From First Job to Tech Career: Opportunities for Ramsey County Youth

Introduction by Catrice O'Neil, Director of Ramsey County Workforce Solutions

Meet This Month's Featured Innovator

Catrice is a proud Minnesotan from Minneapolis and has spent her entire life here. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from St. Catherine University and her Master of Social Work from Augsburg University. She has held a social work license since 2016 and has spent more than 20 years working in both the public and nonprofit sectors, primarily supporting youth and families.

Prior to joining Ramsey County as the Director of Workforce Solutions and Executive Director of the Workforce Innovation Board of Ramsey County in 2025, Catrice served as the Workforce Development Director for the cities of Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn Center in partnership with the Hennepin–Carver Workforce Board. She also currently teaches in the School of Social Work at the University of St. Thomas.

She is deeply passionate about workforce development and pioneering innovative solutions to advance economic inclusion. She says, “I would not be the professional or person I am today without some of the very programs and services that we provide.”

In my time at the county, I’ve seen firsthand how early exposure to technology and innovation careers can change a young person’s pathway.

One of our cornerstone efforts is Youth Works! a countywide collaborative that connects young people ages 14–24 to employment, training, and career pathways—including those in information technology and digital fields.

Continue reading to learn how Ramsey County is creating early pathways into tech for young innovators.

Dr. Paul Campbell Represents Minnesota’s Tech Ecosystem at SXSW

Full Stack Saint Paul was proud to see Steering Committee member Dr. Paul Campbell take the stage at SXSW this year, sharing expertise and supporting the next generation of innovators.

During the conference, Dr. Campbell participated in two key roles:

• Panelist for “What’s the Catch? The Realities of Federal Contracting for Entrepreneurs” on March 15, offering insights on navigating federal opportunities and innovation partnerships.

• Panel Judge for SXSW Pitch – Smart Data, Security & FinTech on March 13, evaluating cutting-edge startups and emerging technologies.

Leaders like Dr. Campbell help connect Saint Paul’s growing tech ecosystem to national conversations around innovation, entrepreneurship, and federal collaboration. Thank you, Dr. Campbell, for representing Minnesota and helping elevate the work happening across our region’s tech community.

Latest Tech and Innovation News

University of Minnesota launches AI Hub to drive statewide innovation, education and public impact

The University of Minnesota announced the launch of its AI Hub, a University-wide initiative to advance artificial intelligence innovation, education and workforce development across Minnesota. Building on decades of leadership in computing and data science, the AI Hub will serve as the University’s central engine for AI strategy and impact — aligning education, research and external partnerships under a cohesive strategy. 

Local Tech News Snapshots

Quick local hits you shouldn't miss.

• St. Paul startup Green Home Club uses AI to guide Minnesota homeowners on energy upgrades, cutting carbon emissions, costs, and boosting efficiency.
  
  
• The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is introducing a Biofertilizer Innovation and Efficiency Pilot Program to help farmers improve nitrogen management to protect water quality and enhance soil health.
  
  
• Five students from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University presented their commercialization recommendations for a NASA biomedical technology innovation to NASA technology transfer officers.
  
  The City of Saint Paul applauds the work of this student team and encourages innovators to participate in other federal tech transfer opportunities like the Federal Mashup Lab powered by Brown Venture Group.

Tech & Entrepreneur Resources

✨  The City of Saint Paul has developed a survey to better understand the economic impacts of recent federal immigration enforcement to our business community in Saint Paul. All businesses in Saint Paul are encouraged to participate in this anonymous survey.

The survey is available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Karen.

• English
• Español
• Soomaali
• Hmoob
• ကညီ (Karen)

Find a full list of community support resources at WeLoveTC.com. Check back as resources are continually updated.

✨  RightTrack is seeking 60+ employer-paid internship experiences for the YJ2 program this summer. The RightTrack program is a great low-cost way to bring in talented youth interns from the Saint Paul community to provide value for your business. Interns are requesting more opportunities in technology and digital media. Contact Moua Xiong, YJ2 Program Manager: Moua.Xiong@ci.stpaul.mn.us to pledge to host interns at your organization.

✨  MN Cup applications are open until April 3! MN Cup is the largest statewide startup competition in the country. This completely FREE program supports Minnesota entrepreneurs by offering critical feedback from industry experts, mentorship from experienced community members, opportunities for networking, and a chance at $400,000 in seed funding.

✨  Healthcare innovators are invited to apply to Walleye Tank until April 4! Walleye Tank is Minnesota’s premier life science stage, where founders with bold ideas compete for capital, mentorship, and the attention of the region’s top investors. Now powered by HealthcareMN — accelerating bold healthcare startups in Minnesota and beyond.

Upcoming Events

Strengthen the Strong

March 25 | 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Osborn370

Artificial Intelligence: The Past, Present, and Future

March 26 | 5:30 - 7:00 PM | Nagios

AI in Product: Applied AI - AI Governance Panel Discussion

March 31 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM | Lab651

BETA State of the State

March 31 | 5:30 - 9:00 PM | Macalester College

Sponsored by Full Stack Saint Paul

MnTech Connect

April 9 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM | Saint Paul RiverCentre

Sponsored by Full Stack Saint Paul

FASTcon

April 10 | 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM | Best Buy HQ

#LevelUp with AI Summit

April 29 | 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Wilder Foundation

Full Stack Saint Paul is a public-private collaboration leveraging the power of tech and innovation to drive equitable, resilient economic development in Saint Paul.

Powered by the City of Saint Paul and the St Paul Area Chamber