It’s been quite the eventful year on my end, hence some of the lag time in posting on my end. I wanted to give a quick update on what has happened in 2022 and what’s on tap for 2023.
Perhaps the biggest change for me career-wise was my career transition into technical training. In June, I became part of Microsoft’s technical training team. In my new role, I teach clients the ins and outs of Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform. I made the change after some soul-searching on what I wanted to do more of in my career, which is mentoring and coaching. The new job has given me so many opportunities to do that, as well as sharpening my cloud skills.
It is not a job for the faint of heart – there are long days, much of which is studying and preparing to take certification exams, preparing presentations for delivery, and most important, meeting learners where they are and giving them the tools they need to be successful. Nothing makes me happier than when my learners reach out to me to tell me that they passed their certification exams, or that they had an a-ha moment when a technical concept suddenly makes more sense. I still have much more learning and growth ahead in my new profession, but I’m happy and ready to take on the challenge.
Another big thing this year was that I had the opportunity to write another book! I’m happy to report that me and my wonderful co-author, Bertina Ceccarelli, are almost done with our book, Innovating for Diversity and it will be published in March 2023 for Wiley. In the book, we examine how companies have adopted innovation principles to improve the outcomes of their DEI programs. It has been an honor to write this book, and with a tireless, passionate DEI advocate like Bertina. The work that many of these organizations that we interviewed is remarkable and certainly gives plenty of food for thought for other leaders in their DEI journeys. I cannot wait for us to share their stories!
And certainly also a big thing – I’m happy to report that I have been accepted to New York University’s Stern School of Business Executive MBA program, where I’ll be concentrating in management of technology and operations. I officially start classes in 2023 (had to get some prep work done this year). Going to business school has been something I personally wanted to do for a long time, and I felt that I am at a good place in my life to do so. I’m excited about this 22-month journey I’m about to embark on, which I have no doubt will be transformative in many ways.
With that last bit of news, in addition to perhaps seeing much less of me at speaking engagements, posting, etc., it does mean that I will be relinquishing some of my other projects and community service responsibilities. Sadly, 2022 will see me in my last year as the chair of CompTIA’s Advancing Tech Talent and Diversity Executive Council, as well as being a member of CompTIA’s North America Executive Council. Making that decision came with a very heavy heart – CompTIA has been part of my journey into tech for the past few years, and have spent quite a few years volunteering with the organization. I have met some terrific professionals and mentors, and I will miss working side-by-side with them. I will continue to serve on their Infrastructure Certification Advisory Committee in a limited capacity.
This also will mark the end of my time as host of Wiley’s Diversity in Tech Webinar Series. I cannot tell you how wonderful it has been to serve in this capacity. To be able to share actionable insights on how tech leaders could become strong DEI advocates themselves, and for them to hear from some of the most dynamic and thought-provoking tech professionals in the space is such a rare and unique honor.
I’m thankful for the year that was, and excited for the year ahead. To my supporters, advocates, allies, friends, and loved ones – thank you for sticking with me on my journey. It means the world to me and I certainly would not be here without you. I wish all of you the best for the holiday season and for the year ahead!
