Author: sHq_LoGiNz

Verizon
By Frances Moffett

At a glance

• Free courses build a foundation for AI skills: Rifat Kabir Sharna used free Verizon skill-development courses to build AI skills and strengthen her knowledge of Python programming, leadership and workplace communication while preparing for graduate study. 
• New AI skills drive confidence: The certifications she earned through Verizon’s programs helped strengthen her technical foundation and confidence; she was later accepted into four of the five graduate programs she applied to for a master’s degree in computer science with a focus on AI.
• Putting AI skills to work in school: Sharna uses AI to research course material and improve her writing, while also building her knowledge through AI coursework and participation in her school’s AI club.

When Rifat Kabir Sharna moved with her husband from Bangladesh to Columbus, Ohio, in November 2023, she hoped to build her career in technology. Although she had experience in tech and media, she knew she would need to deepen her expertise to establish herself professionally in the United States.

But transitioning to a new country meant starting from scratch in many ways. Daunted by the high costs of education, Sharna sought out no-cost opportunities to further her learning. Through Verizon’s free skill-development programs, she earned certifications in programming, leadership and communication, and workplace diversity.

Those courses strengthened her technical foundation and confidence, helping prepare her to pursue a master’s degree in computer science, with a focus on AI, in 2025. Sharna’s experience reflects the goal of Verizon AI Skills for America, which offers free AI training and certifications to help people build skills for an AI-driven workplace.

How free certifications laid the groundwork

Sharna has been intentional about her educational journey since she’s been in the United States. Through Verizon’s skill-development programs, she has earned a certification in leadership and communication from Harvard University, a diversity certification from Rice University, as well as a certification in Python programming.
 

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“It was a great opportunity to take these certification courses free of cost while developing both my technical and professional skills,” Sharna says. “Completing the leadership and workplace diversity courses gave me confidence that I could succeed in graduate-level business coursework. The Python Programming Professional Certificate was also especially valuable because I believe it helped demonstrate to graduate admissions committees that I had the technical foundation needed to pursue graduate study in computer science or information systems.”

That foundation produced tangible results. A year after earning her certifications, Sharna was accepted into four out of the five data science, information systems and computer science graduate programs she applied to.

“That felt like a major accomplishment and gave me much more confidence in my academic and professional path,” she says. Sharna also presented two projects at her graduate program’s annual conference—something she says she “never imagined” being able to do before.

Why AI skills matter for the future of work

Sharna now participates in her school’s AI club and takes courses in knowledge-based AI and game AI. She also uses AI regularly to research course materials and polish her writing.

“[Using AI] can feel like having a knowledgeable buddy who can quickly provide useful information and point me toward credible sources, which saves a lot of time,” she says.

Sharna sees fluency with these tools and the development of AI capabilities as increasingly important for anyone who is entering the workforce. 

“We are living in a time when AI is rapidly becoming part of how people work, learn and solve problems,” she explains. “AI can save a great deal of time and effort, and many businesses are increasingly looking for people who understand how to use these tools both effectively and responsibly.”

Sharna encourages anyone interested in AI to experiment with it, and credits Verizon’s programs with giving her a structured way to learn and build confidence along the way.

“To someone considering Verizon’s AI training and resources, I would say, go for it,” she says. “Learning these skills can open new possibilities, and you are unlikely to regret investing in your own development.”

Ready to build your AI skills? Verizon AI Skills for America offers free access to AI training, certifications and resources designed to help workers prepare for the evolving AI economy.

An individual user’s experience may vary and results are not guaranteed.

Rabies is one of humanity’s oldest known zoonotic diseases: terrifying, yet entirely preventable. For Dr. Andre Coetzer, a virologist leading GARC- Rabies Alliance (GARC), the journey began as an academic fascination and became a personal mission. Working in resource-limited communities across Africa and Asia, he has seen the fear rabies causes, as well as the needless loss that follows when solutions, especially dog vaccinations and rapid response after contact with a rabid dog, aren’t deployed.

In this interview, Dr. Coetzer explains what the “Zero by 30” goal means, why practical government leadership matters more than political declarations, and how mobile technology, community education, and partnerships with private companies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can accelerate progress in rabies prevention.

Dr. Coetzer is Chief Executive Officer of GARC. Before his appointment, he served as Technical Director with the organization and brings hands-on experience advancing rabies elimination in communities with limited healthcare resources. He strongly believes in advocacy and in celebrating every win, no matter how small.

You and rabies—why this cause?
It started as an academic interest. By training, I am an academic—I have a PhD in virology—and rabies fascinated me. It’s an ancient (think Mesopotamian times), complex zoonotic disease, and we’re still learning about it. But once I began working in resource-limited countries in Africa and Asia, it became personal. I’ve seen rabid dogs and the fear they cause in communities. Every death, be it human or animal, is preventable, and knowing the solution exists, is what motivates me to keep going.

“Zero by 30” can sound abstract. What does success actually mean?
The goal is zero human deaths from dog-mediated rabies by 2030. When we vaccinate enough dogs, we eliminate rabies in people—and ultimately in animals. The impact goes far beyond one disease: safer communities, better animal welfare, and stronger public health systems. Building capacity for rabies elimination builds capacity for other diseases too: it’s classic One Health in action.
 

“At the end of the day, only one metric really matters: seeing rabies cases decline.”
Dr. Andre Coetzer, rabies expert, on ending human deaths from dog-mediated rabies

With four years to go, what do we need to accelerate progress in rabies elimination?
We have to be honest: 2030 for a world free from dog-mediated rabies is unlikely, but the target is essential because it drives action. What’s needed now is a shift from political prioritization to practical action. Governments must fund rabies control—vaccines, resources, and community engagement—and lead their own efforts. International partners, including companies, can play an important supportive role by helping strengthen those government‑led strategies. For example, collaborative initiatives like Stop Rabies work with local authorities to expand vaccination, education, and surveillance, showing how external support can reinforce national elimination plans without replacing them.

Beyond funding, what’s the policy lever that’s most overlooked?
Advocacy to decision makers. I often see successful programs that aren’t being showcased to the people holding the purse strings. If leaders don’t see the results, funding stalls. We need governments, and the international community, to tell the story of success (no matter how small), clearly and consistently.

Where does technology make the biggest difference?
Mobile app technology is available but still underutilized in endemic countries. It gives us tangible proof of where vaccinations and education are happening, replaces paper forms, and helps map bite cases and vaccination coverage. That visibility drives more accurate targeting, better surveillance, as well as stronger fundraising and advocacy.

Rabies prevention: Stop Rabies impact since 2023

• Over 745,000 children educated on prevention and health
• 131.5 million vaccination doses provided in endemic countries
• 20 projects worldwide to protect human life and animal health

About World Rabies Day World Rabies Day is a global awareness day led by GARC and observed annually on 28 September. It brings together communities, healthcare professionals, veterinarians, and policymakers to promote rabies prevention through vaccination, education, and collaboration. The 2026 theme, “Stronger Together” highlights the importance of cross-sector partnerships and a One Health approach in the fight against rabies.

Read the whole piece on Imagine – Boehringer Ingelheim’s sustainability story hub.

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – KeyBank, Real Salt Lake (RSL), Utah Royals FC and RISE Athletics Foundation recently celebrated the two-year anniversary of the West Valley Futsal Courts at Centennial Park in West Valley City, Utah, recognizing two years of expanded access to sports, recreation and community connection for local youth and families.

Since opening in 2024, the courts have served as a hub for youth programming, pickup games, skills development and community events, creating opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged. The anniversary celebration brought together families, athletes and community members for an evening of futsal activities, music, food and appearances by players from Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC. 

“Two years ago, we joined together with our partners to invest in a space where young people could stay active, build confidence and connect through sport,” said Drew Yergensen, Utah Market President for KeyBank. “Today, we’re proud to celebrate the positive impact these courts have had on the community and the countless memories that have been created here.” 

“These courts represent much more than a place to play,” said Kyle Schroeder, RSL Vice President of Community and Player Engagement. “They are a symbol of what’s possible when professional sports organizations, businesses and community partners work together to remove barriers and create opportunities for young people. We’re thrilled to celebrate the second anniversary of a project that continues to inspire participation and foster a love of the game.” 

The courts were created through a partnership between KeyBank, Real Salt Lake, Utah Royals FC and RISE Athletics Foundation to increase access to recreation and strengthen community engagement in West Valley City. The partners remain committed to creating opportunities that help youth and families learn, play and thrive.