Devrims: How are things going Talisha? Tell our readers a bit about what you do?

Talisha: I own WPConnects, which is a company that is actively training US Military personnel and Military personnel that are separating from the military. We assist these amazing men and women with training and job placement, along with transition assistance.

Devrims: What was the story behind founding WPconnects? Do WPconnects have a specific outline for the veterans or do you assist them according to their need?

Talisha: A lot of my family have served in the US Armed forces in every branch. I have seen the struggle of my family and friends as they transition from their military careers into civilian life. Education and job placement can be a huge hurtle along with the daily nuances of civilian life. We want to do everything we can to assist these men and women. Our training is a 3 part training. It starts first as Credentialing assistance that these men and women have access to during their service in the military. Once they transition out they can apply to join our SkillBridge program which is a hands-on 12 week program. After the completion of the SkillBridge course our trainees can then apply to join our Apprenticeship program that leads into employment. While our training program is an outline, we do meet the needs of our
trainees. We have mentors that these men and women can use as a support system to assist them along their journey.

Devrims: Do the veterans find any difficulty making a career switch from military to WordPress?
And is there any difficulty for them in finding work afterwards?

Talisha: The men and women who have been actively engaged in our training program have not had a problem switching careers. These men and women are driven and want to succeed in their next career path. I love that we can get them linked into the community through platforms like PostStatus. WordPress is an amazing community and it’s easy for Military personnel to switch into our community.

Devrims: Tell us about your other venture: CertifyWP Foundation? How important credentialing is in WordPress in your opinion?

Talisha:

Devrims: Let’s do some quick rapid fire questions:

Devrims: What ignited your passion for WordPress and drove you to establish platforms that connect professionals and promote certification?

Talisha: I started my journey for WordPress during Covid. Then I became a part of the community with PostStatus and I haven’t looked back since. I have been a trainer for many different fields and it seems natural to mesh both. Once I started WPConnects and realised there was a lack in our training. We unfortunately were not able to start our trainees in WordPress right away. We had to use other Credentials and then transition them into WordPress. CertifyWP was a natural progression. CertifyWP has created industry approved credentials backed by our Advisory Board members and our Board of Directors. The potential for our Veterans and civilians across the globe is amazing.

Devrims: You have worked with WordPress a lot. What key elements do you look for in a Managed WordPress hosting?

Talisha: The main element we look for in hosting is speed and accessibility.

Devrims: The tech landscape is ever-evolving. What developments or expansions can we look
forward to from WP Connects and the CertifyWP Foundation in the coming years?

Talisha: WPConnects is looking to grow our reach through the next year. Our programs are fully funded now and we have 2 apprenticeship programs and funding for civilians now as well. We are looking to grow our reach in the coming year. CertifyWP is actively working on the back end developer credential. We hope to have it launched in the next 4-6 months. 2024 we will be focusing on partnering with training programs and connecting with more companies. We will also be focusing on the need for Credentials in our space.

Devrims: Apart from work, what activities do you like to do?

Talisha: I am an award winning Cherokee Nation Native American Basket weaver. When I am not engulfed in WPConnects and CertifyWP you will find me Weaving a basket, painting, or working on my farm.

Devrims: Can we have a peak at your workspace? 

Devrims: If someone is just starting with their WordPress journey, what advice will you give to
them?

Talisha: Do not get discouraged, learning something new takes time. Give yourself grace as you learn. Find a mentor and ask as many questions that you can. WordPress has very helpful and caring individuals that can help you on your journey.

Devrims: Who would you like us to interview next, name someone that had an influence on your
journey?

Talisha: Michelle Frechette is always my go to, and someone that I cannot do my business without. I’m not sure if you have interviewed her yet. She is truly an amazing person.