How my grandfather’s tech advice launched my career
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Standing on a dimly lit stage, I found myself in awe of everyone who was in the audience. It was a moment I never imagined experiencing when I first stepped into the male-dominated tech world more than 30 years ago. Yet here I was, serving as the master of ceremonies at the Vincennes University Women IN Tech Symposium and Showcase, witnessing the culmination of decades of perseverance, collaboration, and hard-won progress.
As I scanned the room, I couldn’t help but think about the trials each of the women there must have faced to be here today. Yet, despite the obstacles, we persisted. Each of us has a unique story, and sadly, according to a 2019 report from Accenture and Girls Who Code, 50% of women who take a tech role drop it by the age of 35, compared to approximately 20% in other types of jobs. Should there be twice as many women in this room today? Absolutely. And yet, despite that sobering statistic, here in Indiana, I feel something special happening. This year’s Indiana Women IN Tech Week showcased the incredible strides women across the state are making to revolutionize the tech landscape, and being part of that movement felt deeply personal.
I am filled with immense gratitude when I reflect on the Women IN Tech Week. Despite the name, it wasn’t just about celebrating women in tech—it was about recognizing how far we’ve come. For the first time in my career, I truly felt like our contributions are being seen and supported, not just within the industry, but across all sectors which is a monumental shift.
My own journey into tech started with a simple, yet life-changing challenge from my grandfather. He gave me a Texas Instrument TI-99/4A with no instructions and said, “See what you can do with this!” Little did he know, that moment and his words forever changed my life. It challenged me and sparked a curiosity and confidence that has carried me through my entire career. I’d write code, I’d fail, and then I’d try again. That’s what tech is, after all—solving problems with creativity and determination. That’s the same spirit I hope to pass on to the next generation of women IN tech.
Thinking back, I remember how isolating it was often being the only woman in the room. Twenty years ago, I probably wouldn’t have taken part in an event like this. Back then, I was too focused on proving myself—staying late, over-delivering, constantly pushing to meet the unrelenting demands of the job. I now see that it’s not about proving anything. It’s about celebrating our achievements and creating space for others. It’s about embracing that spirit of collaboration and lifting each other up.
As the week unfolded, I was continuously blown away as Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum proclaimed Women IN Tech Day, then hearing the inspiring stories of women who are trailblazing in this industry. Change is happening, right here in Indiana and it feels fabulous. Later, I was honored to be able to share my thanks to Governor Holcomb in person for his support of Women IN Tech. It was an empowering moment. Seeing leadership invest in this movement shows that we are on the right path.
What excites me most is how much further we can go. This is just the beginning. I’m committed to keeping this momentum alive. There are more of us now than ever before, and that’s something worth celebrating. We belong here, and it’s time we make space for even more women to join us.
To all the women out there, whether you’re already in tech or dreaming of a career in it, I want to echo the words of my grandfather: “See what you can do with this!” The truth is, there’s no limit to what we can achieve when we embrace our potential and support one another. You don’t need to have all the answers right away—just start with what excites you, and see where it leads.
As I look ahead to next year’s Women IN Tech Week, I’m filled with hope and excitement. We’ve made incredible progress, but there’s so much more we can accomplish together. Let’s keep building, celebrating, and lifting each other up. The future of tech is bright, inclusive, and full of endless possibilities. So ladies please ask yourself: What can you do with this? I believe the answer is—everything, you can do everything you set your mind to.