The SHARE Editorial Advisory Committee — the group behind SHARE’d Intelligence — recently welcomed four new members: Laura DeAtkine, principal product manager at IBM, Maemalynn Meanor, director of public relations and communications at The Linux Foundation, Jade Walker, application developer at M&T Bank, and Leanne Wilson, senior technical consultant at Vertali. Read on for their perspectives on mainframe technology and the growing community.
SHARE HQ: What’s your mainframe story? How did you come to the platform?
Laura DeAtkine (LD): My first interactions with a mainframe came in a technical sales role when I first started at IBM supporting a very large client in the insurance industry. My IBM career since then has allowed me to continue to interact with the mainframe community in a variety of roles from ecosystem development to marketing and from enablement to product management. In my most recent roles, I have helped launch a few mainframes, including the most successful one in a few decades, the IBM z16.
Maemalynn Meanor (MM): I've worked at the Linux Foundation for eight years and have managed a variety of open-source projects (both big and small) in edge computing, industrial, Internet of Things (IoT), networking, training, safety-critical, and others. About five years ago, I was asked to help launch Zowe, the integrated and extensible open-source framework for z/OS under the Open Mainframe Project.
Honestly, I wasn't familiar with mainframes at all. In fact, I thought they were antiquated machines that were being replaced by digital tech. Imagine my surprise to learn that this wasn't the case. After a successful launch with Zowe, I decided to stay with the Open Mainframe Project and help raise awareness for the project and open source on the mainframe.
Jade Walker (JW): My mainframe story started with participation at a Hackathon called SacHacks that was sponsored by IBM Z. After the hackathon, I was invited to a three-month mentorship to learn more about IBM Z. I really enjoyed learning about the versatility of the technology (data science, artificial intelligence (AI), processing power, etc.) and its proven track record. After the mentorship, I was hired by M&T Bank as an application developer in their ZDP program, a program specially designed to train new to Z professionals. I've been on the platform for two years now and have recently been promoted to application developer II.
Leanne Wilson (LW): In 2012, I became acquainted with the mainframe platform during my attendance at the Guide Share Europe (GSE) conference in the United Kingdom. The platform piqued my interest due to its critical role in global operations, despite my initial lack of familiarity. Subsequently, I decided to explore and engage with the mainframe, recognizing its significance in the technological landscape.
SHARE HQ: How did you first learn about SHARE?
LD: SHARE and mainframe technical community have been tied together as long as I can remember. I have tangentially supported many technical small- to mid-size enterprises (SMEs) and content for SHARE.
MM: I learned about SHARE as I was planning the launch of Zowe. Broadcom, IBM, and Rocket Software were all attending SHARE St. Louis and suggested we announce Zowe there. The feedback from attendees and media at the event was very positive. It was a great experience, and we've collaborated with SHARE on various sessions and Zowe Day since then.
JW: I first learned about SHARE through my mentor and 2024 IBM Champion Janet Sun. I'd also been seeing posts and pictures on LinkedIn from friends who had gone and also knew M&T colleagues and mentors like Derek Powe who had participated and spoken at SHARE.
LW: I first learned about SHARE from other colleagues who are active in the community.
SHARE HQ: What drew you to joining SHARE?
LD: In my role in product management, fortunately, I get to work with many of the technical SMEs and thought leaders who are big SHARE supporters. Amongst other things, they encouraged me to participate on the editorial board. It was great timing with the IBM mainframe 60th celebration coming up this year!
MM: Similar to Open Mainframe Project, SHARE has a very passionate community surrounding it. There's a lot of crossover as we have some of the same thought leaders and members, so it seemed only natural to join SHARE and help raise awareness for all of their activities as well as our collaboration.
JW: SHARE has an eminence in the mainframe world and is a gathering place for all things mainframe.
LW: My involvement with SHARE stems from my active participation in the mainframe community within the United Kingdom, fostered through my connections with GSE. Recognizing the advantages of engaging with multiple facets of the mainframe world, I found it logical and beneficial to extend my involvement to SHARE as well. It's all about maximizing opportunities and contributing to the broader mainframe community.
SHARE HQ: What are you passionate about at work, and what are you passionate about outside of work?
LD: I love story telling, writing, connecting the dots in complex processes or projects, translating deep technical content and concepts to provide business value for other audiences, motivating and helping up-and-coming members of the community. I take pride in getting things done! Outside of work, it’s all about my kids, family, church, the outdoors, and sports. In all things, I try to have a sense of purpose and a sense of humor.
MM: Open source has the power to change industries — from financial services to automotive, energy, healthcare, and everything in between. It levels the playing field and helps advance innovation. I'm passionate about supporting this community, particularly within this industry as some people are still new to open source on the mainframe.
Diversity and inclusion are a huge passion of mine inside and outside of the workplace. As a woman in technology, more importantly an Asian woman in technology, I've experienced my share of challenges.
I want to help create an inclusive world where people are free to be who they are without fear of rejection or embarrassment — where they can be creative and do their best work within a positive, supportive community. This is the primary reason I’m involved in The Linux Foundation's Software Developer Diversity & Inclusion (SDDI) Project and the Making Our Strong Community Stronger initiative (join the LinkedIn group).
JW: I'm passionate about designing, building, and testing applications. I like to build things. I've always been a naturally curious child. I asked a lot of questions and wanted to know how things worked. I'm also a creative thinker. I started coding in middle school during a summer school class (I think we were coding in C programming language). When I was 15 at home alone for summer break, I was bored so I entertained myself by learning HTML and hard coding my own websites.
Outside of work, I love building music. Right now, I'm obsessed with using AI tools to come up with wild music compilations. AI 19 Lab is an LLC I created for people in art and tech to experiment with AI tools and technology to help them grow in their careers and businesses. In 2024, I hope to roll out a lot more content that will inspire other technologists and musicians to earn a living, make a difference, and build a legacy.
LW: At work, my passion revolves around education and mentorship within the mainframe space. I find immense fulfilment in guiding and nurturing talent, fostering an environment where newcomers not only join the mainframe community, but also embark on a meaningful and enriching journey. The prospect of attracting fresh minds to the mainframe and contributing to their growth is truly exciting.
Outside of work, my passions revolve around music and new experiences. I also build lots of giant Lego.
SHARE HQ: What’s one piece of technology or technology news that you’re excited about?
LD: I am totally jazzed about the celebration activities we are pulling together for the mainframe’s 60th anniversary, as we talk about what value we deliver today in AI, quantum-safe, and cloud, but also imagining what the next 60 years will bring!
MM: I love COBOL and Zowe. Both have taught me a lot about mainframes - where we started and where we're going. I'm excited to see what milestones the Open Mainframe Project's Zowe, COBOL programming course, COBOL Check, and COBOL Working Group achieve this year.
JW: In the current technical ecosystem, I'm really excited by advancements in quantum computing. The emphasis on skill development and introducing new talent to the IBM Z ecosystem — specifically with a focus on cyber resiliency and quantum readiness, IBM Z has ensured robust security and innovation.
Another technology that I recently discovered is a blast from the past — the creation of ELIZA, a 1960s mainframe chatbot that laid the groundwork for modern AI. This journey into AI's past begins with a story from my mother, a lifelong mainframer and tech trailblazer. She told me about ELIZA, a program that could interact with users, acting as a precursor to modern AI. This revelation sparked my fascination with early technology and its connection to today's digital world.
LW: AI, modernization, and DevSecOps.
SHARE HQ: Tell us something about yourself that SHARE members may not already know.
LD: I come from a family with a long history of U.S. military service and served in the Naval Reserves myself as an officer for a decade. I am passionate about the military community.
MM: I'm terrified of clowns, spiders, and snakes, in that order.
JW: I love sushi and I'm a Star Trek fan.
LW: In addition to my mainframe-related activities and commitment to education, I also spend time learning to play the piano. It's a personal hobby that provides a different kind of balance from the tech-focused aspects of my life.