What: Free webinar on AI readiness in the workforce, co-hosted by Craton Consulting, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, and the Montana Jobs Network
When: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10th
Where: Online via Zoom (link and video recording will be emailed to all registered participants)
WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE EVENT:
What does it mean to be “AI-ready” in 2025—and are students, faculty, and employers preparing for the new expectations of the workplace?
Join Craton Consulting, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, and the Montana Jobs Network for a dynamic conversation on how AI is shaping education and careers.
What you'll experience:
Keynote by Tom Stergios, Founder of Craton Consulting - exploring how to think about AI, the “speed of trust” and innovation, and how AI is being organized from the national to the local level, including UM’s involvement
UM Student Voices – hear firsthand perspectives from:
Sophia Ericsson, UM College of Business – sharing her AI experience at UM and Deloitte
Griffin Edmondson, UM College of Forestry & Conservation – discussing how AI is evolving in science fields
Mason Derendinger, UM graduate now at The Whole Group – reflecting on his academic research and current AI-focused work
Interactive Q&A with panelists
Why attend:
Learn how UM students are applying AI in classrooms and careers
Hear what employers wish new grads understood about AI
Explore key trends shaping Montana’s AI talent pipeline
Perfect for:
Students & new grads
Employers hiring early-career talent
Faculty & career counselors
Tech and business leaders shaping workforce strategy
For questions, contact MHTBA Communications Coordinator Melissa Paulsen at melissa.paulsen[at]mthightech.org.
Keynote Speaker:
Tom Stergios, Founder, Craton Consulting
Tom Stergios is a longtime leader in Montana’s tech sector. He previously built the Missoula Solution Center at ATG, growing it to 200 consultants serving 150+ clients worldwide before its acquisition by Cognizant in 2018. In partnership with UM, AccelerateMT, and the Montana Department of Commerce, he co-led the award-winning Aim Higher program, creating more than 200 tech jobs in Montana for people from non-traditional backgrounds. A longtime board member of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance, Tom is passionate about AI innovation, workforce development, and expanding opportunities for Montanans.