2026 Be You in Tech Summit: Celebrating Five Years of Inspiration and Innovation
Date & Time: January 21, 2026 from 03:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Location: The Graduate by Hilton State College, 125 S. Atherton Street
Step into a dynamic and inspiring space where technology meets individuality at the 2026 Be You in Tech Summit! The summit celebrates the extraordinary power of authenticity and diversity in tech.
Through engaging keynotes, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, you'll uncover how embracing your individuality fuels innovation and drives impactful change in the tech world.
This event is free and open to all members of the Penn State community but is specifically designed for undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in technology careers.
What to Expect
At this Summit, you will
- be inspired by our keynote speaker
- gain valuable perspectives from a panel featuring accomplished IST alumni
- elevate your networking skills—connect with your peers and IST alumni, share experiences, and build a meaningful network that can propel you forward in your professional journey
Don't miss this opportunity—generously supported by a grant from the RSM US Foundation—to rewrite your narrative and step into a future filled with confidence and purpose. Register today and embrace the positive change you deserve!
Agenda
- 3 p.m. Welcome and Introduction
- Jocelyn Bennett Garraway, Associate Dean, Office of Student Success, College of IST
- 3:10 p.m. Keynote: Built Different: Engineering Authenticity, a Guide for Future Tech Leaders
- Deon Butler, Manager, Network Sustaining Security Engineering, Cox Communications
- Deon Butler, Manager, Network Sustaining Security Engineering, Cox Communications
- 4 p.m. Self-Reflection Activity
- Erica Fleming, Faculty Lead for Teaching and Learning, College of IST
- RSM
- 4:45 p.m. Panel Discussion
- Noel Claudio, Manager, Global Product Partnerships
- Sabrina DelViscio, Senior Manager, Workplace Solutions Consulting Group, Vanguard
- Stephen Obeng-Agyapong, Senior Security Engineer, Delta Air Lines
- Moderator: Tyler Estright, Student Success Supervisor, College of IST
- 5:30 p.m. Closing Remarks
- Madhavi Kari, DEIB Specialist, Office of Inclusion and Diversity Engagement, College of IST
- Madhavi Kari, DEIB Specialist, Office of Inclusion and Diversity Engagement, College of IST
- 5:45 p.m. Networking
Keynote Speaker
"Built Different: Engineering Authenticity, a Guide for Future Tech Leaders"
Deon Butler ’09LA, ’15g
Cox Communications
Manager, Network Sustaining Security Engineering
Former NFL wide receiver and Penn State standout Deon Butler leveraged the competitive skills he honed as a professional athlete to seamlessly transition into corporate America. Now, as a cybersecurity expert with a background in forensic science, he leverages teamwork and pressure-tested skills to strengthen corporate security, streamline processes, and educate clients.
Panelists
Noel Claudio '14
Manager, Global Product Partnerships
A 2014 IST alumnus, Noel has more than 12 years of consulting and tech experience. He works to drive growth and global reach through scaled integrations and partnerships, and serves as an Employee Resource Group leader for the Latin community and advocates for diverse representation in tech. In 2022, Noel received the Penn State Alumni Achievement Award for his professional achievements.
Sabrina DelViscio ’18
Vanguard
Senior Manager, Workplace Solutions Consulting Group
A results-driven technology leader, Sabrina helps business and engineering teams deliver high-impact solutions by blending product management discipline with pragmatic program leadership. Her current focus areas include digital innovation, integrating AI to improve client, crew, and operational experiences, and leading a team of solutions consultants. Passionate about inclusive leadership and developing talent, she enjoys mentoring emerging technologists and helping teams turn ideas into outcomes.
Stephen Obeng-Agyapong ’13
Delta Air Lines
Senior Security Engineer
A three-time Penn State Football letterman, Stephen is a cybersecurity specialist focused on cloud security. With more than 12 years of experience in the IT industry, he has built a strong background in securing enterprise systems, cloud infrastructure, and modern technology environments. Stephen also runs a home improvement business, BuiltByBeng, bringing people’s visions to life with precision, reliability, and a commitment to excellence.
Speakers
Jocelyn Bennett Garraway
Associate Dean for Student Success
Chaiken Center for Student Success
Enrollment, Engagement, and Belonging
Jocelyn is the associate dean for student success in the Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology. She leads strategic initiatives to enhance student engagement experiences and initiatives to create a welcoming environment that promotes and values diversity, equity, and inclusion for the College of IST community.
Erica C. Fleming
Faculty Lead for Teaching and Learning
Chaiken Center for Student Success
Erica helps guide teaching development, learning support, and program assessment across the College of IST, partnering with faculty and students to create positive learning environments in the classrooms. She does this by fostering peer learning opportunities, researching innovative teaching practices, and helping faculty find their teaching strengths.
Madhavi Kari
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Specialist, Student Success
Enrollment, Engagement, and Belonging
Inclusion and Diversity Engagement
Working in the Office of Inclusion and Diversity Engagement, Madhavi creates and manages student retention, belonging, and engagement programs that foster professional and personal development. She promotes a safe and welcoming environment that cultivates a warm, supportive community where students feel valued, connected, empowered, and where they are able to thrive academically and socially, leading to overall student success.
Our events and programs are open to all students regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other protected class. The College of Information Sciences and Technology is committed to building a community of belonging for all.