Martina Schubert
Chair
Martina is the Chief Information Officer at Van Meter Inc., a distributor of electrical and mechanical supplies, services and solutions. With an Executive MBA from the University of Iowa, a bachelor‘s degree from Iowa State University, and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Programming from DMACC, she desires to give back to the tech community by elevating others and is constantly considering how to get more people in tech. When Martina isn’t leading everything tech at Coviance, you’ll likely find her on a local trail or road as she enjoys everything cycling!
Mackenzie Ostrem
Secretary
Mackenzie is the VP of Client Services at Shift Interactive. As a veteran of the tech industry she has a strong passion for creating a diverse technology workforce and increasing youth awareness around what opportunities could be possible. As a woman in technology it‘s important to her to get more girls involved and ensure that the tech industry isn’t seen as intimidating or unreachable to any student. Mackenzie has been enamored with Tech Journey’s mission of increasing youth interest in technology, especially the way they’ve been able to open doors for students who might otherwise not have access to these tools or learnings. In her free time she enjoys watching the latest Disney flick with her daughter, traveling, and reading.
Danielle Brommer
Director
Danielle is the Chief Growth Officer for Lean TECHniques. With more than a decade in the tech industry helping organizations attract, develop and retain top tech talent, she has a passion for diversity in the workplace. She has served on committees focused on educating and advancing women and other underrepresented workforce as well as local youth in the DSM tech community. She believes it is critical to broaden and diversify the tech talent pipeline to ensure a more inclusive and robust workforce for generations to come.
Pallavi Dukle
Director
Pallavi holds the position of Director Information Security Architecture & Engineering at Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Des Moines. Serving as a Tech Journey director allows her to share her values and passion of empowering youth to be curious about careers in STEM as well as supporting women in tech initiatives. Pallavi is grateful for the mentors she has had in her life providing a strong influence in her career journey and likewise hopes to influence the career journey of others. When not at work, Pallavi likes to travel, spend time with family and cook.
David Kessler
Director
David was one of the original founders of Tech Journey. He desires to unlock possibilities within the next generation of problem solvers and creatives, stating "There’s something magical that happens when you connect passionate tech professionals with young people. This combination changes the world." He is an Executive Consultant with Accenture. In his spare time, David enjoys time with family, church, audiobooks and education.
Philip Matthews
Director
Philip is a Senior Attorney in Deere & Company’s Intelligent Solutions Group with responsibility for technology agreements. Holding a JD from Gonzaga University School of Law and a BA from the University of Utah, his interest and involvement with Tech Journey allows him to help provide Des Moines area youth with technology learning opportunities while working with a passionate and diverse team of individuals. In his spare time, Philip enjoys spending time with his family and pets as well as 3D printing, biking, hiking, camping and traveling.
Jacob Repp
Director
Jacob is a Financial Representative at Principal Financial Group and enthusiast of all things Des Moines. Holding a bachelors degree from Drake University, Jacob desires to learn, empower those around him, and pour into the future. He states "Getting children involved in the technology space is great to bring awareness, empowerment, and creating opportunities for a better future for them personally and professionally. I want to be a part of that." You’ll find Jacob at all Iowa Wolves home games or at a local coffee shop meeting new people and having meaningful conversations to solve problems. #jacobfromlinkedin
Jessa Sparks
Director
Jessa is a Senior Software Engineer with Principal Financial Group and on her second tour with the Tech Journey Board of Directors dating back to 2013. Jessa has always found mentoring students and facilitating sessions at Tech Camp a rewarding experience. With degrees from the University of Northern Iowa, Jessa enjoys inspiring youth to pursue a career in tech. In her spare time, she enjoys time with family and staying active through hockey and running.
Kelly Steinkamp
Director
Kelly has been in technology for 20+ years and is currently a Director of Application Engineering at Farm Bureau Financial Services. She has served as a volunteer mentor with Tech Journey since 2015 and has enjoyed watching the students grow as they troubleshoot errors and develop creative solutions. Kelly is passionate about sharing the many different career paths possible in tech. She has been the recipient of mentoring in her own career and, as an active coach to early-career professionals, believes in paying it forward. Kelly spends most of her spare time following her son’s activities and also enjoys being outside with family and friends.
Smita Volz
Director
Smita is an Analytics Manager at Wells Fargo. She has Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, and Business Administration from Graceland University; and a Masters of Business Administration from Drake University. With her Indian and Nepalese heritage, Smita is actively engaged in the Asian American community, sharing her passion for culturally rich diversity in Iowa. She is an ardent supporter of several non-profit organizations and is sharing her talents, ranging from choreographing Bollywood dances, coaching FIRST LEGO League teams, organizing events, and volunteering at local schools.
Carter Winton
Director
Carter has over 15 years in the tech industry and has worked the past nine years for Source Allies Inc. in Teammate Services. Skilled in technology talent recruitment with a Bachelors of Arts from the University of California Santa Barbara, Carter has been a catalyst for the central Iowa tech scene, desiring to positively affect the next generation of tech enthusiasts and finding fulfillment that comes with seeing young people find inspiration in technology. When not networking and serving the local tech community, Carter can be found with his family, exercising, golfing, hiking, streaming the latest flick or reading a good book.
Rich Wyatt
Treasurer
With 25+ years of software/web development and engineering, Rich currently serves in the role of Director of Application Delivery at Homesteaders Life Company. As someone passionate about technology and the transformative power of education, Rich desires to contribute meaningfully to the central Iowa tech community by inspiring youth and fostering their curiosity in technology. When not working, Rich likes to hang out with his family, attend his children’s sporting events, golf, play/listen to music, fish and hike.