Grit and Growth:
Success Stories

Last week, a group of Information Infrastructure Pre-Apprenticeship (I2PA) trainees and interns had the rare opportunity to step inside the future—literally. Together with education partners, we toured the Amazon Web Services (AWS) construction site in Madison County, where five data centers are currently in various phases of construction.

More than 30 students, interns, and educators got a front-row view of the massive scale and complex systems powering AWS’s operations. One highlight: walking through an unfinished data center to see the electrical and mechanical infrastructure in progress. It’s one thing to talk about technology—it’s another to stand in the middle of it as it’s being built.

After the tour, trainees heard from Joe Lackey of AWS and leaders from Yates Construction about their personal career journeys. Some came through four-year degrees, others through the trades. Some were driven by opportunity, others by purpose. Each story drove home the same message: there’s more than one path to a great career. That message resonated deeply with our students, many of whom are just beginning their journey.

For me, I’ve seen this kind of progress at AWS sites around the country—and right here in central Mississippi. I’ve seen innovation, efficiency, and scale. But seeing it through the eyes of young people—many of whom are from right here in our communities—was a powerful reminder of just how transformational this work really is.

This isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about opportunity.

People like Mike Berman and Nicholas Lee-Romagnolo from AWS are bringing that same energy to workforce training. Their ability to take someone with grit and aptitude and, in just four weeks, prepare them for entry-level work or continued training that leads to the kind of life with two cars and a boat—is nothing short of remarkable.

Then Mississippi’s workforce leaders take it even further. Through partnerships with Holmes Community College, Hinds Community College, Build Mississippi, and others—and with support from AccelerateMS —students have access to 8-week training programs in construction, HVAC, electrical systems, and information infrastructure. These programs are designed to lead directly to high-wage, high-demand careers.

I grew up in a Mississippi that was often ranked last—or close to it. That always bothered me, because this place was home. It was full of hardworking people who taught me everything I know. And I believe many in my generation made a quiet decision to change that narrative.

Thanks to strong state and local leadership—and the relentless grit of Mississippians—we’re no longer the ones asking how it’s done. Now, other states are asking us.

The answer? Relationships and work. Relationships with people who open doors, and people who show up early, stay late, and care deeply about their community. The kind of work that’s hard—but meaningful.

And this is just the beginning. Programs like I2PA, Step Up, and Reconnect are designed to take our next generation along for the ride. Just look at the excitement in their eyes. They see what’s possible—and they’re ready to lead.

They aren’t just preparing for the future.
They are the future.
And that future is already under construction—right here in Mississippi.

Interns Payton Boyd, Daniel Dear, and Thomas Kraman pictured after touring the AWS construction site in Madison County.