Tech Corner-Kera Dorsey
We had time to catch up with one awesome female in tech, Kera Dorsey, an engineer EBSCO, Ind. She has a variety of resources and information for those looking to dive deeper into the tech world, and has a passion for using technology as a creative tool for the arts.
Q. What led you to the tech/STEM industry?
A. I grew up around computers because my dad is in IT. I wanted to be an artist when I was younger, so initially I used technology to create digital art, animations, interactive websites, and things like that. Technology became just another creative tool to me, like paint or clay. It also helps I was into online gaming, so I had to learn my way around firewalls and local networks (sorry, Dad).
Q. What excites you about the tech/STEM industry?
A. I get excited when I can help the community with IT. Objectively, being a systems engineer is not a real-life skill. I always joke that during an apocalyptic event, my IT skillset comes pretty useless. However, if I can leverage what I know to help secure schools or non-profit operations to allow them to help more people, I feel like I’ve accomplished something.
Q. What projects are you currently working on?
A. Hopefully soon, I’ll be helping launch an online class covering the Network+ for a non-profit I previously worked for, Tech Impact. They do excellent work with young adults and other nonprofits. I’m also looking for other passion projects, something instructing or mentoring in tech.
Q. Do you have any tech/STEM resources you can share?
A. Well, I learned to write my first code from a library book I checked out at my middle school, so never underestimate your local (free!) libraries.
If you are planning to obtain your beginner CompTIA certs or just want to get the hang of computers and networking, I recommend Professor Messer.
I’d recommend immersing yourself in IT-related news and material. I read Ars Technica daily. Darknet Diaries has some really great coverage of both current and historical IT events.
And lastly, find a local group focused on your area of interest in IT. I’m involved with my local ISSA and WiCys, currently. Many of those groups will offer training for certifications or free seminars. You can always find free public groups on Meetup.com.
Q. What’s your favorite quote, or one piece of advice you would give to girls pursuing careers in tech/STEM?
A. “Don’t let anyone tell you who you are.” In my experience, there are many preconceived social notions about women in general, so at work things like being quite are mistaken for shy, being vocal is bossy, and being cautious is labelled as a lack of confidence. It took the better part of a decade for me to feel comfortable in my own skin at work, and it all came down to not letting anyone else define who I am.
The upshot is that over the past 15 or so years I’ve been in IT, the attitude towards female leaders and engineers has improved. That doesn’t mean women should stop advocating for our space in this industry, however.
Oh, and find a female mentor. A woman who has succeeded in any male-dominated space can impart a wealth of knowledge.
Q. What do you believe to be the future of tech/STEM?
A. I think (and hope) we are going to see more IT professionals getting involved in state and local governments. I’m fascinated with the intersection of legislation and technology right now. We know that information security is incredibly important to our quality of life in the US. We have seen cyber-attacks on utilities, schools, government entities, hospitals, etc. Yet we have technology-illiterate people in power driving the legislative agenda. (You really only need to read a few of the choice bills from my home state of Alabama regarding regarding technology to prove my point…)
I also really hope we are going to see more initiatives to make internet access a widely available public utility, especially as our nation has had to switch to remote school and work on our current inadequate infrastructure.
You can connect further with her on LinkedIn.com @keradorsey
