The Abernathy Tech Spotlight series highlights black professionals working in tech, from freelance developers to non-technical founders. Complete this form to submit your profile.
What is your current role and where do you work?
I’m currently a consultant at Teradata Corporation.
How did you get into tech?
My tech journey started as a young kid. My parents had the foresight to realize computers were truly the wave of the future and kind of led me down that path. They would buy books about computers and I enjoyed learning all I could and messing around with computers as I got older. That grew into a degree and a career in IT.
What’s your favorite technology to work with and why?
I enjoy any kind of programming language. Programming allows you to solve large and complex problems in a systematic fashion. You can pretty much solve any problem with a program.
What project are you most proud to have worked on and why?
I’m most proud of my work on the State of Florida HR system project. This was my first “major” project and it was rewarding and fulfilling to see something that I had a hand in creating actually being used in a live production environment for a major corporate client.
What do you see as the most interesting technology on the horizon?
I’m really intrigued by the home automation products on the market. Most people have cell phones and computers or tablets now, but the home automation products are another step forward. Now there are products that don’t require any human interaction, which is a new concept for the average person.
If you weren’t working in tech, what would you be doing?
I’ve been in a tech frame of mind for so long that it’s difficult to say. I’d probably be an attorney. I think that would still allow me to put my critical thinking skills to use, as well as problem solving.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your tech career?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is paying attention to detail. In a live production environment for a major company, a mistake could have widespread effects and cost a company a lot of money. It’s important to be detail oriented and sure that you’ve tested properly.
What can companies do to create more inclusive environments?
I think it’s important to provide training and other professional development opportunities for all. If the knowledge and training is hoarded by a select few, a divide is created and others start to feel left behind. It benefits everyone when opportunities are readily available for all. Value is gained across the board.
What keeps you busy when you’re not being a technologist?
I’m mostly spending time with my family and trying to squeeze in time with friends when I can. I also try to take a few non-work related trips a few times per year to take in a concert or a festival. Other than that, I’m just hanging around the house.
The Abernathy Tech Spotlight series highlights black professionals working in tech, from freelance developers to non-technical founders. Complete this form to submit your profile.