At Nomad Futurist, we believe that inspiring the next generation of tech leaders starts with exposure — giving them a firsthand look at the digital infrastructure shaping our world. That’s why we’re proud to co-organize exclusive, behind-the-scenes data center tours that educate, spark curiosity, and ignite new possibilities.
Last month, we teamed up with the Green Building Initiative (GBI) and fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (1547) to welcome students, educators, and industry newcomers into 1547’s Chicago CHILD2 data center. This immersive experience offered a rare, close-up view of one of the most vital — yet often invisible — components of our digital ecosystem.
The Nomad Futurist Foundation was proudly represented by Co-Founder Phillip Koblence, Managing Director Phill Lawson-Shanks, Advisors Mark Gusakov and Bill Kleyman, and Ambassador Brian Jabeck. Together, they introduced the Nomad Futurist Academy, shared our mission to demystify digital infrastructure, and sparked thoughtful conversations about workforce development, education, and the future of technology.
Adding a vital layer of context was the on-site GBI Team, who shared expert insight into sustainable infrastructure and ESG best practices, underscoring the growing intersection between environmental stewardship and digital expansion. Their presence helped bridge the technical tour with the broader goals of the GBI Data Center Seminar held the following day.
More than just a learning experience, this event sparked curiosity, fostered connection, and reminded us of the urgent need to prepare the next wave of digital infrastructure professionals — those who will design, build, and innovate with purpose.
To our generous Inspiration Partners at 1547, to Annie Snyder and the entire GBI team, and to all the educators, students, and future technologists who joined us — thank you. Your energy and enthusiasm are what keep this mission moving forward.
As we continue to host tours and educational activations across the country, we welcome partners who share our vision. Whether you’re in the industry or exploring it for the first time, there’s a place for you in the conversation, and in the future we’re building together. Reach out to the Nomad Futurist Team to learn more.
Let’s open more doors, spark more minds, and make digital infrastructure more accessible: one experience at a time.
About 1547 Realty
fifteenfortyseven Critical Systems Realty (“1547”) is a leading developer, operator, and owner of highly interconnected, custom-designed data centers with over 1.25 million square feet of data center space under management throughout North America and Europe. 1547 selects sites, designs facilities, and manages developments to optimize returns for all stakeholders across new and interconnected properties. With interconnection in the company’s DNA, 1547’s connectivity-focused portfolio of data centers includes carrier hotels and core connectivity hubs designed to deliver customized mission-critical solutions from concept to connection.
About Nomad Futurist
The Nomad Futurist Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to demystify the world of digital infrastructure and the related technologies that impact every aspect of our daily lives. Our primary focus is to empower and inspire younger generations through exposure to the underlying technologies that power our digital world and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. Through the contributions of our supporters, we are launching global programs in partnership with a range of education providers, NGOs and other nonprofit organizations committed to educating children in underprivileged communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, and opening up opportunities for growth and new career paths.
- To learn more about the Nomad Futurist Foundation, please visit: http://nomadfuturist.org/.
- To learn more about 1547 Realty, please click here.
- To support the efforts of the Nomad Futurist Foundation donations can be made here.
- Subscribe to the Nomad Futurist podcast on your favorite platforms.
- For more information, visit www.nomadfuturist.com
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About Green Building Initiative
The Green Building Initiative (GBI) is an international nonprofit organization and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Developer dedicated to improving the built environment’s impact on climate and society. Founded in 2004, the organization is the global provider of the Green Globes® and federal Guiding Principles Compliance building certification and assessment programs.
