Tell me a bit about yourself and how you ventured into the tech field.

I'm a software engineering professional with 6 years of industry experience at companies like: Nextdoor, Microsoft & Lyft. I took the traditional academic path, earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. My entry into tech was planned through multiple internships. I dedicated each summer to 12-week rotations at different companies, which allowed me to evaluate various tech cultures while building practical experience.

What do you enjoy most about your role? What challenges do you face in your role/field?

What I value most is the workplace flexibility in tech roles. The ability to optimize my work environment - whether that's remote, in-office, or hybrid - allows me to maximize my productivity and maintain work-life balance. One challenge is limited representation of people of color, particularly in leadership positions. This makes finding role models and mentors who like like me challenging - but this is an industry wide problem. I'll just have to be the leader for the next generation 🙂

What’s one piece of advice you have for the next gen of tech workers/leaders?

Focus on finding your niche within tech. The field has countless specializations - from AI and machine learning to cyber security, to game development. Identifying an area that genuinely interests you is crucial for long-term career success. Don't feel constrained by popular trends, chase what really engages you.

What did you enjoy about your presentation to the students?
The students questions! It was fun chatting with the students and just hearing what their goals are and what questions/thoughts they had about working in tech.

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