About the Women of the Year Awards

The Women of the Year Awards, hosted annually by Women In Technology (WIT), celebrates exceptional women across Georgia who are making a significant impact in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). Now in its 24th year, the WIT Awards honor leaders, innovators, and advocates who pave the way for future women in STEAM.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech/STEAM, and who has been your most significant influence?

In college, at Kennesaw State University, I had a professor in Information Systems that I really enjoyed and learned a lot from. After taking the intro classes with him, I decided that I wanted to continue down the technology path and see what career paths were offered, technology jobs also had a really good job outlook at that time as well. Aside from my professor(s), I have had a couple mentors at work that have had a significant impact on my work and career.

Can you share a moment or project you are particularly proud of in your career?

A moment I am proud of within my career thus far, is the award that I was nominated for and given from Kennesaw State University’s Business School, as an alumnus. It isn’t the award that I am particularly proud but rather all the meaningful volunteer work that I have been able to do as an alumnus from KSU. From being on the Alumni board for KSU Young Professionals, to volunteering with WIT and volunteering at many events with work, I have been able to give back and have a bigger impact on the women coming up in STEAM behind me.

What excites you most about the future of technology/your field?

I think what excites me the most about technology and cybersecurity, is all the potential roles and careers that one can have. With so much emerging technology and innovation, there is never an endless amount to learn and roles to try out. With that, comes many opportunities to mentor others as you move from role to role and help each other figure out where the sweet spot is for you at each company and through out your career. 

How do you use your position to empower or mentor other women/girls in STEAM?

As a young professional, still starting my career out, I use my position to relate to other young women starting out in their careers or college career. I help mentor young women through the paths of school and starting out in their careers or how to land that first job post-graduation. In addition, I use being a young professional to my advantage to help influence leadership and bring a new perspective to certain situations. 

What are your goals for the future, and how do you hope to continue making an impact in STEAM?

My goal for right now is to work my way up in the cybersecurity team at Fiserv over the next 2 -3 years while I finish up my doctorate degree. After my doctorate degree, one of my goals is to have a career in the government and as a professor. Once I can become a professor of cybersecurity, I will be able to make a bigger impact on STEAM fields and teach the cybersecurity courses with the rising STEAM professionals, thus guiding and mentoring the next generation of STEAM professionals.

What does selection as a finalist for the WIT Awards mean to you, and how do you feel this recognition can inspire others?

Being a finalist for the WIT Awards is validation to me that the hard work I have been doing in my field and outside as a volunteer does not go unnoticed and without impact on those I work with. It shows that you truly do make difference and people notice when you move with genuine intentions and just wanting to do well in all aspects of life. I think this recognition will inspire other young professional women to strive to do well and make a difference even at the early career stage. A position or title is just that and we don’t need a major title to make a big impact or be recognized.