Member Spotlight: Tech Elevator

The Plano Chamber membership team is thrilled to present our NEW monthly Member Spotlights! Each month, we will be highlighting different Plano Chamber of Commerce members to continue connecting our members with each other and the Plano community at large.

The Plano Chamber would like to welcome and spotlight an INVEST level member, Tech Elevator. Heather Wagemann, our Membership Engagement Manager, asked DFW Market Leader, Cierra Graham, a few questions about their business, membership, and her role in the community.

1. What would you like readers to know about Tech Elevator and what you specialize in?

Tech Elevator specializes in teaching full-stack web application development in a boot camp format. We teach students from diverse backgrounds to become software developers while also helping them build necessary career-readiness skills and career connections through our Pathway Program. We’re proud of our industry-leading outcomes reported and verified as a member of the Council on Integrity Results in Reporting (www.cirr.org). Lastly, we are thrilled to open our newest physical campus in North Dallas in addition to continuing our national live remote classes.

2. Why did you choose to join the Plano Chamber of Commerce?

Plano represents tremendous growth in North Texas for residents and companies. We have wonderful national hiring partners based in Plano, and the Chamber’s leadership has been nothing short of engaging and connected to the needs of its members and the broader community.

3. Tell us about your involvement in the community.

I represent Tech Elevator as a member of the DFW Alliance of Technology and Women, Blacks United in Leading Technology (BUiLT) North Texas chapter, DFW Texas Recruiters Network, and a participant in Women Who Code DFW events. Outside of work, I am a volunteer business mentor for Dallas SCORE and a Sunday School teacher for Kindergarten-age students at my church.

4. What part of your work environment is your favorite?

Our students and the relationships we build with them are my absolute favorite. Their stories and life experiences motivate me to help them achieve their goals. Seeing them go from little to no knowledge of coding to building a fully-functional web application in 14 weeks never gets old. Helping them land their dream jobs in technology, creating financial stability for themselves and their families, brings joy.