Victoria Heggs

I attribute my success to being open to change and continuous learning. Growth really happens in the stretch - you don't wait until you feel like you're ready. I've learned to trust my voice and step into rooms where decisions are being made, knowing that my perspective belongs there. Early on, I realized that influence isn't just about the title, it's really about preparation, perspective, and consistency. I've learned to truly trust my expertise and speak with intention every time. Even though being in a room with high-level roles or high-level earning persons can be intimidating at first - you might say to yourself, oh, I'm a small fry, I don't deserve to be in this room - the more you talk to these people, you realize you do deserve to be here because you've worked your butt off, you've had sleepless nights, countless tantrums. When I walk into the room as the woman that I am, there's like a little light that comes in, like a sparkle in my eye. People tell me that when I'm talking about technology, it sounds like a second language. The biggest challenge was honestly just fighting for a seat at the table, and that requires confidence. I keep up with technology by being on news articles and social media - when I see new things like VRs or meta glasses, if it sparks my interest, I ask questions, let someone tell me what it is, then go home and do my own research. It's all about continuous learning.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came from my IT director, Randall White. He encouraged me to step confidently into technical and strategic roles, helping me see my potential in technology leadership and giving me the guidance to grow professionally.

Don't wait until you feel like you're ready. Growth really happens in the stretch. You need to prepare yourself, trust your voice, and step into rooms where decisions are being made. Always know your perspective belongs here. I want girls to know that no matter what happens, you can always change your mind. You can go halfway through the school year and change your major. You can be halfway through your career and change careers. You don't have to be stuck there. Life is nothing but evolution, and time is always going. You have nothing but time. When you're working day-to-day in a career or in school for a degree, you think to yourself, is this really worth it? But I want to tell people that they have the options, they have the flexibility, you have nothing but time. There are girls that grew up just like me, and they believe that they can only do one thing. You have to set your mind, and just know that you are capable of evolving into roles you may not initially envision for yourself.

I think the biggest challenge is just being intimidated if you've never been stepping into a room with high-level roles or high-level earning persons. That can be a little bit intimidating - you would say to yourself, oh, I'm a small fry, I don't believe I don't deserve to be in this room. But the more you talk to these people, you do deserve to be here because you've worked your butt off, you've had sleepless nights, countless tantrums. The hardest, biggest challenge honestly was just fighting for a seat at the table, and that requires confidence that isn't always clear early on. Another challenge is keeping up with rapid technological change - staying current requires continuous learning through news articles, social media, asking questions, and doing your own research. The opportunity side is incredible though. Being the youngest in my committee, I see that technology is more than devices - it's access to opportunities that students may never have had growing up. There's a real opportunity to advocate for equitable digital access so every student, regardless of their background, has the tools they need to succeed.

Equity and access are at the core of everything I do. I want to advocate for equitable digital access so every student, regardless of their background, has the tools they need to succeed. I'm passionate about making sure all students of all colors and any background have access to technology and the opportunities it provides. In my personal life, I value perseverance and staying active. Despite having spinal fusion surgery in 2011 - I was fused from T1 to T8, pretty much all of my upper back - I was back in sports after a year of recovery and played volleyball and cheer all through high school. Even though all the odds were stacked against me, I always prevailed. Now in my 20s, I'm picking back up with volleyball through adult leagues at recreational centers and starting pickleball. I love being active in sports and staying in the thick of things. I think in my later years, I'll continue to have an active lifestyle. I also value flexibility and evolution - life is nothing but evolution, and you have nothing but time to grow and change.