Her Story
About Patrice
Patrice Bertrand serves as CEO and Executive Director of More Computing Learning Services, a nonprofit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, that she established in 2007. The organization focuses on technical training, equipping individuals with digital literacy skills and CompTIA certifications to foster self-sufficiency. Bertrand brings more than 35 years of experience in the technical field, having transitioned from roles as an electrical design engineer and various IT positions at the Corps of Engineers, including help desk support, web development, system administration, and network administration. Her educational background includes an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology earned in 1995, complemented by professional credentials such as Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Trainer, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. Since founding the nonprofit, she has trained over 3,000 individuals, many of whom have entered the workforce or pursued further education. Bertrand is also active in real estate and maintains membership in the Greater Nashville Realty Association. She attributes her success to the example set by her mother, who demonstrated resilience through challenges, and she emphasizes values of communication, teamwork, and genuine personal connection in both her professional and family life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Patrice
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would have to attribute my success to watching my mother. I think she was one of the biggest influences in my life. I saw her struggle a lot as a young kid growing up, and it was like she never gave up on herself or life or us. So, I think that just gave me a strong role model to emulate.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice that I have ever received from someone probably was when I first got out of college... one of my bosses came over to me, and he said, Patrice, you know, you've been sitting here almost for, like, 2 months now, and sometimes you just gotta get up and tell them what you're capable of. You know, he said a closed mouth would never gather any foot... I went to the application engineering team, I said, look, guys, you hired me to do a job. I would like to see what I can do.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell my women who are trying to get in the industry today is to, number one, always believe in yourself. Go in a field or an area that you enjoy. Don't do it just for the money. The money is good in technology. I mean, I can't deny that. But make sure you go into an area that you fully enjoy, that you just could do it, you know, even if you wasn't getting it. I think it will make it a lot easier for you. I think you would go far at it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the big challenges, I would say, in the technology field today for me, probably just getting certain positions. I do believe that the field is very saturated with a lot of individuals who may claim that they have the experience in doing a job. But they may not necessarily have the right credentials or the actual hands-on experience. So, you're battling against because nowadays, you know, we have this AI, and everybody knows ChatGPT and all these other AIs. A lot of people look as though they have the ability to perform a job function when they truly don't have the actual experience or quality.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work life, I would definitely say, Communication, Teamwork are the most two important in my work life. Teamwork and communication. In my family life, I would have to say, communication as well, but being connected. I think, you know, I have this thing with technology. I love technology, don't get me wrong. I've actually had an interest in technology since a child. I also know some of the dangers of just overusing technology and not connecting with people, so staying connected with my family is very important with me, and I don't mean texting and then emailing, I mean, sitting down, being in the spaces with each one, engaged with each other.
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