Global Digital Needs Agency (g/d/n/a) today announced the official launch of Global Digital Access Collaborative (gD@C), a new nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting communities to the innovation economy. Through its flagship techShift program, gD@C has already launched ten careers, moving individuals from non-technical backgrounds into sustainable technology positions with an 80% employment rate within 90 days of program completion.
Backed by g/d/n/a's cloud-native and AI infrastructure, gD@C operates as a neutral coordination layer that delivers early-stage scaffolding for workforce development, founder enablement, and community-aligned innovation. techShift represents the organization's first program in what will become a growing portfolio addressing systemic barriers to tech career access.
"We're not building another training program," said Will Horn, founder of gD@C and CEO of g/d/n/a. "We're building the connective infrastructure that communities need to turn ambition into outcomes. techShift proves the model works — real people with no technical background are now building cloud infrastructure for enterprise clients."
Proven Model, Real Outcomes
"techShift propelled me from retail to RevOps intern at g/d/n/a," said Brian Rowe, who now serves as techShift Program Lead. "I learned how to turn bold ideas into real-world opportunities for startups by gaining the tools and confidence to drive business impact."
The program's three specialized tracks serve different populations entering the technology workforce:
- openShift provides comprehensive, 6+ month career transformation for individuals with no technical background.
- quickShift offers 30-45 day intensive specialization for experienced developers (2+ years) seeking cloud-native expertise.
- channelShift bridges business acumen with technical fluency for college graduates entering AWS partner ecosystem roles.
The program combines hands-on training in cloud computing, AI, and modern development practices with real-world project experience through gdna.io client engagements and open-source contributions. Participants build professional portfolios while earning AWS certifications and receiving direct employment placement support.
"In the first 50 days, I went from beginner to driving real impact," said Bryce Freshwater, TechOps and Cloud Engineer. "techShift gave me what I wouldn't find in any typical entry-level role."
Daria Schwab, who completed techShift and now leads marketing for g/d/n/a as well as gD@C, added, "I found not just skills, but a community and a future. Now I help others find theirs."
Strategic Partnership with AWS
gD@C's techShift program aligns directly with Amazon Web Services' Skills-to-Jobs initiative, which seeks boots-on-ground partners delivering measurable workforce outcomes. The partnership ensures curriculum relevance, provides participants with access to AWS training resources and certification pathways, and connects graduates to the broader AWS partner ecosystem.
"The journey gD@C participants take is exactly why community matters. What stands out immediately is not just the commitment to learning, but the willingness to lift others as they grow. I've watched gD@C graduates like Brian Rowe build and lead thriving AWS communities in Charleston and Atlanta, creating real pathways for people to connect, learn, and step into new opportunities. His story is a powerful example of what's possible with gD@C when community and access come together," said Demario Bell, Sr. Community Manager, North America, AWS
"gD@C's model creates exactly the kind of transformation stories that inspire entire communities," said Carlie Marvel, Sr. Content Marketing Manager, AWS Marketing Developer Relations. "Programs like techShift don't just train individuals — they produce graduates who become pathway builders themselves. What we're seeing from gD@C is proof of what's possible when talent meets opportunity, and that opportunity is now compounding as graduates create new pathways for others to rise alongside them."
Addressing Workforce Gaps Through Coordination
The technology sector faces significant challenges in developing and retaining qualified talent for cloud engineering, DevOps, and solutions architecture roles. Simultaneously, workers in traditional industries seek pathways into higher-wage, growing careers but face barriers including cost, lack of relevant networks, and unclear entry points.
gD@C addresses this disconnect by coordinating multiple ecosystem players — technology companies, educational institutions, community organizations, and economic development agencies — into aligned partnerships that produce sustained outcomes rather than episodic programming.
The organization's capability backing distinguishes it from traditional training programs. Participants learn on real AWS infrastructure, work on actual client projects through gdna.io, and integrate directly into the g/d/n/a ecosystem and partner network. This practical approach ensures employment outcomes aren't just strong — they're sustainable.
Local Impact, Scalable Model
Based in Charleston, South Carolina, gD@C demonstrates how community-based programs can create measurable economic impact. Beyond individual career transformations, the organization contributes to local talent retention, supports regional economic development goals, and helps establish Charleston as a hub for cloud-native technology talent.
Partnerships with Build Carolina, local economic development organizations, and regional educational institutions create referral pathways and ensure program accessibility for diverse populations including career changers, veterans, and underemployed professionals.
"I am excited to see how the Global Digital Access Collaborative (gD@C) continues to grow. These innovative community-based programs are crucial for establishing Charleston as a hub for artificial intelligence. They also support regional economic development and create learning opportunities for our students at the College of Charleston," said Lancie Affonso, College of Charleston Senior Instructor of Computer Science, Entrepreneurship, and Management, Honors College Faculty Fellow, and Director of the Honors College STEAM-ELLC.
Looking Forward
With their nonprofit status officially established, gD@C is positioned to scale techShift regionally and nationally while expanding its programming portfolio to include founder enablement, data literacy initiatives, and SMB modernization support.
The organization actively seeks partnerships with employers looking for cloud-native talent, educational institutions interested in curriculum alignment, and funding partners committed to evidence-based workforce development. techShift operates at no cost to participants through a combination of corporate sponsorships, grants, and philanthropic support.
Applications for techShift are now open as of June 15, 2026. Interested participants, partners, and supporters can learn more at joingdac.org.
About Global Digital Needs Agency (g/d/n/a)
Global Digital Needs Agency (g/d/n/a) is a cloud-native execution engine delivering rapid modernization, AI-integrated workflows, and governed systems on AWS infrastructure. GDNA.AI provides the intelligence platform powering agentic workflows and outcome-as-a-service models. Together with gD@C, the three entities form an integrated opportunity engine combining commercial capability, civic coordination, and technical infrastructure. Learn more at gdna.io and gdna.ai.
About Global Digital Access Collaborative (gD@C)
Global Digital Access Collaborative (gD@C) is a nonprofit organization connecting communities to the innovation economy through neutral coordination, digital infrastructure, and capability-backed development programs. Operating from Charleston, South Carolina, gD@C delivers early-stage scaffolding that turns individual ambition and community potential into sustainable economic outcomes. techShift is gD@C's flagship workforce development program, with additional initiatives in founder support, institutional alignment, and community-level AI adoption planned for 2026 and beyond. Learn more at joingdac.org.
Media Contact
Daria Schwab
Global Digital Needs Agency (g/d/n/a)
daria@gdna.io
