The inaugural cohort of RBTC’s ChangeMakerZ is building leadership skills from the inside out … with a little help from AI. 

ChangeMakerZ, a RBTC program for technology professionals powered by the City of Roanoke, is organized in three phases that each build on each other. Phase 1 of the ChangeMakerZ program saw the cohort take a deep dive into cultivating greater self-awareness and soft leadership skills. Phase Two has them looking outward as they integrate their insights with training in AI to answer the question, “How do I become a better leader in the age of information technology and AI?”

Phase 2 kicked off in September with a mentorship session with Dr. David Townsend, professor of entrepreneurship at Virginia Tech and will continue through the fall with the Disrupt Up AI Conference in November.

“I’m thrilled to kick off the AI Technology track for the ChangemakerZ program in collaboration with the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council,” Townsend said. “Our first meeting brought together rising stars of the local ecosystem to explore the theme of ‘Leadership in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.’ I’m looking forward to more conversations throughout year as we work together to advance new AI initiatives in our community.” 

The discussion was lively and focused on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI agents into organizations. The group reflected on how, as emerging leaders, they can shape the future with innovative, transformative, and responsible AI strategies.

“It was eye opening experience for me to understand how things are evolving at a fast pace. Since the lecture, I am able to dig deeper with the insight I have received from Dr. Townsend. I recommend to all my friends to listen to his lectures now,” said Mustafa Y. Kara, a Senior Systems Engineer at Torc and part of the ChangeMakerZ cohort.

Building upon their work from Phase 1, the cohort will continue to develop a strong sense of what they bring to their work as individuals. Each member will take the GALLUP StrengthsFinder assessment and work with a certified coach to unpack their findings. This phase is aimed at uncovering how their natural skills and abilities can help them lead with influence at work and within their organization.

In Phase 2, leadership training, personal development and AI training intertwine as each member begins to identify an area of focus that’s meaningful to them and the wider community to prepare them for Phase 3: Building an AI tool that meets a need or solves a problem. 

“The heart and soul of ChangeMakerZ is to develop people into leaders who can leverage the immense potential of AI,” said RBTC Director Taylor Spellman. “It’s exciting to see this cohort of regional professionals embrace emerging technology and begin thinking about how to use it to solve a need.” 

The cornerstone of ChangeMakerZ Phase 2 is RBTC’s first annual Disrupt Up  Conference that brings together national thought leaders and innovators within the AI space. At Disrupt Up, the cohort will gain a wider perspective of AI and its uses for a deeper dive into the world of AI. 

The cohort will wrap up Phase 2 at RAMP’s annual Demo Day & Tech the Halls before enjoying a winter break. They return in January for the third and final phase of ChangeMakerZ. 

Thanks to support from the City of Roanoke, RBTC’s ChangeMakerZ runs from June-May and eligibility includes STEM professionals who are within 5 years of having completed their associates, bachelors, masters, or doctoral degrees, or will complete their degree by June 1, 2025. Candidates must be employed by, or be seeking remote work with, a company with headquarters or operations in Virginia. Preference is given to candidates in technology or biotechnology who are living and working within the GO Virginia Region 2 area.

Program fees per young professional start at just $1,250 for RBTC members. It’s an investment in onboarding and retaining your young hires that will pay valuable long-term dividends for your company. The program is limited to just 20 participants per cohort, so make sure to look out for applications to next year’s June 2025 Cohort to supercharge your company’s professional development offerings with ChangeMakerZ.