Building Momentum in Tech: IT & Tech Forum Inspires Maple Ridge Job Seekers
February 12, 2026
On January 22nd, the Maple Ridge WorkBC Centre brought together more than 70 aspiring and emerging tech professionals for its IT & Tech Forum. This energizing event was designed to connect job seekers with industry leaders, practical insights, and real-world career pathways.
The forum created a dynamic space where conversations went beyond trends like cybersecurity and AI evolution, focusing instead on the people behind the technology – talented, curious, and resilient individuals looking to build meaningful careers in IT and Tech.
A panel of experienced industry professionals shared candid insights about navigating careers in tech, emphasizing the grit, adaptability, and personal ownership required to succeed.
Parul Kharub, a panelist, reflected on the impact of the event:
“Walking into a room of 70+ eager individuals was a powerful reminder: behind every ‘Cybersecurity Trend’ or ‘AI Evolution’ we discuss, there are humans looking to build a future in this space.
We didn’t just talk about tech; we had a real conversation about the grit required to navigate careers in IT, Cybersecurity, and Risk — and how every failure is a real powerhouse for the success that follows it.”
She added:
“Thank you immensely for making me part of the wonderful community at Maple Ridge — my heart and soul came back full yesterday.”
Fellow panelist Mark Fuellbrandt noted:
“I would have loved to attend an event like that when I was at the start and transition points of my career. Congrats on running such a successful event.”
Blake Mitchell, panelist, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the strong engagement in the room:
“You created a strong space for people to connect, learn, and take real next steps. The turnout and energy in the room showed how much momentum we have in this community.”
Chandni Roy, another panelist, described the forum as “well-organized” and “packed with insights and different points of view,” adding that the thoughtful questions and audience engagement made the conversation especially meaningful.
The impact was equally clear from attendees:
- “The expert panel were very helpful for building a career in tech.” – Alicja
- “I truly enjoyed today’s session… Thank you for organizing such impactful platforms for the community.” – Jayshree
- “What a wonderful panel.” – Aalika
Throughout the session, panelists reinforced two powerful takeaways for participants:
- Attitude often matters more than aptitude.
- Be the owner of your brand and how you make a difference in the real world.
By creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue, networking, and practical learning, the Maple Ridge WorkBC Centre continues to support job seekers in gaining clarity, confidence, and connection as they pursue careers in high-demand sectors.
