“Going into college, I always knew I wanted to study something related to technology, whether that was computer science or information systems. After choosing the IS major, I also discovered the Kahlert Initiative on Technology and was immediately intrigued by the program, choosing to apply for it before I even started at the university. … I look forward to being more involved in the program, and know that my time as a Kahlert Scholar has benefited my pursuit to work in the tech industry in the future.”

– Abbey Salamera, information systems major

“As someone with a background in motorsports, I witnessed firsthand the importance of technology and information, and the role it played in my field. As a business student at the University of Utah and a Kahlert Scholar, I’ve learned how technology can influence virtually every modern industry. The Kahlert program has allowed me to expand my understanding and knowledge of new and innovative technologies …. I aspire to take my experiences in the Kahlert program and at the University of Utah to return to work in the automotive and motorsports industries and pursue my passion for cars and racing.”

– Kasimir Sinnott, business major

“My name is Jordan Beck. I’m a Junior from Cincinnati, Ohio, studying information systems and planning on receiving a master’s in cybersecurity here at the University of Utah. … Through this program, I’ve been able to determine exactly what I want to study, the job I’d like to have after graduation, and I’ve had a great time learning with amazing professors. I aspire to work as a CISO of a Fortune 500 company because of my passion for information security and leadership. This program has enabled me and provided so many amazing opportunities for me to learn and grow my skills to achieve my dreams and I’m incredibly grateful to be a part of it.”

– Jordan Beck, information systems major

“The Kahlert Scholars is a terrific program that allows students to connect and be a part of what ‘the fourth industrial revolution’ is all about. This program trains you to be inventive and make a difference by teaching you several forms of programming. Being a part of this program with diverse majors and minors allowed me to see things from a fresh perspective and become more creative with what I had! Now that I am nearing the completion of my undergraduate studies at the University of Utah, I am able to advocate for myself and expose myself to more options than I ever thought I would have the opportunity to pursue.”

– Ruth Kahn, finance and film and media arts major

About our Founder, Heather Kahlert

The founder of the Kahlert Initiative on Technology, Heather Kahlert, is a champion for technology, deeply engaged in the community through many nonprofits, and the vice president of the The Kahlert Foundation. Established in 1991 by her grandfather, William Kahlert, The Kahlert Foundation’s mission is to provide grants to nonprofit organizations to improve the quality of life and well-being of the community in the areas of health care, youth programs, education, veteran organizations, and human services. Heather Kahlert is also a board member and advocate for many schools and non-profits, including the University of Utah’s David Eccles School of Business, Make-A-Wish Utah, Warrior Rising, the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, and many more. She is a University of Utah alumna, earning both her bachelors and MBA degrees from the university. Heather and her family reside in Salt Lake County. She is the proud mother of three children.