KCWiT TechTalks | Mental Health

Join us for an honest and insightful conversation about the often-overlooked topic of mental health in the tech community. This panel discussion brings together experts with diverse experience in the tech world to discuss the unique challenges to mental health faced by tech professionals, the stigma surrounding mental health in the industry, and how to break it.

We expect all participants to be kind, considerate, and respectful within our community. Read our code of conduct at kansascitywomenintechnology.github.io/CodeOfConduct/. This code of conduct applies to participants of all ages, all KCWiT events and spaces, online and off, public and private.

PANELISTS

Eric Lee, Senior Solutions Architect

Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Eric Lee is a Senior Solutions Architect at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he has spent over four years guiding customers on cloud architecture, cost optimization, strategy, and training. With a career spanning more than two decades in technology, Eric has held numerous leadership roles, including Lead Technology Architect at Cerner and VMUG Leader for the Kansas City VMware User Group. In addition to his technical expertise, Eric serves as the Chief Emotional Officer at Mental Health Hackers, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the mental health challenges faced by tech professionals. In this role, he works to raise awareness about issues such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation, providing support and practical strategies for maintaining mental well-being in the fast-paced tech industry. Eric's dual focus on technology and mental health allows him to advocate for holistic support systems in the workplace, making him a valuable voice in conversations around emotional health and resilience in the tech community

Paige Rodenberg, Head of Growth

EverHealth

Paige Rodenberg is a seasoned Head of Product Growth and Strategy, specializing in behavioral health products and solutions. Her primary focus is leveraging data-driven insights to drive innovation and improve mental health care delivery. With a background in mental health counseling, Paige brings a unique perspective to her role, blending industry expertise with a deep understanding of user needs and industry standards. Having honed her skills at enterprise-level healthcare IT organizations specializing in EHR and health technologies, Paige has a proven track record of developing solutions that prioritize user experience, industry best practices, and data-informed decision-making. Her goal is to catalyze positive changes in behavioral health by creating more accessible and effective care environments for clinicians and patients, while driving product strategies that align with market trends and user needs. Through innovation, collaboration, and a focus on improving outcomes, Paige is dedicated to advancing behavioral health and making a meaningful impact on individuals seeking mental health support.

Andrew Rangel, Software Engineering Manager
Ally

Andrew Rangel is a Software Engineering Manager at Ally, where he leads the modernization of legacy applications and mobile app initiatives. He also serves as the National Development Pillar Co-Lead for Ally's Disabilities Employee Resource Group (ERG), advocating for autistic adults, caregivers, and the broader neurodiverse community. Passionate about mental health and neurodiversity, Andrew supports Ally's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion department in fostering inclusive environments for autistic developers, combining his technical expertise with a commitment to creating accessible, supportive workplaces.

Sponsors for TechTalks Series

Host or Publisher Kansas City Women in Technology