Dataprise Women in Technology: Meet Heather

This month for our Women in Technology, we are spotlighting Heather, one of our Senior IT Consultants! Read about her story and how she started in technology.

Tell us your story on how you got into technology.

My technology journey began when my 3^rd grade teacher combined a team of myself and a few other classmates to compete in a local annual competition called the Great Computer Challenge, where students from K-12 demonstrate their skillset in various computer applications and programming. Following that experience, I inherited my very first IBM computer with a dial-up modem and an array of games installed on floppy disks (Digger & Sleuth were my favorite), where my tinkering started.

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

Absolutely! While I wasn’t sure what my niche was as I started my career, I knew I had to at minimum start with the basics and build from there.

How long have you been with Dataprise?

This July will mark my 3 year anniversary with Dataprise.

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

I manage all facets of the IT infrastructure, projects, and help desk for one of our clients that consists of roughly 220 users, 30+ servers, and over 250 endpoints. My days tend to vary, but I arrive on site each day, ready to tackle the schedule, or whatever the tech gods throw my way.

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

Be confident in your abilities and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself. The tech industry can be challenging, but facing and overcoming these challenges can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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

Diverse teams perform better and are more effective at problem-solving. Different viewpoints can lead to more creative and effective solutions. There are many organizations and communities dedicated to supporting women in tech, such as Women Who Code, Girls Who Code, and AnitaB.org.

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

My Dataprise family. I have the pleasure of working with an amazing team of such raw talent and couldn’t be more appreciative.

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

There may be times when you face bias or discrimination. Stay resilient, seek support, and remember that your skills and contributions are valuable.

Where do you see yourself going from here?

I plan to continue learning and developing my skills, both professionally and personally. The tech industry is always evolving, and the sky is the limit!