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iUrban Teen Tech Summit

Deena Pierott
On October 20, teens from the Portland-Vancouver region will converge at Washington State University-Vancouver for the second annual iUrban Teen Technology Summit, a daylong exposition of careers in technology, computers, and engineering.

Developed by entrepreneur Deena Pierott, who heads up the Urban Entrepreneurs Network and Mosaic Blueprint, the iUrban Teen Technology Summit aspires to create a diverse pipeline for technology careers. The event will be held from 7:30am to 5pm at the Vancouver campus of Washington State University. Deena's Teen Tech leadership team is made up of high school seniors Alex Pierott and Kendall Josey: both are deeply involved in planning the summit.

Kendall Josey
Kendall Josey is a senior at Fort Vancouver High School. There, she takes AP English, AP Comparative World Governments and is a member of the school dance team. She's lived in Europe, Africa and in various cities in the U.S. Kendall has a passion for music, technology and taking care of the needs of people everywhere. Next fall, she plans to major in Hospitality Management at the Florida State University and later in life, design and own a luxury hotel in Switzerland. 

Alex Pierott is a Senior at Prairie High School and is on the Drama team and a member of DECA. He has worked for the Vancouver NAACP's youth program and iUrban. This is Alex's third summit were he volunteers as a team lead and helps with student outreach. Alex plans a career in the military or a cyber security consultant.

In the Q&A below, Kendall and Alex share their enthusiasm for putting the summit together, and extends an invite to all local high school students to attend the summit next Saturday.  Click here for the summit agenda.


Why is iUrban Teen Tech Summit important? As teens, it is so crucial to have something to take an interest in and be able to latch on to. At this point in our lives, we’re discovering who we are and what we are really capable of. The iUrban Teen Tech Summit provides youth with options, it educates them on what’s really going on in the world around them and it opens new doors in order to broaden their idea of what is “possible”.  
Alex Pierott

Who should attend? Middle and High School students who may be struggling in school and not engaged. We're trying to create a technology spark and expose the world of lucrative technology careers.

How is this event different from other events promoting technology careers among young people? We’re just a little off the beaten path; we personally reach out to families and students who are a little more marginalized. We have multicultural youth, Foster care youth, youth with disabilities, etc. We show that every teen can work in science, technology, engineering and math.  

What will students learn? Students will learn about robotics, new technology, and even technology that has yet to be finalized. They may also learn a little more about themselves and their hidden capabilities in the process.

 Who are some of your strongest supporters for this event? We're very excited to say that it's on the White House radar. Our main supporters has been Kris Givens with Wal-Mart in Wenatchee, WA, Riverbed Technologies in San Francisco and local Intel staff.  

What is the best takeaway from the event? The best takeaway would simply be this: “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” -Nelson Mandela Teens will learn that even the sky is no longer a limit. Anything that they dream is possible.

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