Data Careers - Journeys, Insights, Onramps, & Outlooks

Join DAMA-RMC 

for

Data Careers - Journeys, Insights, Onramps, & Outlooks 

When:  Friday, October 18th - 2:30pm-5:30pm 

Location: University of Denver (Reiman Theater in Margery Reed Hall)

Address: 2306 E. Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80210

Price :   Log-in to receive membership pricing!

Join us for a panel of local data experts as we explore navigating careers in data. Our panelists will share their journeys, insights, onramps & outlook on what it take to start and succeed in data careers. No matter where you are in your career path, there will be something to learn and consider. Our own DAMA-RMC VP of Partnerships, Greg Sheridan, will host the panel and guide us through the conversation!

Panelists:

Michael Cramer

Accomplished executive with extensive experience in operations research, advanced analytics applications, innovation management and initiative deployment to facilitate the growth of a Fortune 500 company.

History of creating high-performing teams with a proven track record in developing and applying new corporate competencies, optimizing operations, internal consulting, and strategic business planning. Recognized for entrepreneurial mindset, mentoring team members, fostering collaboration and inspiring change with a passion for preserving and sustaining the world we live in.

McDonalds Corporation, Oakbrook, IL, 2006–Present

Executive Director, Advanced Analytics & Applied Science (2018 – Present)

Created and led the Advanced Analytics Department providing framework, insights, and prescriptive analyses for operations strategies in collaboration with marketing, menu, pricing and supply chain functions. Responsible for activation of emerging data sciences, education of emerging trends and future operating conditions. Deliver fact-based narratives to influence franchisee behaviors.

Key Accomplishments:

• Provided internal consulting optimization for Digital strategy development and activation.
• Successfully aligned 14K restaurants spanning 56 regions to 3-year growth strategies.
• Increased national drive-thru business 10% in 18 months adding $3.2B in growth.
• Organized and mentored 12 data scientists and 6 managers into high-performing team within 2 years.

Alton P. Dillard II, CERA Alton P. Dillard II is a semi-retired government spokesperson and a communications consultant with more than 30 years of media relations experience. He has prior experience as a talk show host, anchor, reporter, and sportscaster. He also served as Press Secretary and Senior Aide to former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (CO) and in December of 2022 Dillard wrapped up a 17-year stint as Communications Manager and Public Information Officer for the Office of the Denver County Clerk and Recorder in Colorado. Alton earned his Certified Elections and Registration Administrator (CERA) from the Election Center at Auburn University in 2022, the highest professional certification in elections administration.

Alton Dillard LinkedIn

Jewel (Hsiao-Tung) Lo

Jewel (Hsiao-Tung) Lo is a passionate professional with a blend of business, IT, and international perspectives. Originally from Taiwan, Jewel completed an undergraduate degree in Business Administration before pursuing a Master’s in Computer Information Systems in the USA.

With over five years of experience in the data industry, Jewel has advanced from roles such as Data Analyst, Data Engineer, and Database Developer to her current position as a Data Architect. Beyond her professional achievements, Jewel volunteers as a career consultant, assisting immigrants and new graduates in exploring and navigating career opportunities in IT. She also serves as an ambassador for tech-related non-profit organizations, advocating for and extending the positive impact that diversity can bring to society. As Jewel is in the early stages of her career, her diverse background and dedication bring a fresh perspective to the group.

Jewel_Lo_LinkedIn

Kate Socha

Kate Socha is an Account Manager at The Doyle Group, where she specializes in building strategic partnerships and connecting businesses with top-tier technology talent to drive team success. At The Doyle Group, she provides customized staffing solutions, ranging from staff augmentation and contract-to-hire placements to retained executive searches and offshore/nearshore services. Her work spans clients from start-ups to Fortune 500 enterprises, delivering solutions that meet both immediate and long-term business needs.

With a foundation in industrial engineering, Kate initially developed chemical programs for data centers before transitioning into the professional development space. Her consultative approach, technical background, and commitment to tailored service enable her to match clients with professionals who not only excel technically but are also aligned with company culture and future growth.

As a passionate advocate for fostering lasting partnerships, Kate is an active participant in Denver's IT community. She frequently shares her insights on hiring, networking, and career development through presentations and speaking engagements, helping businesses and professionals alike build and join high-performing teams.

Kate Socha LinkedIn

Jaidie Vargas

Jaidie Vargas is a distinguished, award-winning Cyber Systems Security Engineering leader, celebrated for her exceptional technical achievements that earned her a place in her company’s Fellows’ Top Talent program as a Rising Technical Talent. With over 12 years of extensive experience encompassing cybersecurity engineering, space systems, network and communications security, cyber intelligence, and military operations. Her expertise is deeply rooted in her seven years of dedicated service in the U.S. Navy. 

Jaidie excels in building robust cyber strategies, leading business development and capture pursuits, while cultivating external partnership ecosystems. Passionate about advancing cybersecurity postures, she leverages innovative thinking, community collaboration, and active engagement in professional societies. She is a fervent advocate for veterans and diversity in the STEAM fields, actively participating in outreach programs within her workplace, industry, and academia. At work, Jaidie is a valued member of the Hispanic Organization of Leadership and Awareness, the Women's Impact Network, and has served as the President of the Women of Cybersecurity (WiCyS) LM Affiliate and now serves as an advisory board member. 

As a prominent industry advocate and WiCyS member, Jaidie has contributed her insights as a panelist at numerous events and was interviewed by WiCyS to shed light on Veteran resources, Veteran Pathways to Cyber. In her community, she co-founded and cp-leads the Latinas in Tech - Denver Chapter. Jaidie has shared her expertise as a panelist and speaks at major events like the STARS National Conference for Big Brothers and Sisters, The Colorado Technology Association, Women in Tech Conference, the Women Impact Tech Accelerate Conference, and in international conferences as a keynote speaker for the annual WiCyS conference. Jaidie has also been featured by the University of Colorado Colorado Springs , She VetsIt and the TechUp for Women podcast, sharing insights into cybersecurity and her industry journey. Her dedication to diversifying and innovation within the tech industry earned her recognition as an Emerging Leader of the Year by the Colorado Technology Association and is also a recipient of the Dr. Ellen Ochoa HOLA award for her contributions to the STEM industry. 

Jaidie holds a B.S. in Cybersecurity and a Graduate Certificate in Counterintelligence, currently pursuing a M.S. in Cybersecurity. Her commitment to continuous learning is underscored by certification including the following: CompTIA Security+ and (ISC)2’s CISSP®. Additionally, outside of the technical industry, she maintains a Cornell Family Development Credential and the ISSA Personal Trainer Certification. Jaidie Vargas stands at the forefront of the cybersecurity landscape, blending expertise with advocacy and community leadership.

Jaidie Vargas LinkedIn

Moderator: Greg Sheridan

Greg Sheridan, DAMA-RMC, VP of Partnerships and Sponsorships and Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) and Investor Relations at Mountain Theory. Greg is a strategic technology advisor to his clients in the areas of Data, Cyber and Software. He started his career in Europe with a consulting company supporting large financial services organizations and eventually found his way to Denver in 2013. After working for several organizations Greg decided to start his own business in 2022 and has enjoyed the last two and half years as an advocate and advisor to his clients. Greg is known for his support of the community both personally and professionally. He is always excited about building partnerships for DAMA-RMC in the wider community.

Greg Sheridan LinkedIn

Event Parking:

Available at the Evans Garage (corner of Evans & S. High Street) and is $2 per hour. ParkMobile app available (https://parkmobile.io/).

Campus Map: https://www.du.edu/site-utilities/maps

Other Details:

Join DAMA-RMC at the University of Denver.

Light refreshments and snacks will be provided. 

Doors open at 2:00pm for networking and presentations begin promptly at 3:00pm.

Event followed by a 'Pint of Data' Happy hour at  Crimson & Gold

Address: 2017 S. University Blvd, Denver, CO 80210

Event table/booth and other sponsorship and job promotion opportunities available. See Sponsor Benefits for more information.

Contact PartnershipsVP@damarmc.org to book your space at a future event.

Thank you to our October Corporate Meeting Host Sponsor Datalere!