“I’m learning to build a relationship with myself and trying to find ways to uplift black women.”
What prompted you to explore a career in tech?
I wanted to get a better paying job and tech jobs were it.
What is your ideal tech job?
Senior UX Designer and have my own design business
Tell us a little bit about what a typical day looks like for you.
A typical day for me is answering any emails or calls related to student information at my schools. I also like to slip in some tech degree videos.
How do you stay motivated to get your tech degree work done?
I have a vision of where I see myself and I want to be there soon so I push myself to sit down and get to work on days when I get lazy. But I really love learning UX design so it’s not hard at all. Also, being in this program pushes me, I get to learn ux design for free and I don’t want to waist this opportunity.
Who are your biggest fans and cheerleaders as you pursue this certificate?
My biggest cheerleaders are my sons and my niece who keep me on track when I’m being lazy.
What’s your favorite study snack?
Hawaiian kettle chips
What’s your trick to destress?
I love to meditate and listen to music that raises my vibrations.
Are there any apps, software, or tools you cannot live without?
Adobe suite and now Figma, Balsamiq
I have a vision of where I see myself and I want to be there soon so I push myself to sit down and get to work on days when I get lazy.
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?
The only identity obstacles I’ve faced is being a black woman. It’s an ongoing struggle to overcome, but I keep my head up, I’m learning to build a relationship with myself and trying to find ways to uplift black women.
What’s your favorite thing about being a part of the Hacking Barriers cohort?
My favorite part of being in Hacking Barriers is the embracing of women of color and pushing us to get that job in the tech field. I also love the special guest we meet with, I enjoy hearing their stories in the field and how they’ve overcome any barriers.
If you had to pick an intersection of tech what would it be? And Why? (Ex: TechXArt, TechXFashion, TechXSocial Good)
TechxSocial Good, I want to help Blpoc to love one another, unify and be strong for each other. To understand that we have each other’s back.
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?
Know what you want to do and love it. Keep going and never give it. You can do hard things.
Tell us about a time you felt extremely accomplished in the past couple years.
I worked for a company for over 20 years and I wanted out. It was last year a friend left and I felt like I was going to be stuck in this dead-end job, so I began listen to I Am affirmations and pushing myself to believe I could leave and get a good job and I did. I realized that it wasn’t the job holding me back but me being afraid to step out of my comfort zone thinking I couldn’t or wouldn’t know what to do. I’m proud to say I am more confident and know for a fact that there is nothing I can’t do.
Favorite Motivational Song?
“Speak Life” by Damion Marley
How can readers support you
If I’ve inspired anyone reading this to step out of their comfort zone and go for the thing they are afraid to try or go for than that’s all the support I need. Oh and if you know of a UX Design job when I’ve complete this program think of me.
Favorite quote?
“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be at peace unless he has his freedom.” Malcolm X
Where can we find you?
linkedin.com/in/miacrowdesigns
miacrowdesigns.myportfolio.com
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.