What if the biggest barrier to success in tech isn’t access, but mindset? In this episode of Future of Work, Dr. Salvatrice Cummo talks with Tara Chklovski, founder and CEO of Technovation, about what it truly takes to thrive in an AI-driven world. Tara unpacks why resilience and adaptability are just as vital as technical skills, how simulation-based learning can reshape education, and why women are most at risk of being left behind. Together, they explore how community colleges, mentorship, and real-world problem-solving can unlock opportunity for all. The future of work isn’t just about tech, it’s about who’s empowered to shape it.
You’ll learn:
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Why AI literacy starts with confidence, not code, and how to build both.
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How educators can move beyond “toy problems” and toward real-world innovation.
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What emotional and cognitive resilience look like in a rapidly evolving workforce.
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How women are being left behind in fast-growing tech sectors, and how to fix it.
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Why simulation learning may be the most powerful classroom tool we’re not using.
About the Guest:
Tara Chklovski is the founder and CEO of Technovation, a global nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls and underserved communities through technology education. With a background in physics and aerospace engineering, she transitioned from academia to social entrepreneurship to address the gender and racial disparities in STEM fields. Tara has helped over 130,000 students across 100+ countries build confidence, tech skills, and purpose. Her work has been recognized by Forbes, the UN, and the White House, and she continues to lead global conversations on how education and innovation intersect to shape a more inclusive future of work.
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More from Tara Chklovski & Technovation
Websites: https://www.technovation.org/
LinkedIn: @tarachk
Partner with us! Contact our host, Salvatrice Cummo, directly: scummo@pasadena.edu
Want to be a guest on the show? Click HERE to inquire about booking
Find the transcript of this episode HERE
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