Love reading and telling stories. FT comms person + writing for @Technical_ly Formerly: @resolvephilly, @phillydotcom, @sojoaddiction, @whyy, et. al.
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Grace Shallow
How Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs finds promising startup partners
At Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, Tito Obaisi has honed a disciplined yet intuitive approach to finding AI startups that are redefining the tech industry. Obaisi is the senior manager of pipeline and insights for LIFT Labs. Since 2018, LIFT Labs has connected startup founders with Comcast leaders to develop long-term partnerships. Most recently, LIFT Labs has focused on identifying enterprise-ready AI startups, including Windsurf, LangChain, WRITER and Replit.
AI in action: How InsightFinder AI and Robin AI transform IT and legal workflows at major organizations
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, a Technical.ly client, which sponsored this article. It was reviewed before publication. Learn more about LIFT Labs here. Helen Gu, founder of InsightFinder AI, envisions AI becoming enterprises’ version of the Wizard of Oz. “It should be non-intrusive working behind the scenes to empower efficiency,” Gu said.
Inside the merger: Uniting Kleer and Membersy as a dental membership powerhouse
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like Kleer and Membersy, a Technical.ly client, which sponsored this article. It was reviewed before publication. Learn more about Kleer and Membersy here. In May 2024, Kleer and Membersy, two leaders in the dental membership space, were acquired by Charlesbank Capital Partners and merged.
More than just a chatbot: How Waymark and Narratize use AI to strengthen marketing and STEM storytelling
Technical.ly is a free news resource thanks to financial supporters like Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, a Technical.ly client, which sponsored this article. It was reviewed before publication. Learn more about LIFT Labs here. When the launch of ChatGPT revolutionized the technology landscape in late 2022, forward-thinking CEOs like Alex Persky-Stern of Waymark and Katie Trauth Taylor of Narratize were already working toward a future where AI transcends chatbots.
Explore Temple University’s geospatial data science opportunities
An emerging issue in the field of geospatial data science is the imbalance between the abundance of freely available big datasets and the limited number of professionals trained to leverage them, according to Temple University professor Victor Hugo Gutierrez-Velez. “There are limitless questions we can ask that those pieces of data could help you to answer,” Gutierrez-Velez said.
Why global biosimulation company Certara is relocating to Radnor, PA
Nearly two and a half years after acquiring clinical data SaaS vendor Pinnacle 21, the publicly traded company Certara (nasdaq:CERT) is moving its HQ from Princeton, NJ, to Radnor, PA — just down the road from Pinnacle 21’s Blue Bell office.
Taking Clients Further: How Tempest’s Growth Marketing Team Drives Success
Kyle Huff’s time at Tempest opened his eyes to ways he could’ve improved upon his work earlier in his career. His work, specifically, is content marketing for destination marketing organizations, tourism agencies and visitor bureaus across North America. Huff previously worked at a tourism organization in the Philadelphia region.
Matching Childhood Dreams with Managerial Goals at HealthVerity
As a kid, if you asked Ashley Griffin what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would’ve answered: doctor. She envisioned having a career in healthcare so she could serve other people. Years later, her outlook shifted when she took a course on mobile development for social change as a pre-med student at Haverford College and realized technology’s assistive capabilities. “I really enjoyed seeing how technology could benefit underrepresented and underserved communities.
Matching childhood dreams with managerial goals at HealthVerity
As a kid, if you asked Ashley Griffin what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would’ve answered: doctor. She envisioned having a career in healthcare so she could serve other people. Years later, her outlook shifted when she took a course on mobile development for social change as a pre-med student at Haverford College and realized technology’s assistive capabilities. “I really enjoyed seeing how technology could benefit underrepresented or underserved communities.
This Self-taught Systems Engineer Builds on his Knowledge Alongside a Values-driven Team at Fastmail
For Macon Gambill, his interest in an engineering career was piqued when he downloaded the open-source operating system Linux onto his personal device as an alternative to Windows. At the time, he was working as a business analyst without on-paper tech experience, but he knew he wanted to grow his coding skills and find a place where he can work alongside value-driven people and be challenged to grow. A few certification programs, programming books and hours of practice later were only the start.
This self-taught systems engineer builds on his knowledge alongside a values-driven team at Fastmail
For Macon Gambill, his interest in an engineering career was piqued when he downloaded the open-source operating system Linux onto his personal device as an alternative to Windows. At the time, he was working as a business analyst without on-paper tech experience, but he knew he wanted to grow his coding skills and find a place where he can work alongside value-driven people and be challenged to grow. A few certification programs, programming books and hours of practice later were only the start.
This SVP of Information Technology has Helped CubeSmart Expand its Digital Footprint
As the senior vice president of information technology at CubeSmart, Amy Cross’ mission is to apply a business-oriented focus to the company’s tech. CubeSmart, based in Malvern, is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded self-storage companies, and continues to grow and innovate by focusing on providing customer-friendly digital tools like its CubeSmart Mobile App, SmartRental online rental experience and SmartView Management Reporting App.
This SVP of information technology has helped CubeSmart expand its digital footprint
As the senior vice president of information technology at CubeSmart, Amy Cross’ mission is to apply a business-oriented focus to the company’s tech. CubeSmart, based in Malvern, is one of the nation’s largest publicly traded self-storage companies, and continues to grow and innovate by focusing on providing customer-friendly digital tools like its CubeSmart Mobile App, SmartRental online rental experience and SmartView Management Reporting App.
Fearless is Helping this SRE Go Beyond her Current Role
Toyosi Rayemo inherited a passion from each of her two oldest brothers: from one, art, and the other, tech. The latter ultimately led Rayemo, a site reliability engineer (SRE), to . The company, based in Downtown Baltimore, is a full-stack digital services firm dedicated to mission-focused clients, such as those in the government, healthcare and nonprofit sectors.
Fearless is helping this SRE go beyond her current role
Toyosi Rayemo inherited a passion from each of her two oldest brothers: from one, art, and the other, tech. The latter ultimately led Rayemo, a site reliability engineer (SRE), to . The company, based in Downtown Baltimore, is a full-stack digital services firm dedicated to mission-focused clients, such as those in the government, healthcare and nonprofit sectors.
Why Pinnacle 21 is Focused on Early-career Engineers
As an engineering company, by design, there are few accidents at Pinnacle 21. Per the company’s VP of engineering, Martin Snyder, that includes its focus on early-career hiring and professional development. Namely, software engineering manager Sue Gerace suggested developing an early-career engineering program, which the company has piloted for nearly a year.
Why Pinnacle 21 is focused on early-career engineers
As an engineering company, by design, there are few accidents at Pinnacle 21. Per the company’s VP of engineering, Martin Snyder, that includes its focus on early-career hiring and professional development. Namely, software engineering manager Sue Gerace suggested developing an early-career engineering program, which the company has piloted for nearly a year.
Advancing Dental Providers’ Tech with the Support of B2B Partnerships
While studying for a biology degree, Brad James imagined himself as a healthcare provider, motivated to help others. Nearly five years into his job at Kleer, he’s realized technology — especially innovations in the healthcare space — can exceed his initial altruistic hopes. “There are just so many ways to make an impact within healthcare, especially if you’re working from a technology standpoint,” James said. “The medical field’s tech is light years behind in so many verticals, especially dental.
Advancing dental providers' tech with the support of B2B partnerships
While studying for a biology degree, Brad James imagined himself as a healthcare provider, motivated to help others. Nearly five years into his job at Kleer, he’s realized technology — especially innovations in the healthcare space — can exceed his initial altruistic hopes. “There are just so many ways to make an impact within healthcare, especially if you’re working from a technology standpoint,” James said. “The medical field’s tech is light years behind in so many verticals, especially dental.
A PNC veteran marks new territory as a senior vice president
Bobbie Johnson’s journey to PNC Financial Services started in 1995 when her family saved $1,523 to buy their first computer. Johnson, the family-appointed technology subject matter expert, selected the computer model to purchase, hooked it up and installed its startup software. “That was my first aha moment where I was like, ‘This is what I want to do,” she said. “It just continued from there.” Now Johnson applies her technical knowledge as a senior vice president of PNC’s Tech Ops organization.
This Pittsburgh leader found a fulfilling balance between home and work life at PNC
Rajesh Raman spends his 9-to-5 modernizing out-of-date banking technology. Raman is the head of consumer and small business lending technologies for Pittsburgh-based PNC Financial Services. His job is to lead and drive technology modernization for PNC’s unsecured lending products — auto, credit cards and small business loans.
Creating the ‘Joy of Missing Out’ at Guru
After leaving a job of eight years and moving from the other side of the county, Julia Soffa was in a New York taxi when she received the email that changed the course of her career. It was days after she had an interview at Guru, a knowledge management platform with offices in San Francisco and Philly and remote employees across the US. The email included Guru’s core values. Her initial reaction? “As a cynical tech person, I was like ‘OK, here we go. Hard eye roll.’” READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
Creating the 'joy of missing out' at Guru
After leaving a job of eight years and moving from the other side of the county, Julia Soffa was in a New York taxi when she received the email that changed the course of her career. It was days after she had an interview at Guru, a knowledge management platform with offices in San Francisco and Philly and remote employees across the US. The email included Guru’s core values. Her initial reaction? “As a cynical tech person, I was like ‘OK, here we go.
A Culture of Curiosity at Pinnacle 21
If Martin Snyder’s 20 years in the Philly tech meetup community taught him anything, it’s that certain essentials will define an event’s success, namely food and drink. Hence, Synder’s invention of the pizza equation. It’s simple: You plug the number of expected attendees into this mathematical equation, and the result tells you how many pies to buy.
A culture of curiosity at Pinnacle 21
If Martin Snyder’s 20 years in the Philly tech meetup community taught him anything, it’s that certain essentials will define an event’s success, namely food and drink. Hence, Synder’s invention of the pizza equation. It’s simple: You plug the number of expected attendees into this mathematical equation, and the result tells you how many pies to buy.
Proscia is Developing AI Tools to Improve Cancer Diagnosis
For patients receiving medical care for cancer, a diagnosis marks the beginning of their journey. Proscia, a Center City-based company, is on a mission to change the way the world practices pathology — which sits at the core of making a diagnosis — with digitization and artificial intelligence.
Proscia is developing AI tools to improve cancer diagnosis
For patients receiving medical care for cancer, a diagnosis marks the beginning of their journey. Proscia, a Center City-based company, is on a mission to change the way the world practices pathology — which sits at the core of making a diagnosis — with digitization and artificial intelligence.
How Tempest turned a client into its newest web project manager
Picture this: The creative manager for a visitors bureau in a Michigan town that is known for its German heritage and hearty chicken dinners meets Tempest, a Philly-based digital solutions provider. Tempest helps destination marketing organizations (DMOs) across North America draw in visitors through web design, content marketing and a community-driven CRM solution, iDSS. That’s how Ashley Pratt was introduced to Tempest — while sitting on the other side of the table as a client.
A Rape Kit Tracking System could help solve sex assault cases
In 2016, an Idaho state audit uncovered a backlog of untested sexual assault kits — more than 1,000 — sitting in storage at law enforcement agencies and labs statewide. The kits represented more than 1,000 people who were raped in the state of Idaho, and then went through the traumatic process of having a detailed medical exam to collect DNA and other evidence — only to have the kits sitting, literally, untouched in a box.
Meet Kim Andrews, new executive director for The Fund for Women and Girls
Growing up in Mt. Airy in the 1970s, Kim Andrews dreamed of a more equitable world. It was inspiring to be raised in a “free to be you and me era,” she said. Years later, Andrews is stepping into a role that allows her to create more equitable opportunities. In May, Andrews became the executive director of The Fund for Women and Girls. The Fund is based in Chester County and has been supporting women and girls since 1996 through grantmaking, educational programs and advocacy.
At Flatiron School, Making the Jump from Data Science Student to Data Science Instructor
Lindsey Berlin has done a lot of things in her career. With a master’s degree in international affairs from Geneva’s Graduate Institute, she’s worked as a research analyst at an immigration law firm and a general tech and marketing associate at an international foundation. Once, a job told her that her sole responsibility was to be a “cheerleader.” “They didn’t expect me to do anything I felt was meaningful, and I knew I wasn’t going to survive there. I didn’t last four months,” Berlin said.
At Flatiron School, making the jump from data science student to data science instructor
Lindsey Berlin has done a lot of things in her career. With a master’s degree in international affairs from Geneva’s Graduate Institute, she’s worked as a research analyst at an immigration law firm and a general tech and marketing associate at an international foundation. Once, a job told her that her sole responsibility was to be a “cheerleader.” “They didn’t expect me to do anything I felt was meaningful, and I knew I wasn’t going to survive there. I didn’t last four months,” Berlin said.
This data scientist at Inspire helps the renewable energy company predict its future
In the age of climate change, Inspire is a bicoastal clean energy company providing eco-conscious solutions to consumers. Meanwhile, Inspire must still respond to the erratic reality of climate change and the effect it may have on customers’ energy usage. Belinda Le, a senior data scientist at Inspire who is based on the West Coast, helps the company prepare for the unpredictable.
An Employee Resource Group at STRATIS Changed Work ‘Forever’
Being the only woman in the room is not a feeling you get used to, said Liz MacLean, a lead full-stack developer at . “I went to school for electrical engineering, and I was often the only woman or one of two women in a class at any given time. In my small stints at other non-STRATIS companies, I was constantly the only woman in the room,” she added.
An employee resource group at STRATIS changed work 'forever'
Being the only woman in the room is not a feeling you get used to, said Liz MacLean, a lead full-stack developer at . “I went to school for electrical engineering, and I was often the only woman or one of two women in a class at any given time. In my small stints at other non-STRATIS companies, I was constantly the only woman in the room,” she added.
Combine your interest in social and environmental issues with 'hard skills' for Temple's geospatial data science program
After 10 years of teaching high school statistics, John Fitzgibbons found himself on the other side of the classroom as a student in Temple University’s Professional Science Master’s (PSM) in Geospatial Data Science (GDS) program. Fitzgibbons decided to make a career switch in 2019, just after getting married with a child on the way — and unknowingly heading into the COVID-19 pandemic. “It was a very scary decision and a particularly scary time for a change,” Fitzgibbons said.
QuotaPath ‘Shapes Up’ its Engineering Workflow to Scale Up
When Mike Bagwell joined QuotaPath in May 2019, he was one of five engineers — and just the 14th employee hired. Now, the Philly and Austin-based startup is doubling its current engineer count to 30 total. QuotaPath makes a commission tracking and compensation management tool for salespeople. This month, the SaaS company raised $41 million for its Series B less than a year after its Series A.
QuotaPath 'shapes up' its engineering workflow to scale up
When Mike Bagwell joined QuotaPath in May 2019, he was one of five engineers — and just the 14th employee hired. Now, the Philly and Austin-based startup is doubling its current engineer count to 30 total. QuotaPath makes a commission tracking and compensation management tool for salespeople. This month, the SaaS company raised $41 million for its Series B less than a year after its Series A.
Why Crossbeam Founders Bob Moore and Buck Ryan Inspire Employees to Come Back
Kelly Panebianco graduated from the University of the Arts with a photography degree in 2017. Two years later, working independently, she was unfulfilled. She missed being a part of a team — namely, the one at the Philly-based data analytics firm RJMetrics, where she had worked part-time while studying.
Are You Prepared to Face a $4.24M Data Breach?
The question is not if your business will suffer a cybersecurity attack. It’s when. That’s the ethos driving the work of the Infinite Blue team, founder and CEO Frank Shultz said. The Collegeville-based SaaS company uses its low-code platform to help businesses with extensibility develop business continuity software. “The threat of a cybersecurity attack is universal, no matter if it’s a publicly traded company or a privately held company,” Shultz said.
Are you prepared to face a $4.24M data breach?
The Infinite Blue team at a recent trade show. (Courtesy photo) The question is not if your business will suffer a cybersecurity attack. It’s when. That’s the ethos driving the work of the Infinite Blue team, founder and CEO Frank Shultz said. The Collegeville-based SaaS company uses its low-code platform to help businesses with extensibility develop business continuity software.
A Year of Firsts for a Comcast Business Product Manager
While eight months pregnant with her first child, Carly Beaumont took a leap of faith and embarked on the next step of her career journey at Comcast, with a new role in a different department. At the time, Beaumont was a product manager for Comcast’s Residential Speeds program. When the opportunity to take on a new role as senior product manager in Comcast Business arose, Carly was at first hesitant about pursuing the change, while also adjusting to motherhood.
A year of firsts for a Comcast business product manager
(Courtesy photo) While eight months pregnant with her first child, Carly Beaumont took a leap of faith and embarked on the next step of her career journey at Comcast, with a new role in a different department. At the time, Beaumont was a product manager for Comcast’s Residential Speeds program. When the opportunity to take on a new role as senior product manager in Comcast Business arose, Carly was at first hesitant about pursuing the change, while also adjusting to motherhood.
A former opera singer hits new career notes at Pinnacle 21
(Courtesy photo) Sue Gerace was anxious to welcome a Pinnacle 21 hire during the first remote onboarding process she managed. But she relied on her guiding principle: Get to know them on a personal level, and the rest will come. What happened next? She found a connection.
These 3 Philly-area high schoolers are working on the future of radar, electronics and surgical robotics
Leo Wylonis with his MRI motor project. (Courtesy photo) What do you want to be when you grow up? I’d like to be as smart as the Philly-area teens named finalists in the nation’s oldest math and science competition, the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
How to manage through a merger? This engineer learned on his way to PNC
(Courtesy photo) After a decade at the financial services institution BBVA USA, Jon Russell was excited to grow into his new role as executive director of partnership engineering. He was promoted in early 2020 — and within the same year, he learned about PNC’s upcoming acquisition of BBVA. The acquisition was finalized in June 2021, making PNC the fifth-largest commercial banking organization in the United States. The national bank is headquartered in Pittsburgh.
Be the leader to bring a 26-year mission into the future in Chester County
People 9 hours ago The Fund for Women and Girls is seeking an executive director who will inspire growth and change. Here's who the Chester County-based nonprofit is looking to lead. Be the leader to bring a 26-year mission into the future in Chester County The Fund's Girls Advisory Board members at their annual service project recently. (Courtesy photo) With five little words, Maeve Kelly’s professional hopes were realized.
14 West’s Breakup with ‘Mayhem’ Was the Catalyst for More Collaborative Tech Teams and Happier Employees
At the end of 2020, 14 West tech leadership knew it was time to restrategize its strategic focus and talent retention. One year later, Jennifer Realo, the chief of staff for 14 West’s tech services vertical, is reflecting on a “transformative year” in 2021. 14 West, a business services firm with about 300 employees based in Baltimore, suffered a lot of talent pain in 2020.
People are the Priority at Inspire
Feedback from a computer is simple; either code works or doesn’t. Giving a person feedback, on the other hand, is not. “It’s way more nuanced when you’re talking to a person,” said Matt Anderson, the director of software engineering at Inspire. “And it’s a work in progress.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Grace
Contact Grace, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack