Connie Shoemake, one of the winners of Women In Technology’s Excellence in Corporate IT Leadership Award, is the VP of the Public Sector Sales organization for the Central Region at IBM. The judges of the award overwhelmingly recommended her based not only on her career achievements, but also on her commitment to mentoring and education. In our discussion, these shine through.
Q: Connie, you manage over $1 billion in sales revenue, yet have been able to keep your passion – education and mentoring – front and center in what you do. Can you talk to us about your path to where you are today?
Ms. Shoemake: In my current position, I am very fortunate to use my skills and passion as a past Special Education, K-12, adult GED teacher, and elementary school administrator. This background provides me with insights and understanding for my current role as a leader of the Public Sector at IBM. At IBM, Public Sector includes three industries: local and state government, K-12 / higher education, healthcare for those that are providers, insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies. Working with our K-12 and higher education institutions in our 14 state Central Region continues to be a wonderful way to leverage my past education and skill set.
Q: How is IBM active in supporting education?
Ms. Shoemake: IBM as a corporate citizen is very involved in an academic initiative which offers free software and curriculum for K-12 and higher education. IBM alumnae are often found recruiting, teaching and participating in our IBM Community Alumnae Program in countries around the globe.
Of course, IBM as a business offers a number of solutions for the education industry: specific solutions for security, digital video surveillance, student information systems, student and curriculum services as well as business intelligence, and consulting services in all areas. High performance computing is an area of great interest with our key research schools. Linking our government teams with education is a key solution for economic development at the state level.
Q: What about your civic and community activities in education?
Ms. Shoemake: As a working mother of four children, I have stayed very involved in our local school districts. I have volunteered for over 18 years as a room-parent, sports-parent, and have taught both art awareness and at engineering week. I am a strong believer in education for everyone at every level.
One of my passions is developing, coaching and mentoring the next generation of leaders at IBM and within the community. You will find me hosting teleconferences for Engineers discussing the first year on the job, teaching classes for national engineers week at our local high school and mentoring at the Chicago Executives Club. Speaking engagements include WITI, IC Stars, University of Chicago, IBM Mentoring and leadership events.
Q: It would seem that private sector executives should be, as you are, more engaged in the education system. What would you recommend to someone looking to do so?
Ms. Shoemake: Mentor! And volunteer! I am passionate about mentoring our next generation of leaders, whether that be those at IBM, or The Executive Club of Chicago, where I have a leadership role in developing their mentoring program, or working with our next generation of teachers and school leaders.
Look to your companies for grants, alumnae groups or other ways to give back time, resources or money to the education system. Volunteer to lead a planning session or build a web page. As a member of The American Cancer Society Board in Chicago, I am working on ways to incorporate my education and executive management skills to lead others and present and/or train leaders about cancer and cancer prevention.
You keep coming back to your teaching roots, Connie, by reaching out and teaching others. You seem to be the embodiment of the poet Yeat’s belief that education is not a bucket to be filled, but a fire to be lit. Thank you for your time, and again, congratulations on your “Excellence in IT Leadership” award.