Rhiannon Pleins (she, her) - IT Specialist
Mom. Dogs. Slurpees. Halloween.
As IT at the academy, Rhiannon is excited about technology meeting the community of Detroit. She enjoys seeing the progress and creativity flow through the academy by means of a different way of thinking.
Prior to joining the academy, Rhiannon worked with Apple ten years as a Genius. Rhiannon has worked with technology as it has evolved the past two decades.
When not at the academy, Rhiannon enjoys spending time with her son, listening to music, Halloween, being outdoors/next to the pool and Slurpee Tuesdays with her son.
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What would your fellow mentors say your greatest strengths are?
Well, number one and most important: snackies. I’m a mom. I always have that impeccable timing and power of pulling out the Mary Poppins bag of snackies.
I provide an exciting, fun workspace as well. I’m quick with a joke while being able to support the needs of others around me.
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If you were to offer students one piece of advice as they start their journey at the Academy, what would it be?
To ask as many questions as possible, and often! This year is going to fly by. Remember to take it all in. Also, stay weird.
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Have you always wanted to work in tech? What is your personal history with tech?
I did not. My dad built PC’s growing up and I just never got into it. I went on to work as a genius for Apple for a number of years. Turns out I maybe should have watched him build computers all those years.
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What was your experience with coding, tech, iOS, or entrepreneurship before the Academy?
I have a proficient background with Apple prior to the academy. I was with Apple ten years. I also worked with video games in the past.
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What made you want to be a mentor? What are you most excited about?
As soon as I heard about the academy, I knew. I had to find a way to be a part of it. I knew I wanted to be included in such a pivotal moment in Detroit. I knew what kind of creativity could come out of the academy. A partnership with Apple and MSU was really the best way to start something so amazing.
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Where are you from and where do you live now?
I am from Detroit. I grew up in Roseville and am still there to this day.