Adanna

Tell us about your journey into tech?
My interest in IT first peaked when as a young Tax officer, I was able to be part of the team that tested the rollout of the Windows operating system. It was after this that I decided to re-train and go back to university where I did a BSc in Information Technology. My first role as a graduate was in first-line support for a dial-up internet service where I honed my customer service skills and advanced my technical knowledge. From then onwards, I am fortunate to have been headhunted for all my previous roles which have included working with servers and storage, to my current role in unified communications and collaboration helping to deliver solutions that meet today’s challenging work and learning environments.

How do you feel you have made a difference in what you do?
I believe the IT industry is one that is accessible to all regardless of gender or race. Having worked hard myself to ensure that my efforts are valued in the industry. I feel it is also important to promote and raise awareness to ensure more women and ethnic minorities are better represented. I am active in the workplace employee resource group that helps to promote this representation as well as mentoring and networking with young adults to help them find work experience. I am also an active NSPCC school service volunteer, working to ensure young children understand the importance of speaking out to stay safe.

What would you say is your biggest achievement?
I am driven by a passion to succeed and a desire to challenge myself. So, I’d say outside of my beautiful kids, my biggest achievements have come from the successes in my career as a result of large customer deals and the recognition and respect of my peers.

How do you think people can go about making a difference, in regards to spreading awareness of Black Women in tech?
Education, education, education! Networking events, workshops targeted at the BAME community particularly hosted in colleges and higher education institutions with the aim to encourage more black women to consider and be aware of the diverse range of technical roles that are available in the industry. Platforms such as this are vital for black women to network and share their collective experiences. The age-old adage – ‘Iron sharpens iron’ springs to mind and is how we can encourage each other, promote and demonstrate our value in this industry.

What is the best advice you ever received?
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says “I’m possible!”.