Spotlight on Excellence: Jessica Johnson, 2024 WIT Awards Finalist
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.
Jessica Johnson
Jessica’s Advice and Inspiration:
“Allow yourself to feel what you are feeling in the moment and surround yourself with people who will speak truth to those feelings. I admittedly felt a moment of Imposter’s Syndrome with the nomination and advancement in the 20214 WIT Woman to Watch award category. While I work at a Tech company, in an office location specifically focused on Tech and Product talent, and in a Product & Tech organization, I am not personally all that “technical.” Through vulnerability and courage, I admitted these feelings to my nominator and leadership and was incredibly blessed by their encouragement and truth that my skillset, while not the most prominent in Tech, is necessary for the success of the organization and Capital One. Find the people who recognize your unique contributions and celebrate you for being you. ”
Can you share your career journey and what led you to your current role in the tech/STEAM field?
I regularly utilize Pattie Sellers’ description of a corporate jungle gym, rather than a corporate ladder and share that I still do not know what exactly I want to be when I grow up. Similar to climbing a jungle gym, my journey has included vertical moves but also many lateral moves and the occasional step down in order to get the right position for future movement and it has spanned job families and departments as the opportunities have arisen. The fact that many of these roles are STEAM focused is because my love of and skill in mathematics and sciences have allowed me to thrive in certain roles more than others while I have learned more about myself and the types of work and roles I enjoy most.
What challenges have you faced as a woman/girl in STEAM, and how did you overcome them?
As a woman in analytics and technology, I was frequently the only or one of few women in the room. This reality can feel disheartening and intimidating. I, personally, had an advantage being one of two girls with seven brothers because this reality felt like my family composition, however, I was often encouraged by the other women in the room and have continued their legacy by asking for the opinion of other women in the room and demonstrating equality in those situations through my vulnerability and courage.
How have you contributed to innovation or change in your organization or community?
One of my proudest moments of 2024 is launching the Capital One Coders program—which partners with local schools and nonprofits to spark interest in computer science— in the Atlanta market, achieving the fastest launch in the program’s 10-year history. Engaging over 20 local associates, we have partnered with Agape Youth and Family Center to broaden their students’ access to technology education and careers through Summer and Fall programming.
How do you use your position to empower or mentor other women/girls in STEAM?
I recognize the privilege I’ve gained through the women (and men) who invested in me and gave me the confidence to succeed. I now work to share that privilege by giving others the “permission” to lead authentically. A pivotal moment was when a colleague told me that seeing my out-of-office message about being screen-free with my niblings inspired her to be unreachable during her own vacation. This reinforced the power of leading by example, and since then, I’ve consciously shared these permissions with others to empower them prioritize their well-being and growth.
How do you envision the future of women in technology, and what changes would you like to see?
I envision the day when the phrase “women in technology” is retired because it is no longer an exception to norm but just “the norm.” In this future, the corporate demographics reflect the demographics of the public and every person can look up and around them to see faces and experiences that reflect their personal intersectionality identities.
What does selection as a finalist for the WIT Awards mean to you, and how do you feel this recognition can inspire others?
I have admitted initial feelings of Imposter’s Syndrome when I was announced as a finalist for the WIT Awards, however, this selection means that WIT recognizes and appreciates all skillsets and contributions to Tech and STEAM. It is external validation that my daily intentional efforts are adding up to something bigger than myself and encourages me to continue to focus on what I can do each day to advocate, encourage, mentor, and expand opportunities for women and girls in STEAM. For anyone who may not know what they want to be when they grow up or doubt their impact on the Tech community because of their technical skills (or lack thereof in my case), my presence in the finalists for WIT’s Woman to Watch is proof that your contributions matter and your contributions are valued. YOU matter and YOU are valued for who you are and what you bring to this world that is uniquely you.