Wisconsin Tech Month Podcast Series

From Manufacturing to IT: Lillian Zhou's Career Evolution

This episode highlights the inspiring journey of Lillian Zhou, an IT program manager at Uline, as she shares her experiences and insights as a woman in the tech industry. Lillian discusses how her career began in engineering within a manufacturing facility and evolved into the tech space, driven by a desire to broaden her experience and embrace new challenges. She emphasizes the importance of passion in one’s work and encourages listeners to pursue what they love. Lillian also shares valuable advice for those entering the tech field, including the significance of taking on new assignments, giving grace to others, and helping each other grow through mentorship. Her journey illustrates the profound impact of diversity and collaboration in driving innovation within the tech landscape. Takeaways: 1. Lillian emphasizes the importance of following your passions and loving what you do. 2. Taking on new assignments can provide valuable experiences and help you grow professionally. 3. Diversity and respect in the workplace are crucial for fostering a positive environment. 4. Mentorship and coaching others can significantly impact the growth of individuals in tech. 5. Understanding personal journeys and giving grace to colleagues enhances teamwork and collaboration. 6. Working with talented individuals in tech inspires innovation and problem-solving every day.

From Problem Solver to Project Manager: Shravi Gopu's Tech Evolution

Shravi Gopu discusses the importance of problem-solving and the diverse opportunities available in tech beyond just programming, highlighting roles such as user experience design and project management. Shravi reflects on her experiences as one of the few women in her engineering classes and emphasizes the supportive environment at Uline, where initiatives like women in IT foster mentorship and collaboration. She also shares her recent successes as she transitions into an IT project manager role, demonstrating the positive impact of hard work and passion in career growth. Listeners will gain valuable insights into entering the tech field, the significance of curiosity, and the importance of finding a fulfilling career path that brings joy and satisfaction. Takeaways: 1. Shravi emphasizes the importance of problem-solving skills in pursuing a tech career. 2. Working in tech offers diverse roles beyond programming, which appeals to various skillsets. 3. Uline's women in tech program provides mentorship and support for women in the industry. 4. Being curious and finding a passion are vital for success in the tech field. 5. Shravi encourages women to connect and seek support through platforms like LinkedIn.

From Courtrooms to Code: Inspiring Women in Tech with Karen Renee

Karen Renee shares her personal experiences of overcoming initial doubts about her role in the tech space and how she has grown to thrive in it. She notes that women are becoming vital contributors to technology, inspiring future generations of girls to pursue careers in this area. The support from local communities, particularly in Milwaukee, plays a crucial role in fostering this growth, creating an environment where women can share their challenges and successes. Karen’s insights reflect a broader societal shift, where technology is no longer seen as an exclusive domain for men, but as a collaborative field where women can excel and lead. Takeaways: 1. Karen emphasizes the need to be patient in the tech development process. 2. Creating a solution to a real problem in the legal industry can drive innovation. 3. Women in tech are increasingly supported by communities, which fosters growth and collaboration. 4. Karen reflects on her unexpected journey into the tech industry with enthusiasm. 5. Success in tech often comes from recognizing a market need and addressing it effectively.

From STEM to Success: How Sam Billetdeaux Innovates in Engineering

Sam Billetdeaux shares her inspiring journey in the tech industry, highlighting the unique challenges and successes she has faced as a woman in electrical engineering. With only 13% to 15% of undergraduate electrical engineers being women, she discusses the importance of finding a supportive company culture, which she found at Milwaukee Tool. Sam reflects on her experiences balancing work and motherhood, emphasizing that her ability to adapt and redefine her normal has been a key to her success. She also underscores the excitement of tackling new challenges in tech and the satisfaction that comes from solving complex problems. Takeaways: 1. Sam highlights the importance of supportive company culture for women in tech. 2. Reflecting on personal growth is essential for recognizing accomplishments in one's career journey. 3. Women in electrical engineering face unique challenges but can drive innovation through their perspectives. 4. Balancing work and motherhood can be challenging, yet it's a significant success for women professionals. 5. Leadership roles in tech allow individuals to coach and support their teams through challenges. 6. Constant challenges in tech keep the work engaging and foster continuous learning and development.

From Dreams to Reality: A Metallurgist's Tech Journey with Jinxia Li

Jinxia Li shares her journey in the tech industry, starting from her early education in material science and engineering in China. She highlights the challenges of being one of the few women in her field, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and setting clear career goals. Her experience as a metallurgist at Milwaukee Tool showcases her accomplishments in managing a lab that supports over a thousand engineers and her commitment to improving processes and safety. Takeaways: 1. The journey of women in tech often starts with education and overcoming fierce competition. 2. Empathy and attention to detail are unique strengths that women bring to the tech industry. 3. Finding one's core values and setting clear career goals is crucial for success. 4. Technical skills are important, but soft skills like emotional intelligence are equally vital. 5. The tech industry is constantly evolving, encouraging a mindset of continuous learning and humility. 6. Completing significant goals in a technical role builds confidence and capability for future challenges.