Native American Mainframers Share Their Paths to Success
A webinar from Making Our Strong Community Stronger (MSCS) provided career insights and encouragement from technologists seeking to diversify their industry
In the tech industry, the inclusion of diverse voices is not just a moral good, but a pathway to innovation. Among the groups underrepresented in this sector, Native Americans face distinct challenges as well as unique opportunities, particularly in the field of mainframe technology.
Making Our Strong Community Stronger (MSCS), a diversity, equity and inclusion initiative in the mainframe industry, recently brought together a lineup of Native American tech leaders to highlight the career opportunities found on IBM Z. Dean Dauphinais, an entrepreneur and advocate for Native American prosperity, moderated the discussion, which featured the following panelists:
- Jeanne Glass, VirtualZ Computing, MSCS founder
- Phil Sutherin, Broadcom
- Jeremy Hamilton, BMC Software
Embracing Heritage, Seizing Opportunity
Each panelist offered insights into how their Native American heritage has shaped their careers in tech, stressing that paths like the ones they followed to success are still there. As she reflected on her family’s proud history, Glass, a member of the White Earth Nation, said she wants to make sure other Native Americans have the same opportunities she had.
“I benefited from financial aid programs for Native Americans in tech,” Glass said, “and one of the benefits of joining a conversation like this today is to share resources and make sure that anyone who’s interested in a technology career knows that there are resources available like I benefited from.”
Having seized those opportunities, Glass holds the distinction of being both the first woman founder and first Native American founder of a mainframe software company in the platform’s 60-year history.
Jeremy Hamilton, known on social media as “The Big Iron Guy,” described how the storytelling traditions of the Cherokee Nation enhance his ability to convey complex technical ideas. “Being able to paint the picture with words and take really complex topics and simplify it down is key,” he explained, underscoring the value of narrative skills in his role as a strategic field CTO and mentor.
Phil Sutherin, an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine Tribe, recalled that growing up, “I was always kind of the family tech.” His knowledge of audio equipment got his foot in the door in the IT department at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, where he also had the chance to work on digital infrastructure.
Then, when IBM came to the school for a STEM camp, “we got to talking, and next thing I knew I was working for IBM,” Sutherin explained.
Diversity and Strong Teams
The panelists underscored the vital role diversity plays in fostering innovation. Diverse teams are equipped to bring a variety of perspectives that can lead to more creative problem-solving and effective decision-making. “Diversity of thought is a strength,” Glass noted, emphasizing how varied viewpoints drive progress in the mainframe industry.
It has been shown that companies that embrace diversity are more profitable and better positioned to adapt to changing market demands, Glass noted. This is especially crucial in mainframe technology, where the integration of legacy systems with emerging technologies like AI and cloud computing demands innovative solutions.
Resources and Support for Aspiring Technologists
For Native American technologists looking to enter the field, numerous resources and organizations offer vital support. Educational programs like those from the Open Mainframe Project and Z Explore provide essential training and certification opportunities. These initiatives enable learners to gain practical experience with mainframe systems, preparing them for careers in a high-demand field.
Moreover, initiatives like MSCS play a crucial role in connecting Native Americans with mentors and industry leaders who can guide them through their career journeys. Networking events, such as SHARE Association conferences, provide young technologists with opportunities to engage with professionals and explore the vast potential within the mainframe sector.
Here’s a list of more resources available to Native Americans seeking careers in tech:
- American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) – Scholarships, mentorship, networking opportunities
- Native Forward Scholars Fund – Scholarships
- National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development (NCAIED) – Networking opportunities, mentorship, career fairs
- Natives in Tech – Networking opportunities, guidance, open-source technology for Native communities
- TechHire – Training programs
- Per Scholas – Training programs
Opportunity Beckons
As companies increasingly recognize the value of diversity, they are investing in programs and partnerships that support underrepresented groups. The mainframe industry in particular, marked by a robust hiring environment and a demand for modernization, offers fertile ground for Native American technologists to make significant contributions. The panelists stressed that with continued support, mentorship and access to resources, Native American technologists can not only overcome barriers, but thrive in a field that values their contributions.
“Mainframers,” Glass said, “are committed to mainframers.”