The summit invites students, professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, and community members to attend a full-day event featuring expert panels, interactive workshops, and networking sessions. Attendees will gain insights from top voices in technology and business on the opportunities and challenges AI presents.

"AI isn't here to replace us. It's here to evolve with us. It's a mirror of human imagination, a bridge across barriers, and a catalyst for possibility," said Ann Gonzales, president and CEO of the Carolinas Asian-American Chamber of Commerce. "This summit invites us to reimagine what's possible when we grow alongside technology, not against it."

"AI isn't just about the future. It's about what's possible today," said Joseph Little, associate dean of technology at Central Piedmont. "We're proud to host this event as part of our commitment to providing real-world education and workforce innovation."

AI Learning at Central Piedmont Community College 

Central Piedmont offers an associate degree in applied science in artificial intelligence technology and certificates in AI and machine learning. These programs blend hands-on learning with technical training to prepare students for careers in data science, automation, and intelligent systems. 

Event Highlights 

• Tiffany Benitez, head of data governance at Compass Group USA, will share insights on AI-driven risk management and analytics. 
• Celestine Pressley, executive partner at Gartner, will speak on the future of enterprise technology and innovation. 
• Antonio Mañueco, managing principal consultant at SEI, will break down the real-world implementation of AI tools. 
• Sreenath Gotur, senior generative AI specialist at Amazon Web Services, will provide a look at cutting-edge developments in generative AI. 
• Linda Yang, executive director of information strategy at Family Health Initiatives, will explore the intersection of AI and public health. 

Other sessions include industry roundtables, exhibitor showcases, and a closing social hour for networking. An AI-powered event app will help attendees connect and navigate throughout the day. 

Registration is free and open to the public. An optional networking lunch is available for $21. Seating is limited, and advance registration is encouraged. 

Central Piedmont Community College is calling aspiring actors, dancers, singers, and behind-the-scenes creatives to the stage for its 2025 Summer Theatre Academy, a four-week immersive program designed to unlock talent and build confidence in students ages 15 and older.

Running June 30 through July 27, the academy culminates in a full-scale production of "SpongeBob the Musical" at the Halton Theater. Participation costs just $400 and is a high-quality performing arts opportunity for students across the region.

"This program offers more than just theater training," said James Duke, drama instructor at Central Piedmont. "It builds confidence, fosters collaboration, and creates community. It's about young people finding their voice and discovering what they're capable of, whether on stage or off."

Open to all levels of experience, the academy includes hands-on instruction in acting, choreography, puppetry, vocal technique, stage combat, lighting and sound design, and more. It serves as both a creative outlet and a bridge to personal development, particularly for students seeking community, mentorship, and new ways to express themselves.

Why it matters:

The Summer Theatre Academy reflects Central Piedmont's broader mission to provide accessible, life-changing education. At a time when young people need connection, purpose, and safe spaces to grow, this program offers exactly that through the unifying power of the arts. 

Program benefits include: 

• Expert training in a supportive, inclusive environment 
• Development of transferable life skills: communication, collaboration, and creativity 
• Real-world production experience on a professional stage 
• Affordable access to enriching summer programming 

Enrollment is limited, and spots are filling fast. Register or learn more.

This summer, Charlotte's next generation of storytellers will take center stage. Join us for a season of growth, creativity, and celebration. 

Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. (CEENTA) and Central Piedmont Community College are deepening their longstanding partnership with the launch of a new apprenticeship program. This innovative six-month, earn-while-you-learn program is designed to prepare students for careers as certified Ophthalmic Assistants -- a critical but often understaffed role in the eye care industry. 

In collaboration with Central Piedmont's Ophthalmic Medical Personnel (OMP) program, the new apprenticeship offers a blend of classroom instruction, hands-on training in state-of-the-art labs, and immersive clinical experience at CEENTA locations across the region. Participants will receive paid clinical training while gaining practical experience in specialties such as general ophthalmology, retina, cornea, glaucoma, pediatrics, neuro-ophthalmology, and oculoplastics. 

A three-phase pathway to certification and employment 

The program includes three phases: 

• Starting Aug. 18, students will begin their journey at the college's Central Campus, learning medical terminology, ophthalmic science, and clinical techniques in a 15,000 sq. ft. simulation center under the instruction of nationally accredited faculty.  
• As the program progresses, participants will split their time between OMP coursework and real-world experience in CEENTA clinics.  
• The final phase features full clinical immersion and side-by-side training with CEENTA's physicians and technicians. 

Graduates will be eligible to sit for the Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA) exam and will receive a guaranteed job offer at CEENTA upon successful completion. In return, participants commit to a two-year employment agreement as full-time ophthalmic assistants. 

"This partnership represents a powerful step forward in addressing the growing demand for skilled eye care professionals," said Kathleen Rodgers, Central Piedmont's department chair of Ophthalmic Medical Personnel. "By combining CEENTA's clinical excellence with Central Piedmont's educational leadership, we're creating a sustainable pipeline of eye care workers who are ready to make an immediate impact in patient care. It's a win for students, a win for our community, and a win for the future of healthcare." 

A community-centered solution to a workforce shortage

Since 2013, CEENTA has been a proud clinical partner of the college's Ophthalmic Medical Personnel program, hiring graduates from the program's earliest cohorts. The new apprenticeship directly addresses the region's growing need for qualified eye care professionals. For the first time, CEENTA will sponsor tuition, fees, and books for selected apprentices, eliminating financial barriers for those eager to enter the field. 

CEENTA has also partnered with Central Piedmont since 2017 on the Angie Madigan Ophthalmic Medical Assisting (OMA) Scholarship, which is available to students enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in the ophthalmic medical personnel program. 

"We're pleased to work with Central Piedmont as we transition our long-standing Ophthalmic Assistant training program into a new collaborative model," said Judy Moore, CEENTA's Chief Operating Officer. "This partnership allows CEENTA to provide hands-on clinical experience while Central Piedmont leads classroom instruction, combining education and real-world training to invest in the future of healthcare and the communities they serve. Together, we're opening a path for individuals to develop practical skills and launch meaningful careers in eye care -- supporting CEENTA's doctors in delivering the highest quality care to patients across the region." 

How to apply

Ideal candidates include recent high school or college graduates, career changers, or anyone interested in a fast, affordable entry into healthcare. Applications are open now, with a deadline of June 23.