“I am intentional about the space I take up and how I express my thoughts. As women we have been socialized to be small, quiet and apologetic. When you learn not to be, it sends the message – I’M HERE.”
Tell us a little bit about what a typical day looks like for you.
I like to sleep in! I usually wake up between 9:00 and 10:00 and then spend some time meditating before I check email and social media. I head to the gym for a workout and then to the Wing, which is a co-working and community space for women. This is where I do the majority of my work, including taking calls and meetings. In the evenings, I usually attend professional events or set aside time to meet with other women in technology. I used to think that I had to be busy and stressed to be productive. For me, the opposite is true. I am at my best when I am relaxed and the day feels manageable.
How do you stay passionate in your career?
Everything I do professionally is to educate and empower people through the use of technology. I am passionate about closing the race and gender gaps in STEM fields and I can’t stop working until this has been achieved. My work is deeply rooted in empowerment, and I have seen first hand how small everyday actions can build and make significant change.
Chloe Taylor and HP: Know Your Worth!
Did you have a traditional path into tech (i.e.: CS/IT degree transitioned into tech job)?
I graduated from Carnegie Mellon with a degree in Social and Cultural History, but fell in love with tech while studying there. I would consider my path to be non-traditional because I chose to follow my passion for education and found ways to incorporate tech into my career. I went back to Carnegie Mellon in 2015 to get a robotics teaching certificate from the CMU Robotics Academy, and that experience greatly helped me create new educational experiences for students of all ages.
Are there any apps, software, or tools you cannot live without?
My favorite gadget by far is my Sony a5000 camera. It’s a point and shoot camera that takes professional looking photos. It’s really great to be able to document my work and experiences to share online and with potential clients.
It’s common knowledge that women often face obstacles in the tech industry based on their gender. Have you ever had to deal with this type of experience and if so how did you handle it?
Unfortunately gender discrimination is very common in the tech industry. There are not enough women in STEM fields by far and the numbers will continue to decline if we don’t address the factors that have excluded women in the first place. I believe that confidence plays an important role in career success. I am intentional about the space I take up and how I express my thoughts. As women we have been socialized to be small, quiet and apologetic. When you learn not to be, it sends the message – I’M HERE.
What’s your favorite thing about being a woman in tech?
I love that women are taking ownership of our own ideas and starting businesses that empower other women. We can take on technical and non-technical roles and no longer have to rely on others to make our business dreams a reality.
How have you given back to the WIT community?
I have been a Girls Who Code facilitator for 3 years and love being a part of the community. I wish that Girls Who Code existed when I was in Middle School, it was the program I didn’t even know that I needed. Girls Who Code teaches computer science, social/emotional skills and connects middle and high school girls with women who work in technical roles as mentors. I love being a part of such a powerful movement.
What is a piece of advice you would give to others wanting to or currently pursuing a career in tech?
My advice is to master your own domain. You don’t have to work at a startup to be included in the tech world. We live in an age of true innovation and that applies to your career as well. Find your passion and the opportunities will follow.
Tell us about a time you felt extremely accomplished in the past year.
I was chosen by HP to participate in an online campaign called “Rulebreakers”, featuring women who broke the rules to create their own career opportunities. I filmed content about my life and career for 2 days. I NEVER imagined that I would be able to do something like that! Before the campaign, I refused to let people take videos of me. I had no choice but to step out of my comfort zone to further my brand and I am so glad I did.
This Teacher Turned Entrepreneur is Changing Kids’ Lives Through Tech | Presented by HP
Favorite quote:
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
―Mae Jemison