ColoradoBiz Magazine Meet the people who are leading the way for Colorado tech February 3, 2021 The Colorado Technology Association has named Helen Young Hayes its APEX Awards Talent Champion of the Year. Hayes, who founded Activate Workforce Solutions to create onramps to economic success, was recognized for supporting Colorado’s technology workforce. In 2020, Helen launched ActivateIT Powered by Per Scholas, a tuition-free technology training and professional development program to create equitable paths in IT for individuals seeking careers and employers seeking talent. The program offers students the ability to earn industry- recognized credentials for in-demand technology roles with growth potential. Once placed into a full-time career, ActivateIT graduates receive one-on-one professional development coaching for six months. In its first five years, ActivateIT will provide training and post-placement coaching to 500 individuals.