Lansing's ITEC Gets New Staff, Board Members

LANSING -- The Information Technology Empowerment Center welcome three new employees three new board members and a new intern in preparation for an exciting new year.

"Our team here at ITEC is excited to welcome such a passionate group of students and professionals," said ITEC executive director Kirk Riley. "With their involvement, we look forward to a meaningfully productive new year."

New ITEC board member, Sergio Keck, is the Executive Director of Specialized Programs for Lansing Public Schools. His involvement with the diverse community of students in Lansing along with his role in training teachers, and developing curriculum provides a strong and diverse perspective to the board.

Another new face on the ITEC board is Linda Jackson. Jackson is the recipient of two degrees from Cornell University, including a master's degree in teaching, and two graduate psychology degrees from the University of Rochester (N.Y.).  Jackson is currently a professor in the department of psychology and an adjunct professor of computer science and engineering at Michigan State University. Her current involvement with ITEC focuses on program development and evaluation.

"ITEC is exactly what is needed at this time to assure that children from underserved groups do not fall behind in the rapidly changing information age," Jackson said.

Also joining the ITEC board is Michael Brown. Brown has more than 35 years of experience in public service in both government and the non-profit sector. Born and raised in Flint, Brown earned a bachelor's degree in history from Western Michigan University and his master's degree in international relations from the University of Stockholm.

Alfred Walker, a native of Niles, Michigan holds the newly created community outreach specialist position with ITEC. He received both his bachelor's degree in anthropology and a master's degree in educational guidance and counseling from Michigan State University. During his 32-year tenure as an academic counselor with Lansing Public Schools, Walker has obtained expertise in the fields of education and community involvement. His eagerness to connect people and provide them with opportunities to learn more about technological advancements in education makes for a strong addition to the ITEC team.

Edwin Masaviru joins ITEC as administrative assistant. Masaviru is currently pursuing a master's in accounting at MSU. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, he expresses a firm belief in the importance of education on one's road to success. ITEC allows him to be an active participant in the educational advancement of students who learn about computers, math, science and more with ITEC teachers.

Jean Welsh is the new curriculum director for ITEC. With bachelor's and master's degrees in education from MSU, Welsh shares her expertise in the growing field of technology with students and adults in the Lansing community. Her background as a student advisor, computer analyst andas the professor of Information Technology at the Lansing Community College has provided her with a unique set ofskills to provide innovative learning experiences for students of all ages in the greater Lansing area.

ITEC also welcomes a new intern, Nailah Ali. She is the new outreach and public relations coordinator for ITEC. From Hamtramck, Ali is currently completing her bachelor's degree in advertising at MSU.

The Information Technology Empowerment Center (ITEC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization whose goal is to build genuine interest and excitement among students and adults in the Lansing area for the opportunity to gain relevant skills in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.