Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erica Mitchell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Erica, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
In the Untied States, the percentage of women that work in technology is around 25-28%. Black women represent approximately 3-4% of the technology workforce, so I have certainly been the only one in the room, and it definitely has its challenges. There are several things that I have practiced to still be effective and successful. Firstly, I have always stayed authentic. I embrace staying true to my values and showing up as myself no matter what. I remind myself that I bring a fresh and insightful perspective to environments that lack diversity. I also treat differences as learning opportunities for both myself and my peers. This sometimes means having the patience to explain yourself until you are fully heard and understood. Most importantly, I had to find a support group. This is why I built Tech Women of ATL. My environment lacked the representation that I needed to feel successful. I knew that I couldn’t be the only one, so I built a community of women that could encourage one another to continue to break barriers and influence in technology. Having this type of support empowers you to be a proud representative in rooms where no one looks like you.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My name is Erica Mitchell, and I am the Founder and CEO of Tech Women of ATL. This organization was formed after realizing a critical gap in the tech landscape: the lack of community and resources for women in technology. Inspired by my struggles to find mentorship and navigate my way after technical education, I needed a community of women – one I could lean on for support and encouragement.
Tech Women of ATL is a dynamic non-profit community dedicated to empowering women in technology through education, wellness, and collaboration. We strive to create a supportive environment where women can thrive, innovate, and lead in their respective fields.
We believe that diversity drives innovation, and by fostering a strong network of women in tech, we are not only breaking barriers but also paving the way for future generations. Our events, workshops, and programs are designed to equip women with the skills and confidence they need to excel in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
One thing I did early in my technology journey was introspection. Technology is so broad and can be very overwhelming. You could spend thousands of dollars and hours stuck in something that does not align with you. I evaluated my interests and my soft skills before deciding on a technology pathway. Not that this process always works, but this type of evaluation may save you from a lot of redirection in your journey.
I would also say expanding your knowledge of processes and tools early on is very important. Not only does it keep you excited and well versed in the industry, but you will have exposure that will help you stand out as a technology candidate. For example, as a programmer you want to learn the baseline languages and then if you love gaming, start exploring C++ and C#. If you are interested in software project management – take a Udemy, LinkedIn Learning course, or Coursea on widely used PM tools to manage software deliveries.
One of the more recent qualities I have been practicing in entrepreneurship as a community founder is inquisitiveness. I have a strong desire to understand different journeys and pathways. This continuously opens my mind to the endless possibilities there are in technology and community leadership. Utilizing this skill early on will keep you ahead of the technology curve and in conversation with the right people.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Tech Women of ATL is always excited to collaborate with companies, communities, and individuals that share and support our mission to provide education, resources, and opportunities for women in technology. Our newest initiative is to curate educational events and workshops that highlight technology within all industries. It is very important that no one feels left behind. Technology can support and advance whatever you are involved in. From entrepreneurs to large corporations, we are here to bridge the gap in knowledge. For example, we are spearheading a tech and beauty event that explores the various ways in which technology can assist beauty professionals in their scheduling platforms and AI integrations into their hair, makeup, and spa products. Whether it is a venue that we can gather at, a product that we can enjoy, or a concept that we can learn – we welcome collaboration from everyone. We also invite all professionals to join our bi-monthly networking event and meet some of the amazing women. Please feel free to connect with us via social media (@techwomenofatl), website inquiry (www.techwomenofatl.com), or email ([email protected]) and we will find a way to connect our worlds in an impactful way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.techwomenofatl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techwomenofatl
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-women-of-atl/
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