For four students from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, learning about digital infrastructure recently moved beyond the classroom. Through the Nomad Futurist Foundation, they had the opportunity to step inside one of the world’s most advanced data centers operated by Aligned Data Centers, experiencing firsthand the infrastructure that powers artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and the modern digital economy.
While nearly everyone relies on digital infrastructure every day, few people ever have the opportunity to see the facilities that make modern life possible. Data centers remain one of the least understood yet most essential industries supporting AI, cloud services, healthcare, finance, education, and global communications. Experiences like these help demystify the industry while inspiring future leaders.
The exclusive data center tour included thoughtful discussions about the future of the digital infrastructure industry, AI infrastructure, sustainability, and workforce development, followed by lunch and a behind-the-scenes tour of Aligned’s facility. Students explored the server hall, hot rack areas, and the critical systems that keep the digital world running, gaining a firsthand appreciation for the planning, engineering, and operational excellence behind modern data centers — truly the “plumbers of the internet.”
Since first being introduced to the Foundation just a few months ago, two of the attendees, Prathyaj Mantha and Josette Souza, have become Nomad Futurist Student Advocates, continuing to engage with our community and mission.
Reflecting on the experience, Prathyaj shared:
“Peeking inside the data center… was truly educational. It would surprise many people how much detail and thought goes into ensuring data centers are designed to be environmentally conscious while also providing a service we all use every day. I am grateful to the Nomad Futurist community for giving me this opportunity to let me peek into the ‘plumbing of the digital world.’”
Josette added:
“I will never forget my site visit with Aligned. It’s one thing to study the data center industry, and it’s another to walk its halls. This opportunity gave me the hands-on experience I needed to take my career journey to the next level. I am deeply grateful to Nomad Futurist and Aligned’s Phill Lawson-Shanks (PLS) and Ben Gilman for their generosity of time and spirit.”
We also extend our sincere thanks to PLS, Ben, and the entire Aligned Data Centers team for welcoming our students, opening their facility, and sharing their time and expertise. We also thank all four UVA Darden students for their curiosity and engagement, and Nomad Futurist Foundation Dan Ephraim for helping establish the connection between UVA Darden and the Nomad Futurist Foundation that made this experience possible.
Experiences like this represent just one aspect of the Nomad Futurist Foundation’s broader mission to educate, inspire, and connect the next generation of digital infrastructure professionals. Through university partnerships, scholarships, mentoring, ambassador programs, podcasts, and the Nomad Futurist Academy, the Foundation is building pathways into one of the world’s fastest-growing industries.
Whether you’re a student looking to explore a career in digital infrastructure or an industry professional interested in mentoring, hosting a facility tour, or sharing your expertise, we’d love to connect. Together, we can continue educating, inspiring, and connecting the next generation of industry leaders.
To get involved, contact us at enquiry@nomadfuturist.org.
About Nomad Futurist
The Nomad Futurist Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to demystifying digital infrastructure and accelerating workforce development in the AI era. Through university partnerships, global ambassador programs, scholarships, and the Nomad Futurist Academy, the Foundation connects industry expertise with the next generation of leaders shaping the digital economy.
To learn more about the Nomad Futurist Foundation, please click here.
