RBTC is looking forward to the second year of ChangeMakerZ, which is set to launch August, 2025. ChangeMakerZ is Roanoke-Blacksburg’s premier professional development program for early-career biotechnology and technology professionals. Powered by the City of Roanoke, the nine-month program is designed to help your enthusiastic young professionals create a strong network, boost professional skills, and get clarity around their goals.
ChangeMakerZ Offers Unique Experience
The inaugural cohort experience was a resounding success. Participants learned more about the region and themselves, built meaningful relationships, and added new skills to their resume.
“Participating in the inaugural ChangeMakerZ cohort has been an incredibly enriching experience. The program has sharpened my technical skills and understanding of AI, deepened my self-awareness, and challenged me to think more critically about how I can grow both personally and professionally. Beyond that, it has strengthened my sense of connectedness to the vibrant Roanoke-Blacksburg region and all it has to offer. I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone looking to advance their technical expertise while building meaningful connections both to the region and other young people in tech,” said Greg Fisher, Senior Analyst at Middleland Capital – VTC Ventures.
We know that developing internal talent develop programs can be challenging, which is why we’ve done the work for you. ChangeMakerZ is professional development you can’t get anywhere else and a great investment in your talent pipeline, and the future of your company.
What to Expect from ChangeMakerZ in 2025
ChangeMakerZ runs from August to May and is organized into 3 phases. Each phase has a different emphasis, and each phase builds on the last. The program culminates at TechNite, the region’s biggest celebration of the innovation ecosystem. Here’s what to expect from each phase of the program:
Phase 1: Build Self Awareness & Discovery (August-October)
The cohort will expand personal and professional communities, discover communication and thinking styles, and build a stronger, in-person social network.
Events Include:
- Retreat & Kickoff
- Professional Etiquette Session
- DiSC Assessment & Coaching
- Abbreviated 360 Review & Coaching
- Exclusive GO Fest Meetup
- Personal Communication Session
Phase 2: Make An Impact at Work (November-January)
ChangeMakerZ will bring their skills into the workplace and focus on unique strengths while building influence among peers and colleagues. They’ll also get clear on their greater role in the region or within their industry.
Events Include:
- Disrupt Up
- Strengths Assessment
- Demo Day/Tech the Halls
- Accounting 101 Session
- Project Management Session
- Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Game and Tailgate
Phase 3: Leave a Legacy (February-May)
In the final phase of the program, the cohort will learn to leverage their role their industry and the community, find opportunities for changemaking, and plan a purpose project that ignites their passion.
Events Include:
- Purpose Project Workshops
- How to Create a Poster Session
- Media Meetup
- DEIB Session
- TechNite (Program Finale!)
Don’t Miss Out on ChangeMakerZ 2025
RBTC is prepping for another impactful season and applications for the second cohort are now open! Candidates should expect to travel to Roanoke or Blacksburg once a month for program activities. Most of these activities will happen after business hours, with occasional weekday luncheons and fun weekend experiences. Program fees are $1,250 for RBTC member companies and $1,750 for non-members. Fees are payable by the employer on the young professional’s behalf. There are only 20 spots available, so apply today!