Dataprise Women in Technology: Meet Loree

This month for our Women in Technology, we are putting the spotlight on Loree, our Senior Marketing Manager! Read about her story, and how she started in technology.

Tell us your story on how you got into technology

I have always been tech-savvy and interested in technology tools. I wasn’t necessarily building computers but I was editing videos, learning HTML for MySpace, and being a cell phone power user. My first “real” job out of college was at Apple and I loved being able to connect people with technology to improve their lives. I jumped into technical support at a software company a few years later and since then have always loved solving problems using technology tools, software, or ways of connecting.

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

I didn’t! I’m from a rural Oil & Gas state so I never envisioned I would end up working so directly with technology. But I truly believe that I get to work with some of the most competent people in the world who easily inspire me to do more – which is an excellent motivator!

How long have you been with Dataprise?

Almost 10 months!

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

I am the Senior Marketing Manager at Dataprise, and I love my job. I work on the programmatic elements of the co-marketing we do with our partners, lead the marketing activities of our regional/branch offices, and support our sales team. I get to work on so many different aspects of marketing for our company that every day is different!

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

Don’t let intimidation stand in the way. Be curious, ask questions, figure out how things work, ASK how things work – and don’t forget the unique value that YOU can bring. There are so many ways to bring value and perspective to an organization – it’s not a competition. YOU have expertise in areas your peers couldn’t dream of.

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

It’s important for women to be in the tech industry because we ARE in the tech industry, but women aren’t necessarily the “poster child” that comes to mind. I believe it starts with talking to kids about career options: being a doctor, engineer, lawyer, mechanic, developer, scientist – these are not gendered professions. It’s important to let everyone’s innate skills and interest drive their path.

I would remind women who are nervous about getting into tech that there are so many ways to be in tech without having a technical background. There are certainly the typical “non-technical” roles like Marketing, Sales, Accounting, Legal, HR, Account Management, etc. But there are roles needed in the technical space that are so often looked over like Project Management, Quality Assurance, Support, Documentation, Operations, Proposals, Leadership, etc.

Our communities can make progress on breaking down the barriers to entry of women in tech by continuing to move the needle towards pay equity, open job opportunities, and striving to “do” better than the generation before us.

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

I love when some of the “soft skills” that are traditionally regarded as more feminine can be the missing piece of a team environment.

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

I enjoy working around very intelligent, competent, and reliable people every day. It makes it easy to work through unexpected pivots and to know that your team has your back.

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

“Assume positive intent” is what I try to live by as a colleague, leader, wife, and mother. 99% of the time, people aren’t going out of their way to be bad at something – or to frustrate you – or to hurt your feelings. Remember to have the perspective that we all have different ways of showing emotions, expressing frustration, and getting work done.

Where do you see yourself going from here?

I really love working at Dataprise and have an awesome team. I have found myself specifically interested in cybersecurity – so I can definitely see myself growing more specialized knowledge there!