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In episode seven of Small Business Stories, hosted by the Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Louisiana Catalyst, Monroe native EJ Maxwell, founder of EJ Maxx Solutions, shared her mission to bring high-tech training and workforce opportunities home to Northeast Louisiana. With decades of corporate I.T. experience and a heart for her community, Maxwell is building a local pipeline of tech talent—one student at a time.
From Global Tech Leader to Monroe Mentor
Maxwell’s tech journey began in Monroe and took her across the country through a long career at State Farm Insurance. Over 30 years, she managed I.T. teams nationwide and internationally—including remote teams in India and Jerusalem. After retiring in 2018, she launched EJ Maxx Solutions, a software application development firm based in Monroe, and later founded the nonprofit BDPA STEM Academy to train young people for tech careers.
“I wanted to give others the skills I had learned,” she said. “Coding, networking, data management—these are tools that can change lives.”
IT Summer Splash: Engaging Monroe’s Youth
One of Maxwell’s biggest initiatives is the I.T. Summer Splash, a hands-on, week-long camp launching July 24. Aimed at students in grades 10–12 and young adults ages 20–28, the camp introduces participants to coding, networking, mental wellness, and career development in a fun, encouraging environment.
“We’re targeting students from underserved communities—those who might not go to college,” Maxwell explained. “We’re showing them that a tech career is possible, and they can stay right here in Monroe to do it.”
Building a Local Tech Ecosystem
Beyond training, EJ Maxx Solutions and BDPA focus on reducing barriers to employment. From workforce certifications to wraparound services and mentorship, the goal is to develop fully prepared professionals who can compete in today’s digital economy—especially in remote jobs.
Maxwell’s efforts are complemented by partnerships with global tech firms like Google, Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, and Amazon Cloud, who support her academy’s mission through mentorship and career fairs.
“There are 750,000 I.T. jobs just in the U.S. government,” Maxwell said. “We need to make sure Monroe is part of that conversation.”
A New Future at Benoit
Louisiana Catalyst’s upcoming renovations at the Benoit Community Center align perfectly with Maxwell’s goals. The expanded space will offer free high-speed internet and coworking areas for remote workers and newly certified tech professionals.
“Not everyone can work from home, but now they’ll have somewhere to go—and Catalyst is creating that space,” said Maxwell. “It’s another step in removing barriers and building up Monroe’s workforce.”
Changing Lives, One Skill at a Time
Through EJ Maxx Solutions and BDPA, Maxwell is showing students that they can stay in their community, build successful careers, and shape the future of Monroe. “You don’t have to leave to succeed,” she said. “If you can read and do a little math, you can do anything.”
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