Raise your hand or nod at your screen if you grew up playing computer games.

Things have evolved a bit since "Minesweeper" and "The Sims," but kids these days are just as enveloped in what is now more aptly called esports. In today's coverage, you'll learn about a new esports lab at a rec center in Baltimore City. Also, there's a conference happening in Delaware that might interest you.

— Alanah, Technical.ly lead reporter for Baltimore

This week's newsletter brings a spotlight on the three most senior women leaders in IT at Vanguard. They discuss their career journeys, the mentors who have empowered them and Vanguard’s work to advance women in the information technology field in this Q&A.

Yesterday, Baltimore City unveiled its inaugural esports lab at Medfield Recreation Center. I was there when Mayor Brandon Scott highlighted the importance of providing modern recreational spaces that serve the community's needs. The event featured notable figures including City Council President Nick Mosby and Councilman James Torrence, who highlighted significant investments in the seventh district, where the rec center is situated.

➡️ Find out more about the city's first esports center in our coverage.

The National Urban League Young Professionals (NULYP) is hosting its 5th Annual Eastern Regional Conference, #bEastCon, in Wilmington from April 26 to 28. This event blends civil rights advocacy with networking and professional development for young Black professionals. NULYP aims to empower Black Americans and underserved communities financially.

In this article, Logan White, a spokesperson for NULYP, emphasized Wilmington's growing prominence as a reason to host the conference in Delaware's biggest city.

➡️ Learn more about this event from my colleague Holly Quinn.

• The Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) recently published the inaugural Baltimore Region Investment Scorecard, revealing over $4 billion in business activity in 2023. [GBC]

• At Johns Hopkins Technology Ventures (JHTV), Taylor Evans found a space that fosters curiosity and exposes students to the commercialization of discoveries and advancements in medicine. Learn more about her experience as a JHTV as a Graduate Fellow. [JHTV]

• Check out Dent Education's annual report. In 2023, Dent overcame challenges to clarify its vision of making Baltimore the youth innovation capital of the world. [Dent Education]

•The Maryland Department of Corrections forged a partnership with the University System of Maryland to expand higher education opportunities within state-run prisons. [Baltimore Banner]

• The Baltimore Main Streets Program supports local businesses, offering developmental resources and highlighting neighborhoods across the city. [Baltimore Main Streets]