Her Story
About Monica
I've been in the tech field for about 26 years, and for the past 18 months, I've been working as a technology consultant. I assist companies with their technology needs, from building and engineering their networks and LANs, to using SD-WAN to connect all their facilities together. I also help them utilize AI in their workforce for workflow management, and handle everything down to their voice services, whether we're going with on-site headsets or a cloud-based system. While I don't typically do computers and hardware, I do sometimes sink in and help with different configurations on firewalls and how to manage that. Throughout my career, I've always focused on bringing forward a lot of technology and helping my companies and customers actually utilize it to pull them forward and get ahead of the curve. I've been there with my clients through all the major changes over the years, from dial-up to DSL, to fiber internet, electronic medical records for healthcare, GPS in vehicles. Because I've been there for so many changes, my customers trust me and move forward with me.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Monica
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, education, and a deep trust and responsibility to my clients. It's about understanding both sides of the table, not just doing what's going to be beneficial for myself, but making sure it's a benefit to both parties involved. That approach has always helped me gain my clients' respect and trust.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I ever received probably came from my dad: be authentic, stick beyond time, and don't stop pushing yourself every day. That guidance has really shaped how I approach my work and my relationships with clients.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is not to be intimidated, be themselves, and know that they do have a seat at the table. Don't be easily discouraged. You know, 20 no's, that's okay. You keep on pushing, and you're gonna get that yes.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
I guess the biggest challenges are that some people are set in their ways, and they don't accept the change and moving forward. I've always been struck up with that through the years, whether it was electronic medical records for healthcare when doctors were not wanting to do it, or putting GPS in vehicles. I've been there through all these trends and big changes, from dial-up to DSL to fiber internet. Having clients trust you to push forward through those changes is key. Because I've been there for so many changes over the years, my customers trust me and move forward with me.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are being authentic to myself and having a strong moral compass. I'm very direct and honest with my clients. I tell them this is going to work for you, this is beneficial, and let's not waste our time if it's not going to be benefiting either party. That honesty has always helped me and gained their respect, because I'll give them a straight answer when they ask. And if I don't have the answer, I'm gonna find out or find somebody that does. I don't fluff it. At the end of the day, I also look at work-life balance as what matters, being the best mom and being available to my family.
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