In the world of technology, where lines of code can not only create software but also transform lives, Mark Hamner, Senior Engineering Manager of Corporate Solutions at Papa Johns, is writing a new program for success. His journey from a curious eight-year-old with a computer with just four kilobytes of memory to a champion of the Academies of Louisville (AofL) is a testament to the transformative power of technology education.

Compiling a Career: From College to Community

Mark's journey from poverty to tech leadership began with a college sponsorship that required him to work for the sponsoring company for two years after graduation. Balancing work and education, he completed his BS in computer science while working as a programmer, gaining invaluable real-world experience. This dual path shaped his understanding of the challenges many face in accessing education and career opportunities.

After relocating to Louisville in 2012, Mark became involved with bit502, an apprenticeship program that offers participants real-world IT experience while they study Computer and Information Technology at Jefferson Community and Technical College. His involvement with bit502–of which he is now chairman–served as his introduction to the Academies of Louisville.

Connecting with the Academies

While employed at Waystar, Mark was introduced to Quincy Tennyson, a Computer Science teacher at Fern Creek High School. Mark coordinated student tours of Waystar and guest speaker visits to the school. Seeing the passion and engagement of these students made Mark a true believer in the Academies of Louisville.

"Tech has been good to me," Mark shares, reflecting on how his career has allowed him to provide for his family in ways he couldn't experience as a child. His involvement with bit502 and the Academies of Louisville stems from a desire to guide young adults towards successful tech careers. Mark is particularly impressed by the Academies' innovative approach. "The Academies are unique because you can teach the students through the lens of what they're interested in," he explains, highlighting the program's ability to engage students through their passions.

Not only is Mark a dedicated champion of the Academies through his leadership at Papa Johns, but he also serves in a pivotal role as Chair of the Student Engagement Subcommittee on the Academies of Louisville Guiding Team.

“For Mark Hamner, the Academies of Louisville aren’t just about individual success; they’re about rewriting the code of generational poverty.”

Networking Success: Involving Papa Johns

Seeking to further grow his career in IT, Mark began a new job with Papa Johns in April of this year. When Mark applied for the position, he knew that Papa Johns was not a business partner with the Academies of Louisville, but this was one of his initial goals. Mark's passion for the Academies was evident from the start, as he made it a point to discuss community involvement during his interview process. "I'm not giving you more work. I want Papa Johns to approve and participate," he told the company's leadership, emphasizing the mutual benefits of such a partnership.

Once on board, Mark wasted no time in advocating for Papa Johns to become an AofL business partner. He strategically connected with key executives to garner support for the initiative, highlighting how the partnership could align with the values of Papa Johns, including corporate responsibility, sustainability, and diversity.

Mark reached out to Kristin Wingfeld, JCPS Specialist of School Business Partnerships, about where Papa Johns could best meet an IT need. This led to identifying Seneca High School as a potential partner school, whose teachers have already toured the Restaurant Support Center in a teacher externship. Mark's enthusiasm and strategic approach quickly bore fruit, with Papa Johns agreeing to become a signed partner, opening doors for students to explore real-world applications of technology in the restaurant industry.

Debugging the Skills Gap

"The Academies of Louisville can change their lives," Mark asserts, echoing Dr. Ellison's powerful statement that this initiative can "change family trees." For Mark, this isn't just about individual success; it's about rewriting the code of generational poverty. His vision for the Academies of Louisville is clear: "We can train kids for the real world right here in Louisville." He sees the program as a crucial compiler, translating students' potential into marketable skills.

Mark Hamner's work with the Academies of Louisville is more than just education—it's a full-stack approach to community development. By leveraging his experience, passion for technology, and commitment to giving back, Mark is helping to compile a brighter future for Louisville's students, one line of code at a time.