Tackling Tech 25:

Kansas City

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Mentee Mixer

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

NATION OF

LIFESAVERS

In the JReid InDeed Tackling Tech Internship, high schoolers partnered with the American Heart Association and NFL safety Justin Reid to create videos and websites promoting CPR awareness, inspired by AHA’s Nation of Lifesavers.

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Week 1

Welcome to the Tackling Tech photo gallery — where innovation meets impact.

This summer, our Tackling Tech high school internship program kicked off with a dynamic cohort of students dedicated to exploring careers in computer science, technology, and leadership. From day one, these interns have dived into hands-on learning, professional development, and real-world projects designed to equip them with the skills and confidence to succeed in the tech-driven workforce.
Our first week also launched the ‘HeartCharged’ initiative, a health and wellness component rooted in CPR awareness and heart health education. In partnership with the American Heart Association, we welcomed Yolana Wakefield-Wilson, Business Development Manager for Community CPR, who led an engaging session on Hands-Only CPR and the importance of being prepared in an emergency.
These images capture the energy, focus, and passion of our interns as they learn, lead, and grow—on their way to becoming the next generation of changemakers.

Week 2

Week 2 of Tackling Tech 2025 was all about elevating voices and envisioning futures.

Our student interns had the incredible opportunity to hear from Giovanna Caponetto of Guided by G Agency, who led an engaging and interactive session on branding, digital storytelling, and the power of visual media. Giovanna walked students through the strategy behind building personal websites, introducing them to front-end development concepts such as HTML structure, CSS styling, and user experience design.

As they explored how to craft authentic narratives, students also learned how to integrate multimedia elements—like custom graphics, videos, and animations—into their web pages using platforms and tools that mirror real-world tech workflows. Giovanna emphasized the role of data-driven storytelling, discussing how tech professionals use analytics and engagement metrics to shape digital content strategies.

By combining creative expression with technical skill-building, this session inspired students to see themselves as both storytellers and developers—using code, design, and media to make their voices heard in today’s digital world.

Week 3

Week 3 of Tackling Tech 2025 was all about Future Pathways in Tech + Higher Education

Our interns took a deep dive into front-end development, refining their Heart Charged campaign sites with fresh layouts, thoughtful design choices, and hands-on UX/UI best practices. Code met creativity as students experimented with typography, color palettes, and responsive elements to make their projects truly shine.

Mid-week, we welcomed UMKC’s Lauren Orozco—First-Time College Student Recruitment Specialist—to unpack the journey from high-school coder to college-level STEM scholar. She broke down application timelines, scholarship search tips, and the value of pursuing a purpose-driven major. By the end of her session, students walked away with clearer roadmaps—and a healthy dose of confidence—for turning today’s skills into tomorrow’s opportunities.

Mentorship, exposure, and real-world practice remain the pillars of Tackling Tech. Week 3 proved just how powerful that combination can be.

Week 4

Week 4 of Tackling Tech 2025 was all about computer science + Media for Advocacy

This week was all about using tech as a tool for impact. Our student interns stepped in front of and behind the camera to produce campaign videos for the Heart Charged initiative—merging their growing digital skills with a powerful message about heart health and community action.

With guidance from our founder, Justin Reid, students explored media production techniques, on-camera storytelling, and the fundamentals of filming with intention. From scriptwriting to editing, they transformed technical skills into tools for advocacy—demonstrating how tech can amplify voices and spark change.

Week 4 was a masterclass in creativity with purpose. The projects coming to life this week are a true reflection of the heart behind the work—and the mission driving Tackling Tech forward.

Week 5

WEEK 5 OF TACKLING TECH 2025 WAS ALL ABOUT PRESENTATION, CONFIDENCE & IMPACT

In our final week, students took the spotlight—presenting their fully developed Heart Charged campaigns, complete with custom websites, video content, and research-backed messaging.

With feedback from expert panelists from Guided by G, VML and the American Heart Association, each team had the opportunity to showcase their work, receive professional insights, and reflect on how far they’ve come.

This week wasn’t just about presenting projects—it was about owning their voices, communicating with confidence, and seeing themselves as tech-savvy advocates for change. Week 5 brought it all together and reminded us why this work matters: when students are empowered with skills and purpose, they rise.

MENTEE MIXER

OUR FINAL DAY OF TACKLING TECH 2025 WAS ALL ABOUT REAL-WORLD NETWORKING IN TECH & INNOVATION

To close out the program, we hosted our high-energy Mentee Mixer—a round-robin, speed-networking experience that connected students with movers and shakers from the tech, startup, and creative worlds.

Who joined us:

The Smart Factory
Dash In Between Web3 Creative Agency
ActionableOps
Guided by G Agency
Five Star Tax & Business Solutions / Marquita Miller-Joshua
NoWhere Consultants
Children’s Mercy
CPC Management, LLC
SHI International Corp.
Cyber Creationz
Tico Productions
UMKC

In every quick-fire conversation, interns asked real questions, gathered insider tips, and saw firsthand how diverse—and attainable—careers in tech can be. They wrapped the day (and the summer!) with fresh contacts, clearer career paths, and the confidence to chase big ambitions.

Week 5 proved that when opportunity meets preparation, our students shine. Tackling Tech 2025 may be over—but the connections made here are just getting started.