“Be bold, know what you want to do and tell everyone”
Tell us a little bit about what a typical day looks like for you.
My days are a combination of strategy meetings and operational meetings. I am very hands on with all departments. I wake up and walk while I talk to an executive on my team. Then I do yoga and shower. From about 10-8pm I am on video calls being strategic and operational 🙂
How do you stay passionate in your career?
I love seeing people happy. I get to control how happy people are at work, so for me I am addicted to doing what I do and its win/win for all!
Did you have a traditional path into tech (i.e.: CS/IT degree transitioned into tech job)?
No, I majored in criminal justice and sociology. I came up through a sales career. I have been leading tech and cyber teams now for just over ten years. Team work and leadership is all about the ability to communicate in such a way that everyone can be on the same page and successful; this skill is the skill of all skills and thus is why I didn’t have to have the traditional technical track.
Are there any apps, software, or tools you cannot live without?
Email! lol, CRM, Linked In and email are key for me personally. For my teammates their are many more.
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?
I was lucky and didn’t have to deal with this until I was an executive. I wasn’t ready for it and therefor did not handle it like I would have liked to. That being said, I am thankful for not having to deal with the discrimination and sexual harassment that my fellow sisters have faced; this is why I do what I do for other Women! It makes me absolutely crazy that Women have to deal with this behavior!
What’s your favorite thing about being a woman in tech?
My favorite thing about Women is tech is the freedom it gives Women! Unfortunately money gives freedom and fortunately money is in tech! Independence is wonderful 🙂
If applicable, how have you given back to the WIT community?
I founded and am the CEO of brainbabe.org. We have a service called STEAM Conference Connection. This service staffs conferences like RSA with students of all studies and all genders to work vendor booths instead of hiring models and selling sex! I also speak publicly on the topic of how to retain women, how to support them and how to make environments that men and women can work productively in.
What is a piece of advice you would give to others wanting to or currently pursuing a career in tech?
Be bold, know what you want to do and tell everyone. Work events, meet people at events; network like crazy. Stay true to your desires and don’t ever settle for working in a place that doesn’t treat you equal to others. The world is your oyster; own it 🙂
Favorite quote:
“People don’t go to work to fail!”