Cleveland Community College Hosts AFCOM Event Highlighting Advances in IT and Data Center Professions

Cleveland Community College welcomed students, faculty, and IT professionals recently to a highly anticipated event hosted by AFCOM, the professional association dedicated to advancing careers in IT and data center management. Held in the Moore Advanced Technology Center, the event provided a platform for industry experts to share insights and discuss the evolving landscape of IT, data center operations, and artificial intelligence.

AFCOM, established in 1980 as the Association for Computer Operations Management, has grown into a leading association for professionals in data center and IT fields. The event underscored AFCOM’s mission by focusing on current and emerging topics, including AI applications and the role of women in data center management and the construction and operations industries. Among the panelists was Erica Charika, a CCC alumna, who offered valuable perspectives as a woman in the industry.

The gathering provided a unique educational experience for CCC’s IT and Mission Critical Operations(MCO) students and faculty, who were specifically invited to attend. Susan Randall and Rodney Cobb, representatives from CCC’s IT and MCO programs, presented an overview showcasing the college’s innovative educational offerings in these areas.

A highlight of the event was a tour of CCC’s student data center, which was offered to attendees during the networking session. This gave guests an opportunity to see the college’s facilities up close and gain insight into how CCC prepares its students for careers in IT and data center management.

The event was an enriching experience for students, offering them a glimpse into industry trends and networking opportunities with professionals. It also underscored CCC’s commitment to providing a robust educational foundation for aspiring IT professionals.