“Follow your purpose, stay curious, and steer away from complacency.”
Tell us a little bit about what a typical day looks like for you.
It varies depending on the planned demands but typically it kicks off with a 4:30am wake up call for meditation and workout, followed by an audio book during my commute. Then after running between networking, gymnastics, softball and soccer, I wind down with another book at about 8:30pm.
How do you stay passionate in your career?
Most of what I do is tied to my purpose and personal beliefs. As long as I can tie the task at hand (from work to painting a wall) to that purpose you better be ready because there will not be an absence of passion.
Did you have a traditional path into tech (i.e.: CS/IT degree transitioned into tech job)?
I am an industrial engineer, meaning that operating systems and processes are in my professional DNA. I was very lucky because most of the roles I’ve held involved an element of technology. Whether sourcing the best option, doing implementations, upgrades, replacement, and/or integration. I think technology allowed me to stay curious in order to help my organizations continually change for the better, which is what I do today.
Are there any apps, software, or tools you cannot live without?
Beachbody on Demand, Outlook, Audible, Waze, WhatsApp, and Google. Pinterest is especially helpful for dinner prep, and school special projects.
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?
There are gender issues in the professional environment no matter the industry or the department you are part of. As for me, there is nothing that I dislike more than talking repeatedly about something without an action plan. The way I see it is that I can’t change how other people think by talking, but I can show them. I can influence how people think of me, and remember me. I also can choose what I tolerate, and the effect situations have on me. In the instances where I faced a closed door, my attitude always was to show up, and demonstrate that I was the absolute best. Often it required extra work, extra dedication, as well as being the first one there, and the last one to leave.
What’s your favorite thing about being a woman in tech?
Oh gosh that I am NEVER bored. Technology changes every 5 minutes so it forces me to keep continuously learning, reading, and exploring.
How have you given back to the WIT community?
I give back as much as time and resources allow. I coach smaller organizations that are just starting, mentor professionals of all ages, and publish articles that can help infuse new thoughts without the need for me to be super involved.
What is a piece of advice you would give to others wanting to or currently pursuing a career in tech?
Follow your purpose, stay curious, and steer away from complacency. These days every profession is supported by technology. That means that there are multiple ways to pursue a career in technology, and within that, infinite fields to choose from. It can be overwhelming. Because of this you should make sure all your decision making is validated against your purpose, passions, and values. From that the sky is the limit.
Tell us about a time you felt extremely accomplished in the past year.
This year has been particularly challenging in the professional field, but my proudest was earlier this year, over a period of 4 months we received an influx of resumes of people that wanted to work for us. They had either heard about us, our work philosophy, or the way we helped a particular organization overcome an uphill challenge. That was one of the best feelings in the world.
Favorite quote:
“Whatever you are, be the best!”