Today, we celebrate someone who has spent her career opening doors for others.
Lauren Valenti
Director, Mainframe Education, Customer Engagement, Vitality and Mainframe Expert Program, Broadcom Software
New York, USA
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View the entire 2025 Influential Mainframers group here.
As Director of Mainframe Education and Customer Engagement at Broadcom, Lauren Valenti leads with one guiding question: How can we help more people build meaningful careers in mainframe technology? For over 20 years, she’s answered that question by developing learning programs that make technical skills more accessible and creating pathways into an industry that often feels out of reach.
In 2024, Broadcom’s mainframe education team—under Lauren’s leadership—won the Brandon Hall Group’s “Best Learning Team” award. The recognition speaks not just to technical excellence but to her focus on mentorship, inclusion, and long-term engagement with learners at all levels.
Lauren also uses her platform to advocate for diversity in tech. Her widely shared open letter to women interested in mainframe careers encourages newcomers to trust their curiosity and strengths. “The industry needs your perspective,” she writes. “There is space for you here.”
Outside Broadcom, Lauren serves on the Technical Advisory Council for the Open Mainframe Project and mentors early-career professionals through the organization’s summer program. She also appeared on The Main Scoop – Episode 22 to discuss how mainframe roles are changing—and why keeping the door for new talent is essential.
For Lauren, education isn’t just about instruction—it’s about building confidence, careers, and community. “Helping someone recognize their own potential is the best part of my job,” she says.”
This is her second year as a Planet Mainframe influential mainframer.
Influential Mainframer
Mainframe technology continues to evolve because of the dedicated professionals, educators, mentors, and innovators who drive it forward. We’re shining a spotlight on the individuals who are making waves—whether they’re advancing technology, mentoring new talent, sharing knowledge, championing modernization, or quietly keeping mission-critical systems running every day. These are the people shaping the future of mainframe. They come from all backgrounds and experience levels, but they all have one thing in common: they’re making a difference.
Check back daily as we reveal a new honoree. Read their stories, celebrate their impact, and be inspired.
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