Dataprise Women in Technology: Meet Rebecca

This month for our Women in Technology, we are spotlighting Rebecca, one of our senior cybersecurity consultants! Read about her story, and how she started in technology.

Tell us your story on how you got into technology

I completed my undergraduate degree just as the impact of the credit crisis of 2010 started economically impacting all industries and geographies. The following semester after earning my B.B.A., I started working towards a graduate degree and looking for my first job out of college. It took me 12 months of interviewing, searching, and working odds and ends jobs in Austin, Texas to finally stumble upon a Sales role with a software company. I immediately enjoyed the hyper-paced work environment, the innovative culture and thinking, the drive to continually stay ahead of client demands (even before clients knew of their own needs), and the use of data to drive, prove, and inspire business strategy. My passion for both creative and analytical strategy found a place to stretch its wings and soar.

Did you always know that working in technology was what you wanted to do?

When I was in the first grade, I wanted to be an artist and as an undergraduate and young adult, I was even working towards a double major in graphic design. My passion and interest in business principles and my newfound love for statistics superseded my ‘right-brain.’

How long have you been with Dataprise?

I have been with the Houston Regional Office for about 5.5 years.

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

I spend most of my day working with practitioners and leaders in the cyber, IT, and executive level functions to solve cyber challenges and align the right business solutions. Each day for me is different: I could be driving back and forth across town visiting clients and prospects, I could be working on business value deliverables, attending conferences, and/or finding new clients to work with. There is a diverse variety in my job functions. At the end of the day, I enjoy helping people drive business efficiencies which ultimately means better work-life balance for them.

What advice would you give to women considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?

If, as a woman, you are looking to start a career in technology, I would first ask yourself: do I like predictability in my day or variety? Am I inspired by innovation (even as a consumer)? Do I enjoy a culture of continual growth, learning, and improvement? Do I have a passion, or can I find inspiration in the impact that technology has on people, our country, and our world? If a woman were to answer YES to most of these, I would next advise her on how to view her role. As a woman in tech, you have the opportunity to shine. As a smart, innovative, hard-working, full-of-grit woman, you will stand out among your peers. Use this to your advantage. Bring new ideas to the table. Ask hard questions. Know that you are of value.

Why do you think it’s important for more women to join the tech industry? How can the broader community support women in tech?

I strongly believe that diversity of thought is the most powerful resource that drives innovation. In the tech industry, women represent a small percentage of the gender demographic. I believe that the way we successfully innovate in any industry is through a willingness to challenge our own biases and empathize with other thoughts that may contradict our own. Open and honest communication pursued with kindness and curiosity is how any community can grow and support one another.

What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the tech industry?

It is my belief that when we demographically represent a minority we have the opportunity to set a precedent. As a woman, I represent a smaller portion of the total population of my peers. I therefore have the opportunity and duty to represent women in a light that paints a different picture than preconceived notions aim to hinder.

What is it that you enjoy most about your current job at Dataprise?

One of the most exciting aspects of my role is the amazingly, intelligent and innovative individuals that I get to work with. Whether it’s a client, prospect, colleague, or team member, I have the privilege of not being the most intelligent person. I have the opportunity to work with and learn from individuals who possess a greater deal of intellect, industry knowledge, business acumen, and technical knowledge – all of which I can absorb like a sponge.

What is the best professional advice you’ve ever received?

If you are the smartest person in a room, leave that room and find a new one. This not only presents an opportunity to grow but also presents an opportunity to humble oneself.

Where do you see yourself going from here?

My professional aspirations surround growth and empowering others to be successful. I would love to continue to be challenged grow as a leader and empower others to be successful.  My goal is to empower teams to leverage their uniqueness and build an innovative process and program that empowers others to see material growth in their business. As part of the Dataprise team, we have the opportunity to innovate by empowering businesses to see rapid, data-proven success in their business. We, at Dataprise, are in a unique position to help those that help our community make an impact in a bigger, faster, and bolder way…. This is what I would love to be part of in the future – empowering the business that empowers our communities.