The Challenge
As Training Manager at Xactware, I noticed a critical gap: there was no structured pathway for developing web development talent. The company needed skilled coders, but no local training program existed to build that pipeline.
Rather than wait for someone else to solve it, I took initiative.
- No existing training program for web development talent
- Needed to secure state funding through competitive grant process
- Required building partnerships with educational institutions
- Had to create awareness and drive enrollment from scratch
What I Built
Over 7 months, I independently conceived, developed, and launched a complete workforce development initiative—including brand identity, curriculum, partnerships, and promotional materials.
Program Flyer
Professional marketing collateral I created for the program. Notice the contact information at the bottom: Christie Stephenson, XACTECHED.COM, 801.932.8254—I was the point of contact because I owned this program.
Program Landing Page
Data-driven landing page designed to convert visitors into program applicants with stakeholder-facing messaging, labor market data, and integrated enrollment form for lead capture.
Program Billboard
Outdoor advertising featuring MATC and Xactware partnership branding to drive program awareness and enrollment.
- Clear value proposition: "Learn Code From Top Coders"
- Dual branding showing educational partnership
- Professional design establishing program credibility
Data-Driven Messaging
I developed stakeholder-facing content using local labor market data to build urgency:
2,000 job openings next year for coders
40 tech businesses who will hire those coders
7 of 10 job openings in Utah are coding related
NEEDED: People who can write code now
Expanding the Ecosystem: à la code
xactechED wasn't my only workforce development initiative. I also created à la code, a community meetup for internal education and external recruitment.
xactechED
State-funded workforce pipeline through MTECH partnership
à la code
Internal education & external recruitment outreach
My Office at Xactware
Both program logos on my door, with my nameplate: "Christie Stephenson, Training Manager, XACTECH ED"
These weren't side projects—I owned them.
Timeline
It is official and I can finally announce! The program I have been building for the past 7 months has arrived!
— My announcement post, June 9, 2015What Others Say Press Coverage →
Tim Harrison, Technical Project Manager, MNTN
Former colleague at Xactware/Verisk, 2014-2015
"In just one year, Christie advanced from Quality Assurance Analyst to Training Manager, where she designed and launched the MTECH Web Development program—a proprietary curriculum that secured a $200,000 UCAP grant through her compelling presentation to the governor's committee."
"In addition to fulfilling her standard job requirements as an analyst, she tirelessly and enthusiastically developed this program from scratch."
Additional References
"There aren't many people I have encountered who have had as much impact in as short of a time as Christine had here."— Kevin Carpenter, QA Manager
"She is as good as anyone at mapping out a vision or strategy and the first to be at the front lines doing whatever work is needed."— David Nelson, Marketing Manager
Results
- $200,000 UCAP grant secured through competitive state funding process
- MTECH Web Development program launched creating sustainable talent pipeline
- Educational partnership established between Xactware and MTECH
- Complete program infrastructure built including brand, curriculum, marketing, and enrollment systems
- Program legacy: The infrastructure I built has enabled the program to secure over $521K in total state funding to date
Interactive Demo
Launch Interactive Demo
Explore the xactechED training platform and curriculum materials
Behind the Scenes
Building a workforce development program wasn't just my job—it was a family affair. My kids were always part of the journey, learning alongside me about entrepreneurship, technology, and hard work.
Full Circle Moment
The same month I secured the $200K grant for XactechED, my daughter Cynthia graduated from MATC with her certified nursing assistant certificate.
Brand I Built from Scratch
From logo to curriculum to promotional materials—xactechED was conceived, designed, and launched entirely by me over 7 months.