Maria C Garrity

I attribute my success to having a strong support system, especially my family. I have a close-knit family, including a husband who has always supported me and a son who recently graduated and entered the cybersecurity field. Without that support and encouragement along the way, I do not think I would have been able to accomplish many of the things I have achieved. I truly believe no one succeeds alone, and having people who support your goals and passions makes all the difference.

Beyond my family, I have also been fortunate to have strong mentors at Buffalo State University who have helped shape my journey. One mentor who had a particularly meaningful impact on me was Dr. Wendy Paterson. Although she is now retiring, she played an important role in uplifting and encouraging me throughout my career. She recognized my potential, my drive to help others, and my passion for supporting and uplifting women in technology. Her mentorship and encouragement helped inspire many of the initiatives we have developed on campus. When she told me, “You did it,” I responded, “No, we did it together,” because her support truly helped make these accomplishments possible.

The best career advice I have ever received is to stay true to yourself, keep learning, and never be afraid to ask for help. Early in my career, I was encouraged to focus on growth rather than perfection and to surround myself with mentors and people who challenge and support me.

Another piece of advice that has stayed with me is that you don’t succeed alone, success is built through collaboration, relationships, and helping others succeed as well. That perspective has shaped how I approach both my technical work and my role in education and mentoring. It has also reinforced the importance of lifting others up as you grow in your own career.

My advice to young women entering technology is to hang in there and believe in yourself. It is not always going to be an easy field. There will be challenges, roadblocks, and moments where you may feel underestimated or not fully accepted. But keep pushing forward and continue using your education, skills, and determination to guide you.

I also strongly encourage finding a mentor you trust, someone who will support you, guide you, and help you grow both personally and professionally. Having someone who believes in your potential can make a tremendous difference. Never be afraid to ask questions, seek advice, or say, “I know I can do even better; can you help guide me?” Support systems and mentorship are incredibly important, and they can help give you the confidence to succeed and keep moving forward.

One of the biggest challenges and opportunities I see in technology is continuing to address the gender gap in leadership roles. Throughout my career, many of the leadership in Information Technology positions I have worked alongside have traditionally been male dominated. While I have had the opportunity to work with many talented and supportive colleagues, I also recognize the importance of creating stronger mentorship connections and leadership pathways for women in technology.

One of my goals is to help break through those barriers by serving as a leader and mentor that other women feel comfortable approaching and learning from. I believe organizations grow stronger through diverse perspectives and collaboration, and that creating environments where both women and men can learn and lead together benefits everyone.

The values that are most important to me are being true to yourself, staying dedicated and loyal, and always maintaining strong ethics. I believe it is important to never compromise your integrity, continue working hard, and keep moving forward even when challenges arise.