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Students Meet Black CEO of Brocade
 Tuesday, January 3, 2017 
Ile Omode students had a chance to meet one of the few African-American CEOs on a visit to Brocade, a technology company based in San Jose focused on providing telecommunication and networking products. Lloyd Carney has served as Brocade's CEO's since 2014, and took time to meet with young computer programmers from Ile Omode.
The meeting was initiated by a chance meeting between Mr. Carney and 7th grader, Neranti Gary at the Silicon Valley Black Chamber awards for "Business and Tech" dinner. Initially Neranti was invited for a single sit down with the CEO, but his mother, Mama Andrea, suggested bringing all of the students from his computer technology class. In no short time, a trip was facilitated by CaT Bobino, who hosts "In the Know Science Show", and Brocade agreed to transport the students by bus for a half-day visit at their site.
Approximately 15 students and 2 chaperones were driven to Brocade's headquarters, and asked to bring their laptops to share some of their coding work with Brocade's engineers. Joni Podolsky, Brocade's Leader of Global Inclusion, Diversity, & Outreach, provided an overview of Brocade's mission and products, and then the students had a chance to meet with employees from Brocade's Black Employees Network.
Kameron Kendal (7th) appreciated that Brocade, "let us explore the software of the company" to get a better idea of how the company functions.
Having just completed classes in JavaScript, an internet-based programming language, the students shared their JavaScript code, which included a GPA calculator they wrote along with 2D canvas drawings and other work. The employees also shared their experience in the tech sector, and along with engineers the group also included employees in finance and accounting.
Students were escorted through Brocade, and had a chance to view some of Brocade's new networking products along with a trip to Mr. Carney's office, which was a highlight for many students, as they took time sitting at "the CEO's desk".
Brocade treated the students to a wonderful lunch, which Colby Wilson (6th) described as "awesome". They ate with Brocade's VP of Global Marketing, Adam Berlew, who shared his path to Brocade. Students were very impressed with his work ethic which he touted as the single quality which helped him become successful. He worked his way through college at Brown University, and as VP of marketing travels most of the year.
Later, students were treated with a Q&A with Mr. Carney. He encouraged students to work hard and shared that his parents worked very hard. Originally from Jamaica, when he arrived in the US for college, he quickly garnered the nickname, "4.0 Carney", because Jamaica's schooling system had prepared him so well. At an early age he was groomed to become a physician. However, he turned to engineer when he realized the cost of pursuing a medical degree, and it wasn't long before he was given the reigns at several companies.
His success shows students what is possible for them, and students were fortunate to meet with Brocade's employees. The meeting left a powerful impression on them.
Selma Apara (7th) found the visit to be, "fun filled, enjoyable, and informative", she felt, "the employees were very welcoming", and she learned a lot about employment opportunities in the field.
Adesina Tyler Says Sep 12, 2017 The article was good, I admired the choice of words in the last 2 paragraphs as well as the first. I also liked how the article was setup: how the opportunity became available, The different parts of the day(body paragraphs) and the ending paragraphs.The pictures were pretty good but I don't even remember you taking them, I didn't see you. |
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