Kevin Wojton, Python Coding Learn and Lunch
Summary/Needed Materials:
Technology Workshop: Diving into coding/How to leverage
technology effectively
Topics covered:
- who I am, why are we learning these things. How technology can be applied
to any business
- context of what technology is out there. (HTML/CSS/C++/Java/Javascript/Python)
- why we try to use open source technology for web
applications (Python/Javascript)
- Python syntax discussion / go through basic coding
demonstration (basic syntax, types, functions)
- try to run through a simple exercise (ie put up an
example then have the people work on the problem)
- do another quick coding demonstration (if statements/for
loops)
- unwind all that we went over. Discuss how this is the foundation of coding,
and how it is important to master python before moving to web apps
- describe what django is and why we use django/python for web
applications
- talk about next possible steps if anyone wanted to learn
more (hack nights/coding workshops at Flux makerspace). Talk about how coding
is reachable even if you don't have any experience in software
development.
- talk about how to apply this knowledge to financial business/apps. Give
examples of work Flux does in this world, ie automating informational
dashboard.
- Talk about how Flux's culture and how it can be a resource for anyone or any
business.
- Talk about how exciting it is to be in CLE right now and
how the many many organizations Kevin is involved at are all working to create
a culture that helps the most amount of people.
Suggested Reading:
https://www.python.org/doc/essays/comparisons
https://www.python.org/doc/essays/comparisons/
http://www.djangoproject.com/
https://steelkiwi.com/blog/why-django-best-web-framework-your-project/
http://stackoverflow.com/
http://docs.python-guide.org/en/latest/intro/learning/
Required Materials:
- A laptop, mac is preferred but windows works too!
- an open mind, and an interest in helping others
Bio
Kevin Wojton, a Cleveland native, started his career working in investment
banking in NYC, and the in automated trading in Hong Kong. After spending ~4
years working in Finance Kevin transitioned to running high-growth technology
companies as software developer and business leader in NYC. Kevin was able to
help take a few technology companies from pre-revenue to series A/B funding,
and now is doing the same thing for companies here in Cleveland. Kevin is also
heavily involved in commercial real estate development in Cleveland, as well as
runs his own Opportunity Zone Fund. He and his partner initially moved back to
Cleveland almost two years ago to build Cleveland Rocks, an adaptive reuse
project in the historical Ohio City Masonic Center. Once open, this building
will become the home to the largest rock climbing gym in Ohio, and Flux
Makerspace. Flux teaches low-cost software development class, incubates local
software companies, and does software agency work companies across the US. Flux
works to create opportunity for those in the community. Over the past year,
Flux has taught over 100 people software development, and has successfully
incubated more than five high-growth technology companies. Wojton employs
his experience in fundraising, software development, and real estate to create
an ecosystem that generates the the next wave of innovators in Cleveland.
Wojton also founded the CLE OZ Fund, an Opportunity Zone fund that focuses on
high-impact, high-returning projects.
Kevin is laser focused on making Cleveland the next technology hub in the
United States. He firmly believes that there is more opportunity for
entrepreneurs in Cleveland, over anywhere else in the US. Kevin believes in the
power of technology to transform business, communities, and individuals.
Cleveland is at a tipping point and Kevin is excited to be here during
Cleveland's Renaissance.
