i.c.stars women claiming their place in technology!

i.c.stars represents more than a training ground for technologists and leadership. It’s a rebirth, a transformation of identity and a new built confidence to interact with your purpose on your terms. As i.c. stars focuses on empowering individuals from marginalized communities to create equity in opportunities, two women share how their experiences at i.c.stars built a platform that otherwise would’ve been a distant dream, Wennona and Britne.

A womanist approach to leadership is embedded at the heart of the i.c.stars leadership experience. It’s a form of leadership that at the core is creating internal transformation for external success, which is what these women experienced. 

The womanist approach nurtures a collective, collaborative approach that requires each individual in the program to show up for one another, fully shed and in a sense have an existential experience of themselves. Interns unlearn and unpack behaviors, language and perceptions that were blocking their success- success that is defined by the impact they are making in the lives of others. The womanist approach focuses on how your purpose and leadership is not only for you, but it is a platform to help others rise as well. 

According to Wennona’s experience, “you can be a diamond, a star, however, you need the right environment to flourish, and that’s i.c.stars for me. I am a star that is flourishing because i.c.stars truly saw me, created an internal transformation and the strength to re-enter the workplace on my terms.” 

Wennona and Britne didn't lack passion, commitment and drive, yet lacked the resources and the opportunities of individuals who believed in their ability to successfully rise in the workplace. Both women share a common passion and love for technology, however, didn’t know that opportunities were available to them until i.c.stars. 

At i.c.stars, we give them the platform to build their skills as technologists and direct their confidence to career paths that would not only align with their professional goals, but give their personal goals a chance to manifest into reality. 

After Wenonna’s experience at i.c.stars she was offered a position at  Northwestern Mutual and believes it is an extension of the empowerment she received from i.c.stars. She is a leader, respected for her work, and is seen as an equal. Northwestern Mutual has the inclusive culture that Wenonna was looking for and after one year, she continues to feel valued, excelling in her career, and is role modeling for her daughter what it means to stay focused and determined to meet your goals. i.c.stars remains a core support for her as she continues to thrive at Northwestern Mutual. 

Britne, at Accenture working as a QA, is growing and learning every day. She is empowered by the support and sees her values aligned with Accenture in how the organization fuels her appetite to continue learning through certifications, training and classes. According to Britne, 

“I learned at i.c.stars that I’m really good at QA and they set me up for success with this role at Accenture. Now Accenture is supporting me, partnering with me and I now see my opportunities are endless.” 

Both women describe their experience at i.c.stars intensive program as spending four months every day in the same room with 18 other members to learn what it means to collaborate effectively, team conflict resolution, have emotional growth and unpacking challenges in a supportive environment to see what support actually looks like, feels like! 

According to both women, by taking on project consultant roles and working with real organizations to provide real solutions helps each intern explore what part of technology each one of them feel best suited for, where do their strengths lie and how they learn to overcome challenges that will set them up for success in the workplace.

According to Britne “i.c.stars isn’t for the faint of heart, it’s rigorous, they require a full commitment because it’s not just a program, this is a commitment to the rest of your life. The behaviors you build by showing up every morning at 7:59 am and spending 12 hours every day with your cohort committed to the goal of a successful career in technology, this is no nonsense. What i.c.stars teaches us that this is our responsibility and what we sow we will reap.” 

As described by Wennona and Britne, we give them the confidence to excel and open up opportunities for them, however, it is the commitment and perseverance of these women that have them thriving in their current jobs post i.c.stars. 

This transformation enabled Britne and Wennona to recognize their own value and interact with organizations through the lens of respect, competency and potential. 

“My mom is so proud of me and the world sees in me what she’s always believed in me. If it wasn’t for i.c.stars, I wouldn’t be so closely aligned to my purpose” said Britne.

To get involved with i.c.stars as a sponsor and make an impact in future workforce please contact [email protected]