I am a Mainframer with Junior Tadiffo

I am a Mainframer with Junior Tadiffo

From Mainframe Connect by Open Mainframe Project

February 26, 2026 · 13 min

About this episode

Junior Tadiffo shares his journey and insights as a Black student leader in mainframe technology.

Join host Steven Dickens in this inspiring episode of I Am a Mainframer featuring Junior Tadiffo, a third-year Computer Science student at University at Buffalo, IBM Z Student Ambassador, and President of the UB IBM Z Club. Junior shares his journey discovering the mainframe through a friend's recommendation, earning IBM Z badges on z/OS Explore, and igniting his passion for this powerful platform.​From his first "mind-blowing" experience accessing z/OS to running the university's IBM Z Club, Junior discusses the perception challenges on college campuses, the importance of hands-on access like z/OS Explore, and how open source Linux on mainframe makes it more accessible to students. He also shares advice for the mainframe community on supporting early-career talent and his vision for more public resources, YouTube tutorials, and greater mainframe integration in modern computing over the next 10 years.​Celebrating Black History Month: This episode highlights Junior Tadiffo's journey as a Black student leader breaking barriers in mainframe technology during Black History Month. Junior represents the next generation of diverse talent bringing fresh perspectives and energy…

People in this episode

Host: Steven Dickens

Guest: Junior Tadiffo

Topics covered

  • mainframe technology
  • student experiences
  • diversity in tech
  • IBM Z
  • career development
  • Black History Month

Keywords

  • mainframe
  • IBM Z
  • z/OS
  • student ambassador
  • diversity
  • technology
  • career advice
  • open source
  • Linux

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University at Buffalo, IBM Z Club, IBM, IBM Z, z/OS Explore, Linux

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