Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in technology?
A: Originally, when I started on my journey to a teaching career, I was going to be a social studies teacher. During my last semester in college, I had a professor who taught graduate classes in educational technology. She incorporated a lot of different SMART Board lessons into the material she shared with us, and at this time, this type of board was brand-new technology! I really enjoyed learning how it worked and thought that if I could learn some of these ed tech tools and tips, it would make me a better, more marketable social studies teacher! As a result, I decided to get my master’s in educational technology. Soon after, I was approached by a school district about becoming an instructional technology teacher. My role was to assist staff and students in integrating technology into their classrooms. I had no idea a position like this even existed (it was also very new and rare at the time), but I thought this could be a perfect fit for me. I had always enjoyed figuring out new software and hardware and how they could be used by students. I spent over a decade in that role, and every day I had a new challenge or problem to solve. I found the work incredibly rewarding because it was consistently engaging and ever-changing. Over the past 15 years, technology has evolved in ways I could never have imagined. A career in technology is never mundane; it requires a commitment to lifelong learning to remain current and innovative.
Q: Have you had any female role models who influenced your career?
A: Yes! My 10th-grade social studies teacher was a huge influence on my career! She really went above and beyond for her students. She constantly held review sessions outside of class, and she would bring tons of snacks and goodies that she had made herself. She was very bright and really prepared us for not only the exams but also taught us life lessons. Her work ethic and dedication to her students were unmatched and really inspired me to give 110% in everything that I do in my career.
The director of technology in my former role as an instructional technology teacher was also a huge role model for me. She believed in me and supported my ideas, even when they were more innovative or unconventional for technology integration and support. She praised me for my work with teachers who were hesitant about adopting new technology and recognized my ability to help them take small, manageable steps. She encouraged me to pursue an administrative degree and allowed me to complete my internship with her, which ultimately led me to obtain a tech director position like the one I have today.
Q: What advice would you give to students who are interested in technology careers? How would you inspire females in STEM?
A: The advice I would give to students interested in technology careers is to actively seek out opportunities for hands-on experience, such as internships or volunteer work in technology-related fields throughout high school and college. The tech industry often values practical skills and real-world experience, and younger professionals frequently have an advantage due to their familiarity with emerging tools and platforms. Gaining that on-the-job experience early can open doors to meaningful opportunities. I would also encourage students to continuously build and refine their skill sets, as technology is constantly evolving. It’s important to recognize that technology intersects with nearly every field, so you can combine your technical knowledge with your personal interests (education, healthcare, business, or the arts) to create a fulfilling and dynamic career path.
For females in STEM, I would hope to inspire them not to be intimidated by the fact that it is often a male-dominated field. There have been many times in my career when I’ve been the only woman in the room, but it’s important to remember that your perspective, ideas, and contributions are just as valuable and necessary. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or share your ideas. Look for organizations, clubs, or communities that promote women in STEM, as these spaces can provide mentorship, resources, and a sense of belonging.
