash and in-kind donations, but also an abundance of their time and leadership to help us to enhance our programs and to give more people a new career in IT. We simply couldn’t do it without them.
Thank you!
