Happy Women’s History Month to all the amazing women in tech! This month, we celebrate the contributions of women throughout history who have shattered barriers and made significant strides in the tech industry.

From Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, to Grace Hopper, who developed the first compiler, women have played a pivotal role in shaping the technology we use today.

Let’s continue to celebrate, empower, and inspire the next generation of women in tech!

#WomensHistoryMonth #WomenInTech #GirlPower

LT: What inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

LS: For me it was a bit of a lemons to lemonade type of situation. I was at the point of wanting a career change and then the pandemic made that decision for me. I was laid off and decided that then was the time to make the pivot in my career. I invested in myself and took classes which is where I met Tasha. She took me in and helped me find my way. I loved being able to bring people’s online visions to life and help their businesses flourish. Having something to show for at the end of a project is really exciting. While some maintenance tasks are repetitive and are actually never complete, the actual development of projects being completed is a very accomplished feeling. I love having something to show for my work.

LT: What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech industry, and how have you overcome them?

LS: I think there are two main challenges that I have faced. The first being imposter syndrome. When I hear other people talk and they seem to be complete geniuses in their field I can get super intimidated. There will always be people that know more about different topics than me and that is ok because it’s perfectly fine to be constantly learning. As a matter of fact, being willing to always learn is a great thing.
The other challenge I face is being viewed as lesser by people in the industry and getting mansplained far too often. The irony is usually when they don’t take the time to listen to what my coworkers and I are saying they actually end up describing things completely wrong or viewing our ambitions to expand a particular functionality to be “cute but unnecessary.” However I will say that usually the next person we talk to is amazingly supportive and excited in partnering with us to bring things forward. So find those people, the ones you want to move forward alongside you, not the people who always want you to be below them. The good ones are out there and usually outnumber the not so great ones.

LT: In your opinion, what can companies do to improve diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry?

LS: Look in unexpected places. Not everyone who will be great in tech has to have a computer science degree. Look for people who are willing to learn and create. There are so many people out there who could do wonders for the tech community. They just need to have someone show them how to take the first steps. Invest in communities outside of your own and be willing to learn from them too.

LT: What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in technology?

LS: Take the step and invest in yourself by learning the skills of tech that interest you. There are so many areas included in the tech industry so you can find the place that you fit in and can flourish. You will find your spot and once you do will see yourself grow and learn more than you originally thought.

LT: What technologies or trends in the tech industry are you most excited about?

LS: Hmm there are so many. I think towards the top of the list would be accessibility advancements that allow people who are experiencing life differently to be able to join in and be a part of all that goes on in the world around them. Also science in general is my jam! I studied biology in undergrad and learning about the world and all the living things in it is amazing. So any technological advancements that can help us learn about the world and how it works I am a fan of. Bonus points if it helps us better take care of the planet and its inhabitants.

LT: How do you stay current with the latest developments in the tech industry?

LS: I follow a lot of tech people on social media and have signed up for multiple newsletters. Also working on projects that require a function that I have not built before is a great way to learn new developments. Also having to problem solve an issue that is occurring or inheriting a site that we did not build and are now working on is great exposure to other methods there. Granted some of the ones we see aren’t the most efficient so then we get to learn how to transition a site from cumbersome to a well oiled machine.

LT: What are your goals for your career in technology, and what steps are you taking to achieve them?

LS: My goal with my career in technology is to build a life I love. I am all for not being confined to a 9-5 life. I want to be able to show up in places that I am needed and not have to miss important events because work prevents me. I also want to be in a job that requires me to learn often, I don’t want a sedentary brain. Working for Tasha at Lavender Turtle is helping me be in this life already. I am learning constantly and expanding my skill set often.