On January 3, 1964, Robert B. Yonaitis was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and spent his childhood years in Philadelphia, New Jersey and Massachusetts. The fourth of five children, as a young man, Yonaitis thought to be a “welder” to follow in his fathers’ footsteps, but was encouraged instead by his father to pursue his gifts in computer programming. Yonaitis began working with computers in high school and later developed a professional interest in computer software after leaving the United States Navy. Yonaitis went on the build a lengthy and distinguished career in software engineering and engineering management with many Fortune 500 companies and big ten consulting firms. In 1996, Yonaitis founded Hiawatha Island Software Company, (HiSoftware), and released the flagship product of the company, TagGen, which was used to create and manage Metadata for Search and Retrieval of information.
As a technology leader, Yonaitis brought HiSoftware technologies recognition for the positive impact that they have had for everyone who uses information and applications on the Internet regardless of physical or technical ability. Yonaitis’ technology and software innovations have received numerous accolades and awards, including the 2002 DaVinci award for Electronics and Information Technology Innovations that have most improved the lives of People with Disabilities.
Yonaitis has travelled the world beginning with his service in the Navy and extending throughout his entire adult life. He has travelled to all seven continents, and writes about his experiences, adventures and encounters with places and people across many countries. From Spain to Africa, Japan to Antarctica, his writing, whether through blogs, articles or published works, captures both the differences and similarities of the people that he meets and the places that he visits. He weaves a common thread across miles and cultures, bringing a unique perspective, sense of humor and a genuine appreciation for beauty of nature, art, architecture and diverse people.
Yonaitis has authored multiple titles including travel books, personal stories, and several professional works focused on the areas of the Internet, Content Publishing and Content Management. Several of his books have been published in multiple languages and are used as a part of course curriculums on a wide range of topics. Published works include:
*The Elements of WebSite Promotion – 2000 ISBN: 1-930616-00-7
*Understanding Internet Traffic – 2001 ISBN: 1-930616-02-3
*Understanding Accessibility – 2002 ISBN – 1-930616-03-1
*Understanding Accessibility – Second Edition 2008 – ISBN 1-930616-04-X
*My Thoughts on Regret-2009 ISBN-10: 0557193079
*Going to Antarctica – 2012 ASIN:B007BNEQEK
In addition to his love of computers and software, Yonaitis holds a private pilot license. He received a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Computer Science, from Franklin Pierce College in New Hampshire and a Masters of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle specializing in Aeronautics and Space Studies and holds a certificate in Instructional Systems Design. He has also taken several courses in fine arts from the Academy of Art in San Francisco.
With over a decade of work supporting people with disabilities, Yonaitis is actively involved with several not-for-profit organizations. He is a Patron of the Sidar Foundation, a Spanish Organization, focusing on Web Accessibility research and dialogues. In addition, he participates with the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (“IGF”), advising the word-wide organization and providing thought leadership on topics of online privacy, security, and information governance. In his current role as Founder of 34a Laboratories, Yonaitis is dedicated to continuing his goal of building life changing technology solutions that empower individuals and at the same time support the largest organizations in the world in harnessing the Internet and meeting and exceeding their goals and compliance objectives.
