What does the phrase “Women of Tech(nologent)” mean to you?
First and foremost, “Family”. We are there for each other help each other learn, grow and assist each other in anyway we can…We Support and Encourage each Other!
Name a fun fact about yourself that you’d like more people to know?
I wanted to be a dancer, a ballerina. I used to dance around the house when I was young, and still do sometimes…
How long have you worked in the IT industry?
I was introduced to the IT Industry about 7 years ago, although my scope and background is business and finance. Thanks to Technologent, I have been more broadly introduced to IT. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the industry, as it is so vital to our global world, and affects each of us individually.
What would you say is the biggest challenge working in the IT field as a woman?
To me, communication is one of the most important ingredients to a successful company. Working together and sharing information to assist each other to make the Biggest, most Over-Whelming Challenges feel doable and less powerful.
What words would you use to inspire others facing an professional or project-related obstacle?
Two thoughts come to my mind. 1. Trust yourself…There are obstacles we can overcome and things we can learn on our own, when we believe in ourselves. 2. Reach out…There is support available…Do not be embarrassed or ashamed to ask for help – It is with questions that we gain understanding - We all need help sometimes!
Can you describe a recent positive experience working with another woman at Technologent?
There are so many amazing women at Technologent that I enjoy working with, that it would be difficult for me to pick one experience. I look forward to all the different issues that arise and bring us together to resolve and gain from each other – It is all Good!
What is a professional/career goal for you this year?
- To continue to grow and learn and take on new responsibilities.
- To help assist others in whatever is needed to make us all proud of ourselves and the company.
List 3 adjectives that you think are most important for exemplifying your best work self: Commitment, Caring, and Gratitude
Name a book, movie or music album you’re enjoying currently:
I love all the arts! I am currently reading, “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano, and I recently saw SEAL in concert, and the show was incredible.
Are there any specific quotes, sayings or lessons that are important to you?
Many years ago, I was attending a conference and saw a small poster in a shop window that said, “One day She Believed that She Could and so She Did”. I bought it and had it up in my home. I would say it changed my life, but I must have been ready – It stays in my heart always.
What does the phrase “Women of Tech(nologent)” mean to you?
As a woman at Technologent, I work with smart, capable, and collaborative women who “get it” when we talk about the challenges we face in the industry. We support and lift each other and that is invaluable. As a participant in the Mentorship Program, I coach other women. Our conversations their career paths a little smoother. I am grateful for that opportunity.
Name a fun fact about yourself that you’d like more people to know?
Every Wednesday and Saturday I volunteer with Sleep In Heavenly Peace to build and deliver beds to kids in the Las Vegas valley. Many of those we serve do not have a bed to sleep in or a pillow to rest their heads. One Saturday each month we host a Build Day (I’m the Build Day Coordinator) with about 130 volunteers where we cut lumber and build bed components (headboards, footboards, side rails) to make 50 beds. Then on Wednesdays and Saturdays, delivery teams bring the components into homes and assemble the bed. We provide the mattress, sheets, pillow, and comforters. This is one small way I can give back to my community and meet some fantastic families.
How long have you worked in the IT industry?
My career started tangentially to IT. I helped build some of the first online college course platforms in the early 2000s, developing content delivery and architecting a proprietary identity and access management system. When I moved from Boston to Las Vegas ten years ago, I parlayed my experiences leading software development teams into managing teams deploying new greenfield infrastructures for a large EGH company and a healthcare company.
What would you say is the biggest challenge working in the IT field as a woman?
To echo what Wendi said last month, there is long running assumption that women are less intelligent, less analytical and more emotional. This leaves us out of important strategic discussions where critical decisions are made be it at the account level or with project solution proposals. This exclusion deprives women of the opportunity to contribute our unique perspectives and expertise, limiting our ability to shape the direction of projects and organizations. We need to lift each other up and show that we are capable, competent, worthy of, and deserving a seat with the decision makers.
What words would you use to inspire others facing a professional or project-related obstacle?
See my answer below; every challenge can be approached with curiosity. The best question to ask is “why”, like a toddler with interest and not a teen with disdain. Talk with peers and mentors about the obstacle, then devise a plan, and jump in. Very rarely are we alone in solving a problem and we have great teams at Technologent who are always willing to listen and support.
Can you describe a recent positive experience working with another woman at Technologent?
I always enjoy working with Christine Cerino. She’s great at listening, then offering solutions if that’s what I need. Often I “just have to get it out” before moving forward. I also like talking with Kimmy and Jan in Accounts Receivable. I can bring them a problem, ask for their advice, then come up with a solution that works for the situation. Many of my emails have started with “I’m not sure what to do here. What do you think?” All three women are very collaborative and I appreciate that.
What is a professional/career goal for you this year?
In 2023 I hope to build upon my data analysis and business intelligence skills to help our PS teams, and company, make better decisions. I want to be an impact driver and strategy delivery leader.
Professional Services has over $100M in active projects, residencies, and managed services at any one time. Are we staffed properly according to project distributions? What tasks are taking too much time and how can we automate? How can we better interact
List 3 adjectives that you think are most important for exemplifying your best work self:
Collaborative, transparent, trustworthy.
Name a book, movie or music album you’re enjoying currently:
I’m currently reading “The Relentless Moon” by Mary Robinette Kowal, the 3rd novel in The Lady Astronaut series. This story takes place in an alternate 1950 and 60s era where nations are working together to colonize the moon and get people to the moon after a meteorite impact causes extreme climate change making the future earth uninhabitable. The lead characters are women who are constantly fighting for their right to sit at the table, be heard by leadership, and prove that they are valuable for the future. (How can you colonize a distant place and grow a population without women?) The series is a best described as a mashup of the movie “Hidden Figures”, the TV show “For All Mankind”, and the book “The Martian” (the book is better than the movie.)
I’m also really enjoying my second viewing of “Ted Lasso” (all seasons.) So many great connections between the last episode of Season 3 and the first 3 episodes of Season 1.
“The Bear” Season 2 comes out later this month and I’m looking forward to all the lessons that Carmy will learn as a new business owner.
Are there any specific quotes, sayings or lessons that are important to you?
For the past several months, I’ve been working and living by the mantra “Approach with curiosity, not judgment.” Ask anyone on my team and that’s how I direct them to tackle problems, whether it be crucial conversations or relationship building. Ask questions and really listen to the answers. It’s helpful to not presume a response or outcome.
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