We recently had the chance to connect with Erica Mitchell and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Erica, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Well, not all who wander are lost, and those who walk a defined path aren’t guaranteed smooth sailing. To answer the question, I am taking it one day at a time.
I am on a journey filled with uncertainty, fueled by passion and the desire to make an impact through my choices. There are certainly days that I feel like I am the only person in the world who doesn’t have it figured out. On those days, I find myself wandering, needing to learn and discover more about myself. On other days, my path is clear, my intuition is strong, and I walk with confidence.
I think life is easier to navigate when you accept the idea of balance. Sometimes I am following a path, other times I am wandering. Either way, I am always moving with intention.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erica Mitchell, and I am the Founder and CEO of Tech Women of ATL. This organization was formed after realizing a critical gap in the tech landscape: the lack of community and resources for women in technology. Inspired by my struggles to find mentorship and navigate my way after technical education, I needed a community of women – one I could lean on for support and encouragement.
Tech Women of ATL is a dynamic community dedicated to empowering women in technology through education, wellness, and collaboration. We strive to create a supportive environment where women can thrive, innovate, and lead in their respective fields.
We believe that diversity drives innovation, and by fostering a strong network of women in tech, we are not only breaking barriers but also paving the way for future generations. Our events, workshops, and programs are designed to equip women with the skills and confidence they need to excel in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Self-doubt.
Tech Women of ATL has played a significant role in helping me overcome self-doubt. As a founder, sharing my journey has helped me realize my worth, gain new perspectives, and embrace my leadership potential. I was unsure that I would ever find a passion in life. I have liked and cared for many things but had never felt the undeniable feeling that I was meant to be doing something. Now at 37, I find myself fully emerged in a calling that I have to listen to. Building Tech Women of ATL has forced me to believe in my vision and capabilities. Collaborating with companies and other organizations that share our mission has given me belief that Tech Women of ATL can provide invaluable opportunities and resources for women in tech. Releasing self-doubt is the only way that I can make this community impactful for others.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
The moment that I acted on bringing Tech Women of ATL to life is when I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power. I had a hard time finding my way after my technical education, but once I did, I had an even harder time adjusting to my work environment. I was the only woman on the engineering management team and the youngest. I saw no reflection of myself and had no safe space to share my insecurities and challenges of navigating my new technical position. In the beginning, there were many days I felt lost, defeated, and alone. I needed to see the representation, feel the encouragement, and know that I was supported by those who understood how I felt. The moment I decided to create the community I needed was when I took my power back. I redirected that pain and energy into building Tech Women of ATL and I strive each day to provide opportunities for women to connect and feel seen.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Regarding values, I believe there are two big lies that the tech industry tells itself. One is that women in tech are just a minority and hiring will solve for this disparity. This ideal not only downplays women’s corporate struggles but also ignores the need for change of systemic barriers, pay gaps, and gender bias in work culture. Another lie that the I believe the tech space tells itself is that work-life balance is a personal responsibility. The demanding industry culture and lack of support impacts women, especially those balancing career and family. Providing healthy company values should encourage inclusion and promote wellness.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Absolutely, I am tap dancing to work! I have never felt such excitement and motivation for anything like what I am doing with Tech Women of ATL. I am a technical project manager, so I have the planning and organizational skills down. With the community, I get to tap into my creative and collaborative skills to curate impactful events for the women. It really is an all-around amazing opportunity to build a safe space for women in tech to connect. I also love the feedback from that I get from events because this community is truly about serving. We look forward to growing and providing more resources, mentorship, and workshops.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.techwomenofatl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/techwomenofatl
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tech-women-of-atl/
- Other: Newsletter – https://twoa.kit.com/welcome
Image Credits
Photographer – Tickle Moments Photography
