E49 Isha Brown: Breaking Into The Tech Scene

Today’s guest is Isha Brown, a former designer and entrepreneur who is currently working towards her CS degree. She brings an interesting perspective as someone who is actively breaking into the tech scene.

Isha can tell you first hand how her life experiences as an entrepreneur gave her the skills needed to transition into the world of tech. There are many talented diverse people who have transferable skills but are unaware of the tech roles that exist. Companies who struggle with diversity need to go find these people who are working in areas you wouldn’t traditionally find tech talent. In Isha’s opinion, someone who is dedicated, can follow a self-taught regimen, and be an active, engaged learner holds the same value and weight as someone with a CS degree. Additionally, apprenticeships could be the answer to some of the talent shortages we are facing. These programs allow people who are new to tech,  to prove they have the determination and talent to be equally, if not more successful than traditional candidates. Companies can improve employee retention by committing to diversity initiatives and building out internal infrastructure. For example creating effective employee resource groups and training existing staff to be welcoming and inclusive of new diverse hires.

Isha Brown is working towards a degree in Computer Science and plans to start a career as a Program or Product manager. Aside from her studies she has interned for various industry leaders including NASA, Goldman Sachs, and Amazon. Prior to her career in tech, Isha was the owner and designer of Lovely by Isha, a successful  independent bridal fashion line.  Her experience in Sales and Entrepreneurship taught her invaluable skills including time management, creative problem solving, communication skills, and self-motivation.

• Isha Brown: www.linkedin.com/in/ishabrown1
• Medium Account: www.medium.com/@girllovestech93
• Instagram Account: www.instagram.com/girl_loves_tech
• Twitter Account: www.twitter.com/ishalovestech
• Swipe to Unlock: www.swipetounlock.com
• More episodes of the SnackWalls Podcast: http://podcast.snackwalls.com

SnackWalls is powered by San Diego Code School: https://sdcs.io

Please share like and subscribe for more reach 🙌🏾