A word from our Partner of the Year, Travelers

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Innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, attention to detail, resiliency and determination – those are just a few of the attributes we look for in prospective employees. And we have found the military community to be an exceptional talent pool to tap for those skill sets. 

But being a military-friendly employer goes beyond seeking out talent. We understand how important it is to create a supportive environment and enable the success of our employees, which is why we maintain a robust suite of initiatives centered on helping military spouses and those with a military background. This includes programs like our military and veterans employee resource group that has more than 3,300 members, our comprehensive benefits for those deployed on active duty and our partnerships with organizations, like Code Platoon, that are helping veterans transition into civilian careers.

When it comes to our work with Code Platoon, we’ve been piloting a placement initiative that’s proven to be quite successful. Over the past year, we’ve hired a number of Code Platoon graduates into our Engineering Development Program, a one-year talent pipeline program that serves as the foundation for our Technology workforce. It contains four designated engineering tracks (software, cyber, data and infrastructure/cloud) designed to grow and develop technical capabilities. The program’s thorough and structured training approach features a combination of hands-on opportunities, immersive learning accelerators, and a mentoring component, providing a smooth transition into a corporate environment and a career in engineering. 

Our Code Platoon graduates have been an excellent addition to the team here – they take initiative, embrace change, actively listen and support diverse points of view and, importantly, they celebrate each other’s success.

Celebrate Code Platoon 2024: Empowering Futures and Expanding Horizons

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On a warm September evening in Chicago, the River Room came alive with the sounds of celebration as we gathered for Celebrate Code Platoon 2024—a night as inspirational as it was impactful. With delicious food and drinks in hand, partners, alumni, and Code Platoon community members came together to support our mission of transforming the lives of Veterans and military families through the power of tech careers.

A Night of Milestones and Exciting Announcements

Thanks to the generosity of our attendees and corporate sponsors, we raised an incredible $105,496—funds that will empower Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families with generous scholarships as they prepare to launch their tech careers.

But the night wasn’t just about raising funds—it was about recognizing the strength of our community and the exciting road ahead. Code Platoon’s Executive Director, Rodrigo Levy, took the stage to share incredible milestones over the past year and announce an exciting expansion of Code Platoon’s mission: Code Platoon will now accept adult children of Veterans and Servicemembers into all of our programs! This bold expansion is a testament to our commitment to reducing underemployment and creating tech career opportunities for military members and their families.

Honoring Our Community

During Celebrate, we were proud to recognize Travelers as our 2024 Partner of the Year. Travelers has provided unwavering support of our mission through financial contributions and placing our graduates in software development positions within the company. 

“We have a longstanding commitment to supporting the military community, and it is an absolute honor to be recognized by Code Platoon for our efforts,” Jim McMahon, Director of Talent Acquisition at Travelers, said.

We also honored Greg Tutunjian our Volunteer of the Year for his invaluable contributions to the Code Platoon community—hosting free Agile workshops for our students and alumni over the last six years.

Ending the evening on an inspiring note, our alumni took center stage to share their military-to-tech journeys and how Code Platoon’s programs and community propelled their software engineering careers. 

Roque speaking at Celebrate Code Platoon 2024“I come from a background in liberal arts and business, so I wouldn’t be where I am today without the strong technical foundation I built at Code Platoon… Code Platoon has grown so much since I first enrolled, and I’m proud to be an alumnus of this incredible program,” Roque Mesa, Army Veteran and Backend Software Engineer at JPMorgan Chase, said.

Tressa speaking at Celebrate Code Platoon 2024“Code Platoon gave me the opportunity to support my family in more ways than I imagined… I can be present for my children while still providing for my family. This would have never been possible without the foundation that Code Platoon provided me,” Tressa Sharma, Army Veteran and Software Engineer at Bodhi, shared.

Support Our Mission

Tressa and Roque’s stories of resilience and success were a powerful reminder of why Code Platoon exists: to equip Veterans and military families with the tools they need to thrive in the tech industry. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community as we continue our mission.

If you couldn’t join Celebrate Code Platoon 2024 in person, don’t worry—there’s still time to make a lasting impact! Your tax-deductible donation will directly support Veterans and military families as they transform their careers and lives with our technical training programs.

Thank you for celebrating with us! 

Thida Sam is Code Platoon’s Director of Development. With a background in public service and the nonprofit sector, Thida is passionate about building impactful partnerships and driving sustainable social impact. A University of Michigan graduate, Thida lives in Boston with her children and spouse.

 

Code Platoon Honors Greg Tutunjian as 2024 Volunteer of the Year

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Chicago, IL, [August  25, 2024] – Code Platoon, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Veterans and military spouses transition into civilian careers in software engineering, proudly announces Greg Tutunjian as its 2024 Volunteer of the Year. This recognition is awarded to a member of the Code Platoon Volunteer Corps whose dedication and expertise have significantly advanced the organization’s mission.

Greg Tutunjian will be recognized at the annual Celebrate Code Platoon event. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The River Room at Burning Bush Brewery in Chicago.

“Our Volunteer Corps supports our program in many ways—as mentors, teaching assistants, resume coaches, and guest instructors,” said Rod Levy, Executive Director, Code Platoon. “Greg has been an amazing contributor to our efforts and one of our longest continual volunteers. He has been delivering a 2-day Agile certification workshop for our Immersive program two or three times a year for eight years. I can’t think of a better person to honor with the Volunteer of the Year award.”

Greg Tutunjian brings over 40 years of experience in software engineering, solution development, product development, and service delivery to Code Platoon. His leadership of engineering teams and programs and deep expertise in Agile methodologies have been instrumental in our continued success. Since 2010, Greg has been coaching, training, and mentoring leadership, management, teams, and individual contributors. 

“I had a theory that military members would be ideal candidates for Agile teams because of the transparency, accountability, teamwork, discipline, and commitment required in the service.” Tutunjian shared. “Part of why I volunteered with Code Platoon was selfish. I wanted to work with people possessing the intrinsic motivation to succeed in software engineering. That’s proven to be the case. I learned that military spouses are comparably motivated and experienced and ready for software engineering careers.”

Reflecting on his time with Code Platoon, Tutunjian added, “I hoped that Code Platoon grads would see how military experience and life experience as a military spouse would more than prepare them to be effective on commercial workplace teams. The team projects in the Code Platoon program are a very effective incubator for effectiveness in the software engineering workplace. I’m always stunned to see the decision-making and teamwork methods demonstrated during final project presentations.”

The Code Platoon Volunteer Corps offers an impactful way for professional software engineers and tech professionals to make a difference in the lives of military Veterans and spouses. Volunteers do not need to be Veterans themselves to participate. To learn more and sign up for the Volunteer Corps, visit https://www.codeplatoon.org/volunteer/.

“Celebrate Code Platoon showcases the inspiring success stories of our Veterans and military spouses who have transitioned to new careers in tech, thanks to the support of our volunteers and partners. It’s a celebration of their achievements and a testament to the impact of our mission,” Rod said.

Tickets for Celebrate Code Platoon are $150 each from now through September 11, 2024, and can be purchased online at https://www.codeplatoon.org/celebrate/.

About Code Platoon

Code Platoon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that transforms Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military spouses into professional software engineers through an immersive, hands-on educational program. We recognize the unique and diversified skill sets and experience Veterans bring to the tech industry and provide the hard and soft skills for these individuals to transition to careers in tech. Since 2016, we have graduated over 600 students into Software Engineering and DevOps Engineering careers. In the last two years, 215 students have completed our program, with 74% of graduates securing software engineering roles within six months of graduating.  https://www.codeplatoon.org/

Contact Information:

Jim Hennessey

(312) 767-7673

jim@codeplatoon.org.

codeplatoon.org

Breaking Barriers in Tech: Cecilian Partners’ Commitment to Hiring from Diverse Backgrounds

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In an industry where innovation is key, Cecilian Partners is making waves not just through cutting-edge technology but also by building a diverse team of technical talent. The PropTech company is transforming the home buying process by centralizing data, digital marketing, and operations for community developers and homebuilders. However, it’s their unique approach to hiring that truly sets them apart, particularly their partnership with Code Platoon.

A Commitment to Diverse Talent

Cecilian Partners’ hiring philosophy centers around the belief that a team with diverse backgrounds and experiences fuels creativity and innovation. Co-founder and CEO John Cecilian Jr. emphasizes hiring individuals over simply filling positions. “We always hire the person, not just the job position,” John said. This mindset has brought together experts from various industries, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that drive the company’s success​​.

John’s extensive background in retail management with iconic brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Under Armour underscores his knack for recognizing and nurturing talent. His approach ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. 

“By bringing in individuals from varied industries and backgrounds, we benefit from a rich landscape of experiences and viewpoints,” says Khari Walker, Cecilian’s Executive Advisor. “Our diverse expertise enriches our discussions, enhances our decision-making processes, and ultimately drives us to deliver exceptional results,” Khari added.

The Impact of Code Platoon Graduates

An impactful component of Cecilian Partners’ hiring strategy is their collaboration with Code Platoon. This nonprofit organization provides immersive training programs to Veterans and military spouses, transforming them into skilled, job-ready, full-stack software engineers in as little as 15 weeks. Over the past 18 months, Cecilian Partners has hired two graduates from Code Platoon into full-time roles and recently added two apprentices from the program.

James Kelsey, a Navy Veteran, has quickly made a name for himself at Cecilian Partners. Abid Shaik, Senior Software Architect, praises James for his disciplined approach and quick learning. “James is a great talent. He is a quick learner and has had a tremendous impact on our projects,” Abid shares. James’ contributions have been so significant that he earned the Engineering All-Star Award at their annual all-hands meeting​​.

Kana Pankey, an Air Force Veteran and military spouse, is the newest Code Platoon grad to join the company. Her military background has equipped her with a level of discipline and problem-solving skills that are invaluable in the fast-paced tech environment at Cecilian Partners. She’s also interested in diving into organizational behavior and leadership development.

“We value the diverse perspectives and experiences that individuals from nontraditional backgrounds bring,” Khari said. “Veterans’ discipline, dedication, and adaptability enrich our corporate culture, fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace. By integrating graduates from programs like Code Platoon, we not only enhance our technical capabilities but also strengthen our team’s ability to innovate and collaborate.”

Fostering a Culture of Inclusivity

Building a workforce of diverse backgrounds and talents is important, but ensuring that everyone feels included and appreciated is also crucial to the company’s culture. Jennifer Cecilian, CFO and a key figure in team building at Cecilian Partners underscores the company’s unwavering dedication to inclusivity. With a leadership team that boasts more female leaders than male, Cecilian Partners actively promotes diversity at all levels. Jennifer’s personal connection to the military community, being an “army brat,” has reinforced the company’s commitment to hiring Veterans and supporting Code Platoon​​.

Jennifer explains, “It’s not just about what someone can do, but about who they are and what they bring to the table. Our team is stronger because of the varied experiences and perspectives each person contributes.”

Conclusion

Cecilian Partners is setting a new standard in the PropTech industry, not just through its innovative technology but also by building a team with diverse backgrounds. Its partnership with Code Platoon exemplifies its commitment to hiring skilled, passionate individuals who bring unique perspectives to the table. By valuing workforce diversity, Cecilian Partners is paving the way for a more innovative and dynamic future in tech.

“We are committed to supporting these non-traditional pathways and recognizing the potential of individuals from varied backgrounds,” Khari concluded. “By doing so, we not only fulfill our commitment to diversity and inclusion but also ensure that we are tapping into a rich talent pool that can drive our organization forward.”

For more information on Cecilian Partners and their groundbreaking work, visit Cecilian Partners.

Cecillian Partners is a corporate sponsor of Celebrate Code Platoon 2024. The annual celebration of the Code Platoon mission will be held on September 26, 2024, from 6–9 p.m. at The River Room at Burning Bush Brewery in Chicago. For tickets or more information, visit https://www.codeplatoon.org/celebrate/

Celebrate Code Platoon 2024: A Night to Honor, Celebrate, and Inspire

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Chicago, IL, [July 25, 2024] –Code Platoon is thrilled to announce Celebrate Code Platoon 2024, an annual event dedicated to honoring our mission of helping Veterans and military spouses launch careers in software engineering. This celebration also recognizes the supporters and partners whose contributions enable us to provide quality technical training and skills needed for the civilian workforce. 

This year’s event will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The River Room at Burning Bush Brewery in Chicago.

Honoring Our Partner of the Year

This year, we are proud to recognize Travelers as our 2024 Partner of the Year. Travelers, a leading provider of property casualty insurance, has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing Code Platoon’s mission. This award celebrates their significant efforts in empowering Veterans and military spouses to transition into civilian careers in software engineering.

Celebrating Our Graduates

The evening will feature inspiring stories from our graduates and alumni, showcasing their impact in the tech industry. These narratives highlight the transformation our students undergo, from military service to thriving software engineering careers.

Announcing Our Volunteer of the Year

We will also announce our Volunteer of the Year, celebrating the dedication and hard work of an individual who has made a substantial impact on our community. Their commitment exemplifies the spirit of service and support that drives Code Platoon.

Join Us

“Celebrate Code Platoon is a way to showcase the incredible success stories of our Veterans and military spouses and their new careers in tech alongside the friends, foundations, and corporate partners that support our mission,” Rod Levy, Founder and Executive Director of Code Platoon.

Tickets for Celebrate Code Platoon are on sale now through September 11, 2024. They are priced at $150 each and can be purchased online at www.codeplatoon.org/celebrate

“We hope to have as many of our supporters and partners join us to celebrate another year of success for our program,” said Edward Donovan, Board President for Code Platoon. “Our graduates are making significant impacts on the tech workforce with the leadership skills they obtained in the military and the job-ready software engineering skills taught at Code Platoon.”

If you can’t join us on September 26, consider making a tax-deductible donation to help Veterans and military spouses make life-changing transitions to careers in tech. These contributions have paved the way for Code Platoon to be named Forbes’ #1 Coding Bootcamp for scholarships.

For more information about Celebrate Code Platoon 2024 and to purchase tickets, please visit www.codeplatoon.org/celebrate.

About Code Platoon

Code Platoon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that transforms Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military spouses into professional software engineers through an immersive, hands-on educational process; we recognize the unique and diversified skill sets and experience Veterans bring to the tech industry and provide the hard and soft skills for these individuals to transition to careers in tech. 

Contact Information:

Jim Hennessey
(312) 767-7673
jim@codeplatoon.org
codeplatoon.org

Travelers Named Code Platoon’s 2024 Partner of the Year

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Chicago, IL, [June 25, 2024] – Code Platoon, a nonprofit coding bootcamp exclusively for Veterans and military spouses, has selected Travelers, a leading provider of property casualty insurance, as its 2024 Partner of the Year. This recognition is given to a corporate partner whose leadership significantly advances Code Platoon’s mission of empowering the military community to transition to civilian careers in software engineering.

Over the past year, Travelers has hired several Code Platoon graduates into its Engineering Development Program and provided philanthropic support to Code Platoon’s robust technical education and career placement programs. 

Thida Sam, Director of Development at Code Platoon, praised Travelers, saying, “Travelers has been instrumental in our efforts this year, particularly with their focus on recruiting from nontraditional talent pipelines and their unwavering support for Veteran-focused educational initiatives. This has set a benchmark for corporate partnership.”

“We have a longstanding commitment to supporting the military community, and it is an absolute honor to be recognized by Code Platoon for our efforts,” said Jim McMahon, Director of Talent Acquisition at Travelers. “We pride ourselves on ensuring a welcoming and supportive environment for military families, and part of that includes fostering strong partnerships with organizations such as Code Platoon.”

Travelers supports a number of military-friendly initiatives, including an employee resource group that boasts more than 3,300 members and a recruitment program designed specifically to help military spouses that has resulted in more than 300 hires since 2020. 

The company has also signed the Statement of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at both state and national levels, and it participates in the Department of Defense Military Spouse Employment Partnership, which connects military spouses with partner employers committed to recruiting and retaining military spouses. In recent years, Travelers has also been named an Employer for Outstanding Support by the U.S. Navy Reserve and a Beyond the Yellow Ribbon company by the Minnesota National Guard.

“We are excited to recognize Travelers as our 2024 Partner of the Year,” said Rod Levy, Executive Director of Code Platoon. “Their commitment to our mission through active support, job placements, and volunteer efforts has been invaluable. They truly embody the spirit of partnership, and we are immensely grateful for their contributions.”

Travelers will be recognized at the annual Celebrate Code Platoon event on September 26, 2024.

About Code Platoon

Code Platoon is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that transforms Veterans, active duty Servicemembers, and military spouses into professional software engineers through an immersive, hands-on educational process and paid apprenticeship program. We recognize the unique and diversified skill sets and experience Veterans bring to the tech industry and provide the hard and soft skills for these individuals to transition to careers in tech.