Yashica Brooks

I attribute my success first and foremost to my faith in God, who has blessed me with opportunities to grow, lead, and serve throughout my career. I am also grateful for the unwavering love and support of my husband and family, who have encouraged me every step of the way and have been my greatest source of strength. My grandparents instilled in me the values of perseverance, integrity, and giving my best in everything I do. My mother, despite becoming a parent as a teenager, emphasized the importance of education and never allowed circumstances to limit what she believed was possible for our family. Their example taught me that success is built through hard work, resilience, continuous learning, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities. I have also been blessed with mentors and colleagues who challenged me to grow, encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone, and reminded me that leadership is ultimately about serving others.

The best career advice I've ever received is to never stop learning. Education is constantly evolving, and staying curious, seeking new opportunities, and being willing to adapt have opened doors throughout my career. I also believe in the advice to bloom where you're planted—give your best wherever you are, build strong relationships, and let your work speak for itself. One lesson that has stayed with me is that delayed does not mean denied. Sometimes opportunities come later than we expect, but God's timing is often preparing us for something greater. I've also learned that "no" doesn't always mean never—it often means "next opportunity." When you consistently strive for excellence, remain open to growth, and trust the process, the right opportunities will come.

I encourage young women to start with what they are passionate about. You don't have to have your entire career mapped out from the beginning. Education offers many opportunities to grow, so be willing to adapt as your interests evolve. If you discover another area that excites you, pursue the certifications, training, or experiences needed to get there. I also encourage finding a mentor early in your career. A good mentor can provide guidance, challenge your thinking, open doors to new opportunities, and help you navigate both successes and setbacks. Most importantly, never stop learning.

One of the biggest challenges today is that the technology field as a whole—including computer science, coding, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and technology leadership—continues to be predominantly male. Although progress has been made, women remain underrepresented in many technology-related careers. Throughout my career, I have intentionally worked to expose more girls to technology. As an elementary teacher, I introduced students to coding through Code.org to help them develop computational thinking and problem-solving skills at an early age. Later, as a high school teacher, I started a coding club for girls because I wanted young women to see themselves in technology and realize they belong in these spaces.

At the same time, one of the greatest opportunities in our field is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and digital innovation. We have an incredible opportunity to equip both educators and students with the knowledge and skills to use technology responsibly, creatively, and ethically while inspiring more young women to pursue careers in educational technology, computer science, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other STEM fields.

Integrity is the foundation of everything I do. I believe trust is earned by being honest, dependable, and consistent. I also value adaptability because education and technology are constantly changing, and we have to be willing to grow with them. Compassion is equally important because everyone doesn't know what you know, and it's our responsibility to teach, encourage, and support others without judgment. Whether I'm leading, mentoring, or simply working alongside others, I strive to treat people with respect and kindness. Those values guide both my professional and personal life.