“Don’t second guess yourself or let doubt keep you from taking a chance on yourself.”
What prompted you to explore a career in tech?
I wanted something new and had always been interested in tech
What is your ideal tech job?
Software Developer or Cyber Security
Tell us a little bit about what a typical day looks like for you.
I work At UPMC Health Plan in the Medicare Enrollment Department Monday through Friday, 8:30a-4:30p, I start working on my Tech Degree around 5p, and then I head over to watch my nieces around 8p and I’m there for the rest of the night.
How do you stay motivated to get your tech degree work done?
I just think of my nieces, I want to show them that you can accomplish anything you put your mind too and I’m always telling them to get their work done so I need make sure I’m taking my own advice.
Who are your biggest fans and cheerleaders as you pursue this certificate?
There are some people who are on my Team at work, that report to me, that always asking me how my courses are going during their one on ones and they help keep me motivated.
What’s your favorite study snack?
It depends on my mood, I’ve been trying to eat healthier things like fruit but sometimes you just need some chips or chocolate.
What’s your trick to destress?
Spending time with my nieces or playing video games
Are there any apps, software, or tools you cannot live without?
Facebook, Amazon
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?
You have to stay true to yourself and not given in to someone else preconceived notions of who they think you are.
You have to stay true to yourself and not given in to someone else preconceived notions of who they think you are.
What’s your favorite thing about being a part of the Hacking Barriers cohort?
Meeting the other ladies in the cohort and know we are all going through this together.
If you had to pick an intersection of tech what would it be? And Why? (Ex: TechXArt, TechXFashion, TechXSocial Good)
TechXArt I’ve always been a fan of photography so just seeing the way tech can enhance that is always impressive to see and just how teach can be used to share art.
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?
Not to sound cheesy but Just Do It! Don’t second guess yourself or let doubt keep you from taking a chance on yourself.
Tell us about a time you felt extremely accomplished in the past couple years.
In 2020, I designed a logo that was chosen to represent my department and it was printed on gifts sent out to the whole department (its also used as part of our email signature).
How can readers support you:
Throw your support behind women in tech and just in general I think we all need to remember to be kind to one another. I’m also a huge fan of free food.
Favorite Motivational Song?
I have a whole playlist but one of my favorite from the playlist is Bad Karma by Ida Maria
Favorite Quote?
“When they go low, we go high.” ― Michelle Obama
Where can we find you?
https://www.instagram.com/staceytechlife
http://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-norrington-2213b69
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.