Kimberly I Mahan

Kim Mahan is the Founder and CEO of MAXX Potential, an innovative apprenticeship program that has been nurturing tech talent since 2012. Recognized by Fast Company and Southern Living magazine as one of the "Innovators Changing the South," MAXX Potential's approach to on-the-job training has helped apprentices secure high-paying jobs at leading companies like Capital One and Amazon Web Services.With a background in emerging technology leadership at GE Corporate, GE Industrial Systems, and Genworth Financial, Kim has co-founded multiple startups, the RVA Tech Women’s conference, and the Techsters program for middle school girls. She has served on the board of the Richmond YWCA and as Chair of the Richmond Technology Council. In 2018, she was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the National Association of Women Business Owners.Kim is often sought after for her unique insights on creating tech talent pathways that bridge the gap between education and industry. Her perspective is more relevant than ever as both industry and academia work to adapt to the changing landscape in the age of AI. In 2021, MAXX Potential formally launched its AI-enhanced Work Simulator to help educators expand internship opportunities and give more students exposure to what it is like to work on a real-world technology team.