Amy Kardel Amy Kardel is well-versed in the founder and tech entrepreneur mindset after starting her first business in a dorm room and running an MSP for the last twenty years. She recently stepped into a new role as Vice President for Strategic Workforce Relationships at CompTIA where she recently served as Chairwoman of the Board. She says she is so passionate about this issue because, “Through my work in California, across the US, Europe and Africa in large and small tech companies, I have seen the many challenges employers face in closing the skills gap for the tech workforce. There is a big opportunity to make a difference, diversify and grow the hiring pool for tech businesses and help people find meaningful work in tech. I am invested in moving the needle on this front.” In addition to Amy’s experience in business, she has a strong commitment to service, helping to grow those around her, and encouraging them to reach their potential. She is a strong connector and relationship builder. She has brought these talents to bear nationally as a facilitator for the ConnectWise Evolve peer groups and as an advisory board member for Tampa-based software asa service company ConnectWise. She is a Leadership Fellow with the National Association of Corporate Directors. A fourth generation California native, who grew up in Germany and Mexico when not in her hometown of San Luis Obispo, Amy values the natural beauty and lessons she has learned from adventures on land and sea through her international travels, and as a lifelong sailor and licensed captain. Amy likes to say she collects people and has a wide-ranging network around the world. She would like to think she has a friend, or friend of a friend, to meet for dinner anywhere on the map. Amy volunteers her time close to home in San Luis Obispo, which was recently named the happiest city in America, for community advocacy with a focus on economic and youth development. She is a founding member of the Central California Angel Investment Conference. She is a leader in her local business community, serving with the Computer Science Industry Advisory Board at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Rotary and the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. She holds degrees from UC Berkeley, Washington University and the Monterey College of Law.Amy is married to Peter with four amazing children, as well as the international family she has built hosting thirteen international exchange students through Rotary and AFS. You can connect with her online by email at akardel@comptia.org or on social media at:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amykardel/Twitter@amychicgeek