Digital From Day 1 Podcast

Barbara Dunlap is the Coordinator for the AEP Transmission Co-op and Internship Program and responsible for building a pipeline of talent focused on the newest generation of engineers.

Through on-campus engagements with organizations like IEEE, NSBE, SWE, SHPE, and SASE, Ms. Dunlap is tasked with strengthening strategic relationships, developing retention strategies, and expanding engagement programs for K-12 schools that will assist with building talent for the future of energy. In addition, she serves on the executive boards of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), one of the largest student-governed organizations based in the United States.

Prior to taking her current role with the AEP Transmission Business Operations department in 2017, Ms. Dunlap was a Transmission Line Engineer with American Electric Power for 11 years and the single point of contact for the public utility and transportation relocation projects.

Barbara proudly hails from Cleveland, Ohio with strong ties to West Point, Mississippi. Armed with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering Technology from the University of Toledo and a MBA with a focus on Leadership from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio. Barbara is honored to be a Spring 2022 doctoral candidate at Ashland University. She plans to change the world by applying research to develop effective, evidence-informed solutions.

Cory Tressler is the Director of Learning Programs & Digital Flagship at The Ohio State University. He holds  an undergraduate and degree from OSU and master of arts in teaching degrees from OSU and the University of South Carolina. He has been an elementary school teacher and an administrator in South Carolina, where he helped create virtual learning and technology rich classroom experiences for over 20,000 k12 students. At OSU has helped lead the Digital First initiative, assisting with the development of public iTunes U courses, the OSU Marching Band iPad program, and the Digital First Impact Grant. In 2014, he was co-author and PI of the College Ready Ohio Straight A Grant. In 2017, he helped launch Digital Flagship, which is a large-scale partnership between Ohio State and Apple focused on providing students with mobile technology to enhance their academic and career readiness, provide coding curriculum for any interested student, and embracing mobile app development opportunities at the enterprise and individual levels. 

Kristen Gillenwater is the TECH CORPS Regional Manager for Central Ohio. Gillenwater manages program implementation and operations for TECH CORPS in the Central Ohio region. Gillenwater has over 15 years of experience building strategic partnerships within the Columbus community. She is a graduate of Otterbein University, with a Computer Science major. Kristen is an active volunteer and member of the community, giving back through organizations such as 100 Women of Westerville, the Boy Scouts of America and the Westerville North Theatre Department. 

Tanya McClanahan is the Supervisor of Higher Education Partnerships Division for Columbus City Schools,   Ohio's largest school district serving over 50,000 students. She has 20 years of experience in the educational arena including curriculum planning, project management, recruitment and retention initiatives and community affairs. HEP establishes collaborative relationships to address urban school reform between Columbus City Schools and Higher Education Institutions where partners commit to collaborate in order to improve the access, retention, and completion of postsecondary education through highly targeted initiatives and maximized use of resources. The Higher Education Partnership Division also serves as the district’s main contact for College Credit Plus programs and partnerships.