Workforce Development: From Education to International Innovation E48
In this episode of AZ TechCast, hosts Karen Nowicki and Leslie Marquez engage in a dynamic conversation with a panel of experts representing organizations like the PMI Phoenix Chapter, Proctorio Inc., Digitanity, and Pipeline AZ. Together, they dive into the intricacies of workforce development, exploring strategies to connect K-12 students with career pathways and navigate the evolving landscape of international hiring and local talent cultivation. With a keen focus on bridging the gap between job seekers and employers, the discussion underscores the importance of equipping the future workforce with both soft and hard skills, emphasizing adaptability and continuous learning.
Throughout the conversation, the panelists share insights on early career inspiration, innovative education approaches, and the evolving landscape of project management. They highlight trends like micro-credentialing and international collaboration, painting a picture of an interconnected ecosystem driving the future of tech industry talent. 
The PMI Phoenix Chapter stands as a pivotal link to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the world’s largest and most diverse organization dedicated to the project management profession.
Established in 1978 as the 29th Chapter in the United States, it has grown significantly over the years. As of now, the Chapter boasts approximately 2,400+ members, spanning a range of sectors of industries, consulting, government, and academia, primarily located in the greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area, Flagstaff, Prescott, Yuma, Kingman, 20 Indian nations, and other communities throughout Arizona.
The Chapter was honored globally with the PMI 2023 Chapter of the Year Award, recognizing its outstanding contributions to the project management community and profession.
The PMI Phoenix Chapter’s vision is to be acknowledged as an actively engaged community in promoting project management development, expertise, and outreach. Their mission encompasses supporting the growth of the project management profession through networking, fostering professional development opportunities, volunteering, and promoting equity, inclusivity, and diverse cultural perspectives.
Proctorio Inc. is a global leader that specializes in providing secure online proctoring services and learning integrity.
Established 2013 in Scottsdale Arizona Proctorio aims to address the challenges of maintaining academic integrity in the increasingly digital landscape of education and offers a solution that allows educational institutions and organizations to conduct exams and assessments with confidence in their security and fairness.
Utilizing sophisticated technology, including machine learning, AI, and advanced analytics, Proctorio ensures that assessments are conducted in a manner that prevents dishonesty and promotes a level playing field for all participants.
Year over year Proctorio is recognized within GSV 150 as a top Edtech company impacting global learning and improving access to quality education. The Best Startup in Arizona by Forbes, and Inc.5000 list honoree.
Milan Dordevic, MBA, PMP, is a certified project management expert and leader, author, speaker, and business and technology mentor for high-tech start-ups. His expertise is in complex & remote project and product management, organizational development, and change, all of which he has gained over the course of 15 years. Through dynamic leadership and vision, he is driving business and product innovation, automation, digitalization, program efficiency, and scaling agility in the organization.
Prior to joining Proctorio, Milan managed multi-million dollar cutting-edge software development projects in the areas of Cloud computing, Software for Autonomous Vehicles, Internet of Things, Entertainment, and Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR) across the globe.
He also serves as Board Director at Project Management Institute Phoenix Chapter, The PMO Leader America’s ambassador, SeedSpot venture mentor, and active member at IEEE, PMI, PMO Global, Scrum Alliance, Scaled Agile, and LeSS.
In December 2022 at the Internet 2.0 Conference, he received the “Outstanding Leadership Award” for his contribution to the Technology Field. And in 2023 Milan was on the cover page of CIO Business Words Magazine as the Top 10 most Expert Tech Leaders.
Follow PMI Phoenix Chapter on LinkedIn and Instagram. 
Pipeline AZ, a nonprofit organization, has emerged as a leading force in Arizona’s workforce landscape, revolutionizing career awareness and readiness through collaboration and innovation.
With a user base exceeding 180,000 and partnerships with nearly 8,000 employers, Pipeline AZ bridges the gap between education and employment by offering personalized career development resources and coaching.
By integrating its Arizona Department of Education sponsored platform, My Future AZ, into classrooms and fostering extensive industry partnerships, Pipeline AZ empowers individuals to align their career interests with high-demand pathways, contributing to improved attainment rates and economic growth across the state.
Through strategic collaborations with diverse organizations, Pipeline AZ aims to break the cycle of poverty and address the needs of underserved communities, solidifying its position as a key partner in Arizona’s workforce development ecosystem.
For over 20 years, Amber Smith has been serving the Tucson community in a variety of roles beginning her career working for the late Senator John McCain.
Guided by a north star to serve and lead, Amber has worked in a variety of industries and roles ranging from government affairs to CEO all with the common thread of supporting and strengthening communities and economic development.
In her current role as CEO for Pipeline AZ., she’s focused on reducing poverty, by growing access to career exploration and pathways for children and adults alike by disrupting the workforce development space connecting the ecosystem where job seeker skills align with industry needs.
Amber is Chair-Elect for the Pima College Foundation Board, a board member for Higher Ground and was a Founding Board Member/Past Chair of the Southern Arizona Defense Alliance.
Amber graduated from the University of Arizona (twice) and her favorite moments are with her menagerie of pets, her 3 sons and husband on an adventure somewhere- preferably where there is a body of water and mountains.
Connect with Amber on LinkedIn.
Digitanity acts as a third party recruiter and employer for companies looking to employ international teams without the need of an entity.
We offer a seamless journey from the conceptualization of your expansion dreams to full-fledged operational presence, ensuring you can focus on what you do best while we take care of the intricacies. With our BOT model, we bring the expertise of local knowledge, regulations, and talent acquisition, ensuring your business ventures are both compliant and competitive.
Go global without getting entangled in the local nuances. Let Digitanity’s proven BOT solutions bridge your global ambitions with unparalleled local expertise.
Dane Vignjevic is an entrepreneur whose multifaceted career is a testament to his adaptability and drive. His journey, rooted in a first-generation immigrant family, spans from hands-on electrical work to establishing his own textile business. Currently, he shines as a Partner at Digitanity, where he brings forth innovative solutions for global team staffing and development.
Boasting over 15 years of IT consulting experience, Dane has mastered the art of nearshore/offshore development, advocating for the build-operate-transfer model to minimize client risk. His acumen in web and e-commerce development, UI/UX consulting, and virtual team management underlines his mission to connect enterprises with the elite tech talent, catalyzing their success across various industries including fashion, sports, HR, and cybersecurity.
Connect with Dane on LinkedIn and follow Digitanity on Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Your Hosts
Steve Zylstra serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Technology Council, a role he assumed in 2007. He is responsible for strategy, operations, finance and policy development. Zylstra is a vocal spokesman for the value technology can provide in raising social and economic standards in Arizona.
Zylstra serves on numerous councils, committees and boards, was named “Leader of the Year, Technology,” by the Arizona Capitol Times, and “Most Admired Leader” by the Phoenix Business Journal. In addition, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of science in technology from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe, Ariz.
Zylstra earned a bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering technology from Western Michigan University.
Karen Nowicki is a successful author, speaker and the creator of Deep Impact Leadership™ and SoulMarks Coaching™. She is a two-time recipient of the prestigious national Choice Award® for her book and personal development retreat. Karen was crowned the first-ever “Mompreneur of the Year” Award in 2010 for the southwestern states. She was recognized for her leadership, business acumen, and work-life balance.
Karen has been an expert guest on regional TV and radio shows, including Fox Phoenix Morning Show, Sonoran Living, Good Morning Arizona, The Chat Room, and Mid-Day Arizona. She has been a regular contributor to many print and online magazines – publishing articles and blogs for business and education.
In addition to working with private coaching clients, Karen is also the Owner & President of Phoenix Business RadioX. The Business RadioX Network amplifies the voice of business – serving the Fortune 500,000, not just the Fortune 500. Phoenix Business RadioX helps local businesses and professional associations get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, profession, and community.
Of all the experiences Karen has had the privilege of participating in over her vast career, she shares that Phoenix Business RadioX is a pinnacle adventure!
Connect with Karen on LinkedIn and follow Phoenix Business RadioX on Facebook and Instagram.
Leslie Cooper Marquez is a dynamic marketing professional with over 17 years of broad-based marketing, public relations and advertising experience in both in-house and agency environments.
Originally from Birmingham, AL, Leslie has honed her expertise across diverse sectors, including non-profit performing arts, legal marketing, mortgage technology, and residential mortgage marketing.
Leslie has been an integral part of the Arizona community for the past 5 years. Most recently, she served as the Marketing Director for Scottsdale-based mortgage technology firm, focusIT, Inc., and previously as the Director of Marketing for Ballet Arizona.
Beyond her professional commitments, Leslie is an active member of the community. She serves as a Sustainer with the Junior League of Phoenix, volunteers with the Distinguished Young Women of Arizona scholarship program and is an alumna of the esteemed Valley Leadership Accelerate class of 2019.
In her spare time, Leslie shares her passion for fitness as a dedicated barre instructor at TenPoint5 Central. Above all, she cherishes her roles as a devoted mother to a young son and a loving wife to her husband, David.
About Our Sponsor
The Arizona Technology Council, Arizona’s only statewide organization serving the technology sector, fosters a climate of innovation to enhance technology in Arizona.
A trusted resource in strengthening Arizona’s technology industry, the Council proactively eliminates impediments that companies face, accelerates the entrepreneurial mindset in the state’s expanding innovation ecosystem, and works to create a destination for companies to be, thrive and stay.
Follow Arizona Technology Council on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
