“Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself for the better, or of learning great skills, no matter how hard it “looks”. It may end up being your greatest accomplishment.”
What prompted you to explore a career in tech?
Seeing family and friends constantly use technology, led me to further pursue tech
Tell us a little bit about what a typical day looks like for you.
It’s always different in its own way. I’m usually accomplishing one task or another.
How do you stay motivated to get your tech degree work done?
By taking breaks to re-energize with music.
Who are your biggest fans and cheerleaders as you pursue this certificate?
My Creator.
What’s your favorite study snack?
Almonds.
What’s your trick to destress?
Exercising.
Are there any apps, software, or tools you cannot live without?
My iPhone!
I admire seeing people and organizations help those most in need in any way possible. It could be by teaching youth impactful, valuable skills, or helping seniors with tech.
If you’ve ever had to face obstacles because of perceived identity, can you give advice on how you overcame them for those reading who may be going through something similar?
I’ve been judged by my youthful look before, I think this deterred those that did judge from learning about my capabilities and real value.
What’s your favorite thing about being a part of the Hacking Barriers cohort?
TechXArt. The amount of fun and creativity one could have with it seems endless.
If you had to pick an intersection of tech what would it be? And Why? (Ex: TechXArt, TechXFashion, TechXSocial Good)
Most likely TechXSocial Good. There’s a lot of great local organizations that utilize both categories. 412 Food Rescue and their app, for example.
What is a piece of advice you would give to others who want to apply for a tech Bootcamp or something you wish you could tell your past self?
Make great use of it and surround yourself with positivity. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself for the better, or of learning great skills, no matter how hard it “looks”. It may end up being your greatest accomplishment.
Tell us about a time you felt extremely accomplished in the past couple years.
Being a part of a team that won a DHS Case Competition with solutions to help combat homelessness.
Favorite Motivational Song?
Best News Ever, by MercyMe; Alive and Breathing by Matt Aher
How can readers support you
One goal of mine is to contribute to society by helping those that are disadvantaged. I admire seeing people and organizations help those most in need in any way possible. It could be by teaching youth impactful, valuable skills, or helping seniors with tech.
Favorite quote?
The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23).
Where can we find you?
https://www.poisefoundation.org/
Hacking Barriers is a remote learning collaboration to decrease barriers of entry into the tech industry by WITPGH in partnership with Team Treehouse + The Center On Interracial Relationships + Neighborhood Allies. The cohort features an entirely remote learning and support program for BIPOC women that employs a multi-pronged approach to the popular bootcamp method of learning programming and design related technical skills. The program includes local networking and work-life balance resiliency workshops with a structured 6 month online technical bootcamp featuring tracks for Python, Front-End Web Development, Full-Stack Development, User Experience, and PHP.