Empathy
Our mission is to ensure our students are successful no matter what hardships they face
What we believe in
Building Support
We strive to give our students a safe educational space to identify the most successful version of themselves, with the intent of giving back to the community through creativity, social advocacy, and professional growth
Education
Our curriculum provides a more hands-on approach and allows students to learn through problem solving and teamwork
Meet our Team
Our board consists of a focused team of young adult education professionals and Software Engineering Executives with over 50 years of experience providing training and coaching.
VP of Legal Services
Joseph Alfe
Joseph C.Alfe is a Chicago area native and holds a J.D. from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago, and an LL.M. In dispute resolution from the Straus Institute, at the Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. He is currently the Informal Resolution Facilitator and Mediator for Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Joseph enjoys conventional and fly fishing, the outdoors, and spending time with his wife and five children.
VP of Community Engagement
Jacob Espinoza
Jacob leads What’s Happening Salem, a 40,000-member hub that generates six-figure annual revenue while spotlighting the small wins of local heroes. He is also a business coach & fractional COO turned community strategist, as well as an author of the upcoming book "Why Throwing Parties Will Save the World", and Executive Producer of "Barriers to Bridges"
Director of Software Engineering
Sheldon Pierce
Sheldon Pierce is a software engineering leader who thrives on the challenge of building solutions that make a difference, and believes in collaborating with like-minded individuals to bring ideas to life. His goal is to create software that people love to use, tools and experiences that solve real problems and make everyday tasks easier.
Outside of UPLIFT, Sheldon is creative and active person, currently working on developing a video game using Unreal Engine, combining his love of gaming and building interactive experiences. During the winter months, you’ll often find him snowboarding, and always looking for ways to stay active and explore the outdoors.
Software Engineering Coach
MAKAYLA CALDWELL
Makayla Caldwell is responsible for delivering an industry leading technical development program. Makayla is a current student at Oregon State University. During her high school career she was accepted into a non profit music school and used this experience to tutor elementary school students. At the end of her senior year she was accepted into the Seneca Foundation where she excelled, and was offered a job with the Senaca Foundation, and later with the UPLIFT Foundation, where she aims to provide underserved students with the skills necessary to excel in their chosen STEM fields.
Executive Director
Warren Thompson
Warren Thompson has over 25 years of experience as a senior leader in the Software Engineering sector, including working as an Executive for companies like Wind River and Safety National, and Federal Organizations like the Department of VA and the NSA. He has spent 15 years of his career focusing on adult technical education with the NSA Training Academy and University of Maryland Global Campus, as well as founding many start-ups in the private sector. Mr. Thompson was also a founding member of a similarly successful non-profit in the Chicago area, serving over 50 underprivileged cohort members over 3 years.