Wisconsin Tech Month shines a spotlight on inspiring women in technology, celebrating their journeys and achievements. This episode features a captivating conversation with Cassie Frost, who transitioned from being a special education teacher to a pioneer in assistive technology. She recounts her journey, which began at a conference focused on technology for special educators. There, she discovered how tools like iPads and QR codes could revolutionize the learning experience for students with disabilities. Her passion for integrating technology into education led to a significant career shift, as she ventured into a largely male-dominated tech environment.

Takeaways:

1. Entering the tech space can be daunting, but taking risks is essential for growth.
2. The guest transitioned from education to tech, utilizing technology for individuals with disabilities.
3. Networking and asking questions are crucial for success in the technology industry.
4. Assistive technology offers unique opportunities to creatively solve problems for users.
5. Women are more prevalent in education, yet underrepresented in technology, creating interesting dynamics.

The Women in Tech podcast shines a spotlight on the remarkable journey of Nicole Gieryn, a trailblazer in the tech space, especially within the male-dominated sports industry. Nicole recounts her formative years, where her innate propensity for technology set her on a path that would ultimately lead her to a pivotal role at the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite not having a formal degree in technology, she embraced every opportunity that came her way, beginning with an internship that laid the groundwork for her career.

Takeaways:

1. Nicole Gieryn's journey in tech began from a familial role as the tech helper.
2. She transitioned from an intern to the director of IT operations over 17 years.
3. The challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry motivated her to excel.
4. COVID-19 taught her valuable time management skills while balancing work and motherhood.
5. Building strong relationships and communication has been crucial for her career success.
6. Finding a mentor and gaining internship experience are vital for newcomers in tech.

Melisa reflects on her diverse experiences in various roles, from social work to her current cybersecurity internship, showcasing the versatility of a tech degree. She shares insights on how Wisconsin Tech Month has facilitated greater visibility and resources for women in tech, fostering a more inclusive environment. The discussion encourages listeners to embrace their unique paths, highlighting that success in tech isn't limited to traditional programming skills. Instead, it celebrates the diverse opportunities available, from digital marketing to project management, and emphasizes the value of interpersonal skills in the tech landscape.

Takeaways:

1. Importance of representation for women in the technology field.
2. Connecting humanities with technology can create meaningful impacts in our communities and industries.
3. Surrounding yourself with supportive women in tech can help overcome feelings of imposter syndrome.
4. The tech industry offers versatile opportunities across various fields like marketing and cybersecurity.
5. Believing in oneself and taking risks are crucial for success in the tech space.
6. Wisconsin Tech Month has increased visibility for women in technology and provided valuable resources.

Andrea (Andi) Kittelson shares her unexpected transition from a career in hospitality and marketing to becoming a leader in cybersecurity. Her journey began with a background in restaurant and tourism management, where she developed essential skills during her internship at Miller Brewing Company. However, the demanding nature of the industry prompted her to pursue further education, leading to a master’s degree in career and technical adult education. This academic pursuit opened the gateway to her entry into IT healthcare, where she faced the significant challenge of cybersecurity threats.

Takeaways:

1. The journey into tech can start from unexpected places, showcasing the importance of transferable skills.
2. Building relationships across different regions and departments is crucial for success in tech roles.
3. Women in tech face unique challenges, but competitive spirit can be an asset in overcoming them.
4. Networking with established professionals can open doors to new opportunities in the tech industry.
5. Cybersecurity awareness programs are essential in today’s tech landscape, highlighting the need for education.
6. Embracing change and continuous learning is vital in the ever-evolving tech environment.

This episode features a Alli Jerger's journey through the tech landscape with resilience and passion. Starting her career with a psychology degree, she recounts how her early fascination with technology and computers shaped her professional trajectory. As she delves into her story, listeners gain insight into the transition from a liberal arts background to a thriving career in tech, underscoring the diverse pathways women can take into this ever-evolving field.

Takeaways:

1. The journey into tech often happens unexpectedly, without formal education in the field.
2. Women in tech face unique challenges, often needing to prove their competence repeatedly.
3. Mentorship plays a critical role in navigating challenges faced by women in technology.
4. The tech industry is constantly evolving, presenting both challenges and exciting opportunities.
5. Embracing flexibility and saying yes to new opportunities can lead to significant career growth.
6. A supportive workplace culture can transform the experience for women in tech fields.

Wisconsin Tech Month shines a spotlight on inspiring women in technology, celebrating their journeys and achievements. This episode features an insightful conversation with Amy Schultz, who transitioned from a career in merchandising to becoming a significant player in the tech industry. Amy shares how she discovered her passion for the digital space while working on an ecommerce launch and highlights the importance of continuous learning and curiosity in technology. As a woman navigating a male-dominated field, she offers valuable advice and reflections on overcoming challenges and thriving in tech.

Takeaways:

• Amy Schultz transitioned from merchandising to technology by discovering her passion for the digital space.
• She emphasizes the importance of women being recognized for their contributions in technology versus being called girls.
• Women in tech often tackle projects by identifying risks early, ensuring smoother implementations in the long run.
• Career paths are rarely linear; navigating challenges like bankruptcy and COVID can lead to new opportunities.
• Amy advises newcomers to tech to be curious and committed to continuous learning in a rapidly changing field.
• Building strong cross-team collaboration is essential in technology, as it solves various business challenges.

The Women in Tech podcast shines a spotlight on the inspiring journeys of women making strides in the technology sector. This episode features Erin DeVore, who reflects on her unique path into tech, starting with a degree in instructional technology and a pivotal internship in England focused on website development. Despite initially stepping away from the tech field, she discovered her passion for bridging the gap between complex technical concepts and practical application. This led her to a help desk role, where she quickly learned that her skills were not just about technical knowledge but about understanding people’s needs and simplifying their experiences with technology.

Takeaways:

1. The journey into tech can start unexpectedly, and it's important to embrace change.
2. Women in tech face unique challenges, often needing to prove their worth multiple times.
3. Creativity in tech allows for simplifying complex problems into manageable solutions for users.
4. Confidence in your knowledge is crucial, but adaptability to new technologies is essential.
5. The tech industry is evolving, making it necessary to stay updated with ongoing changes.
6. Collaborative success with colleagues can lead to fulfilling experiences and career growth.

Wisconsin Tech Month shines a spotlight on inspiring women in technology, celebrating their journeys and achievements. This episode features a compelling conversation with Blanca, Gonzales, who shares her accidental yet impactful journey into the tech world. Blanca discusses her initial fear of technology, how a friend's invitation opened the door to a new career, and the challenges she has faced as a woman of color in a predominantly male industry.

Takeaways:

1. Facing Adversity with Confidence: Blanca emphasizes the importance of being prepared to have a seat at the table and making your voice heard, especially in an industry where women and minorities are underrepresented.
2. Continuous Learning: In the fast-moving tech industry, ongoing learning is crucial. Blanca underscores the need to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies to remain competitive.
3. Agility and Opportunities: Blanca advises those entering the tech space to be agile and open to continuous learning. She highlights the abundance of opportunities, including tech-adjacent positions that can serve as a gateway to further knowledge and growth in the tech field.
4. Community and Networking: Staying connected with the tech community is vital. Blanca's openness to conversation and networking through platforms like LinkedIn highlights the importance of building and maintaining professional relationships.