Her Story
About Gwendolyn
My career in technology began with an unexpected turn. I was in nursing school, just a couple semesters short of clinicals and working in the hospital, when I was required to take an Intro to Computers course. That class changed everything for me. It was so fascinating that I immediately started looking into other tech-related courses and began pursuing a computer information systems certificate and degree. I transitioned from the medical field where I had spent 5 to 10 years and never looked back. I started my IT career in June 2000 doing help desk tech support as a contractor for ExxonMobil, working in a 24-7 call center that was about 99% success rate and the largest in the U.S. at that time. Over the years, I've worn many hats - from leadership roles to business analysis, point of sale systems, and data systems analysis for government entities building management districts and utilities. I joined IBM as a contractor in 2008 and after more than 10 years, I was officially onboarded in 2019. Today, as a systems support and technical systems manager, I travel globally deploying software and hardware and supporting our clients' technical systems in the public sector. My portfolio has always been tied to systems analysis, business analysis, and support, and I've consistently held leadership or managerial roles throughout my tenure. What drives me is that I'm a caregiver by default - it was instilled in me growing up through my grandmother who raised me. Even though I'm in tech, I still find ways to give back, whether physically, financially, or through educational volunteerism.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Gwendolyn
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say the doors of opportunity are there and always open, and the beautiful thing about this space and this field is that you can jump in anywhere. Most of the time, from my experience, someone is always there to meet you where you are, because it's always changing and emerging and evolving. It's safe to say that wherever you start is a good place, and you don't have to be an expert, you don't have to be technical to enter this space. Because, again, it changes so much, and we're all still learning and growing, because it's such a fascinating technology. With AI starting to take shape - well, it's already taking shape, it's just taking off faster than we can say the words, literally - it's the best, to me, one of the best positions that anyone trying to enter the field could ever have. This is, like, the best position to be in right now. There's so many people, so many industries, so many organizations willing to take you under their wing right now. That's now. That may not be the case. Those doors only stay open for so long, but right now, this is, like, the best time to jump in.
02What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I'm a caregiver by default - that was just always instilled in me growing up through my grandmother, who practically raised me because my mom was quite young when she had me. She was the biggest inspiration to me as far as the value of work ethic and giving, caring and sharing. Even though I'm in tech, I still find a way to give back, whether it's physical, financial, or even through educational volunteerism. I like to think that everything you learn or take from something, no matter what it is - even right out of high school when I was in housekeeping, cleaning - you do it 110%, and it adds some sort of value to you as a person. It shapes you, and it only helps improve you as you grow. I feel like if you continue to do your good deeds, or your work ethic, and your work, no good deed goes unnoticed. That's just my motto.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Texas
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.