Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamila Brown Hairston.
Jamila, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’ve had a relationship with technology since I was a kid. My father was an engineer, so I always had access to the latest gadgets and video games. To this day, my favorite video game is Mortal Kombat. We also built robots and other projects together. All of these childhood experiences piqued my curiosity about technology. They really helped me develop problem-solving skills and my creativity early on as well. Honing these skills is what led me to innovative collaborations and executive leadership roles in technology with international brands throughout my career.
I am an enthusiastic divergent thinker. I like to go into small to large-scale businesses, figure out the big-picture problems and fix them. As a certified senior enterprise systems architect, I then strategize the most efficient technology needed to improve a company’s operations. With a knack for problem-solving using technology, I earned a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and a master’s degree in post-secondary education with a concentration in instructional technology. I advanced my craft by becoming a Microsoft-certified solutions expert and trainer with additional certifications in Web design and project management. Today, I also use my high-value skills to help the next generation of tech professionals secure high-income jobs with top brands across the nation. I am also a newly published author of “Master Your Destiny” and I was inspired to write this book because I want everyone to know that living their best life is truly attainable. The book can be ordered on Amazon or at www.masteryourdestiny.co
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most career paths, mine has experienced a few roadblocks and unexpected detours, but that’s life. One of the biggest challenges for me has been breaking stereotypes and glass ceilings as an African-American woman in a STEM field and as an entrepreneur. I’ve been in plenty of board room situations where male counterparts made projects difficult because they couldn’t fully accept or trust my talent level. I often found myself constantly trying to prove my worth in such situations. No one should have to feel like that about their gifts. I encourage young women, especially women of color, to go into corporate situations with confidence. When you do, no one can knock you off your game or stifle your strengths. Also, every young person entering the industry should have a mentor — on the job or not — who can help them sharpen their skills every chance they get. These lessons will prepare you for some of your toughest and most stressful meetings or presentations down the line.
Please tell us about Cloud Tech Academy.
As an entrepreneur and systems enterprise subject matter expert (SME), I’ve held various executive leadership and technical enterprise roles with Fortune 100 and 500 companies. I’ve also developed multiple IT-related platforms with my husband who is also my professional colleague, R.C Hairston, to empower, educate and elevate youth and diverse communities. Our tech-driven resources include a STEM-focused foundation, national networking tours and a creative consulting service that provides enterprise solutions to mid- and large-size corporations. One of the most rewarding accomplishments that sets us apart in the tech industry is our newly established training and testing center: Cloud Tech Academy (CTA). CTA is Georgia’s only black-owned enterprise cloud software training and testing hub designed to equip 21st-century learners with the needed skills to land lucrative, high-value positions in today’s digital and global economy.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
There is a flood of opportunities especially for women who seek to engage in the technology space. The future is now and corporations are looking to increase their hiring and leadership promotions for women. Enterprise Cloud Technology, Cyber Security, Gaming, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are in high demand right now. This is why it’s so important to have a highly valued skill. Having the proper training and certifications will help you increase your value in today’s market as well as increase your bank account and who doesn’t want that! Women have natural creativity and we adapt to processes quite easily already. So, I encourage any women who is looking to make a transition into a new technology career or advance in their current skills to contact us at Cloud Tech Academy. We specialize in preparing professionals for high paying salaries in technology.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1755 The Exchange
Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30339 - Website: www.cloudtechacademy.com
- Phone: 800-719-0273
- Email: info@cloudtechacademy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cloudtechacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CloudTechAcademy/
- Other: https://www.masteryourdestiny.co/
Image Credit:
Torrence Studios
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