Meet Jason Bradshaw

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jason Bradshaw. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jason, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

As a STEM advocate my purpose is found in helping others get into the STEM space specifically technology focused roles. I find an overwhelming joy in teaching the youth about tech, mentoring college students on building their resumes plus interview techniques, and encouraging young IT professionals on how to position themselves for the next level of their careers. As a minority in the tech space I have a strong passion to get more minorities in STEM fields but a very strong desire to see more black women in these spaces. And what led me to this purpose is most of career being the only black person on my team and most of the time with no women on the team or even the department. I wanted to be a part of the change and not just wishing for a change.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My name is Jason Bradshaw, I am an IT Systems Engineer with a extensive background in Information Technology Operations. 2025 will make 20 years in the IT field. The majority of my career has been supporting military and defense organizations.

My business is an informal STEM training called Learn with CSR (Code.Sip.Repeat.) where we host code and sip workshop events. These events include a coding project that attendees will complete with a live instructor, lively beverages, catered food, and a live DJ. We orchestrate a fun, engaging, inclusive environment for technology enthusiasts of all skill levels to learn and network. Our core principles are to Educate, Entertain, and Engage. Our hosts ensure that everyone is having a great time and our tech team are available to assist with the projects. CSR was started in April 2023 and we have held several public and private workshop events. Our topics so far have all been Python computer programming lessons but we have plans in the future to mix in different coding languages.

I also have done public speaking to the youth and mentored several students from middle school to graduate students. I have taught coding classes for summer camps and small groups with my participation in my fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and nation wide non-profit organization BDPA (Black Data Processing Associates).

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?

Three qualities that I would that I would say have been most impactful would be belief, alignment, and curiosity. I believed in the vision even when it wasn’t clear to others, which can be lonely and terrifying at times. Once I aligned myself spiritually and with people who believed in the vision given to me, everything else fell in line from there. My curiosity on how and why things work the way they do gives me the motivation to research and the courage to ask questions.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

There have been several books that have helped my development to where I am today, but the sake of time I’ll list 5:

Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter by Curtis 50 Cent Jackson — After reading this book I had an unwavering desire to create my own path and build something great for me and my tribe.

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho — This book encouraged me to face challenges and embrace the journey that life gives me.

Quiet by Susan Cain — This book provided me with insights on how leadership can come in many different forms and that the leader doesn’t always have to be the loudest extroverted person in the room.

10 Minutes by Peter Bregman — Reading this book inspired so many business ideas and thoughts but really pushed me to moving forward on them.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek — The inspiration from this book is in the title, after reading this is made me reevaluate why I provide the services I do and at the level of quality that I do.

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Image Credits

Photo credits go to Shots on 3 PhotoBooth | www.shotson3photobooth.com

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