March 8th is International Women’s Day!
It’s International Women’s Day on Thursday, March 8th, and we’re celebrating by taking a closer look at how these VPLS Women discovered their goals, overcame obstacles, and what they hope to achieve in the future.
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VPLS is a place that celebrates diversity and appreciates how our differences can bring us together. We want to take a moment to appreciate two of our very own and discover what differences led these women towards a career in IT and Security Management.
Join us as we sit down with Nha-Y Nguyen and Jasmine Martinez to discuss their struggles and achievements within an industry that’s primarily populated by men.
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VPLS Systems Engineer
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What are three words that you feel best describe your personality?
Ambitious, Dedicated, and Easy-Going
Let’s flashback to when you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a teacher just like my mom.
Did you have any role models?
Yes, my mother is my role model because she was hard-working and self-sufficient. I try to embody the lessons she taught me.
What city did you grow up in?
Within the busy city of Saigon, Vietnam – one of the largest cities in Vietnam.
What type of student were you in high school?
Very hard-working and studious. I competed for admission into one of the top high schools within the country. And, I was one of the top three students in my graduating class.
What did you want to do after high school?
I was excited about going further in my education and turned my focus onto Information Technology (IT). I wanted to become an Engineer. Straight after high school, I entered the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology.
What did you do after that?
I moved to America and lived in various cities within California, Virginia, Oregon, and Kentucky. I also made the decision to further my education and attended Northern Kentucky University, where I received my Masters degree in Information Technology.
What was your first job out of school?
I was hired to be part of the IT Support Team at AIG.
Other than money, what do you value most in your work?
The people. I want to work with a team that I trust and can depend on in an environment that pushes me to learn and grow as a person.
Why did you choose to be an engineer?
I enjoy building, designing, and learning about new technology. It’s very stimulating and rewarding.
What was the hardest obstacle to overcome in your education or career?
Math. I hate statistics! But I overcame that obstacle by reminding myself that practice makes perfect.
What advice do you have for other women that aspire to work in the tech industry or aspire to be an engineer?
I want them to know that it’s not as difficult as it seems. Yes, there are hurdles and obstacles to overcome but if you focus on your goals a little each day, you can make those dreams happen.
Lastly, what is your spirit animal?
The bird! Birds represent freedom and are not restricted by gravity. They’re natural born free spirits.
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Jr. DevOps Specialist
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What are three words that you feel best describe your personality?
Relentless, Fast & Critical
Let’s flashback to when you were 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a pilot and fly jets!
Did you have any role models?
Yes, my father. My dad was a smart and determined man who could figure out any problem or puzzle. It didn’t matter what was broken, my dad could fix it. I strive every day to be just like him.
What type of student were you in high school?
Quiet, fast-learner, and independent. I enjoyed learning subjects on my own. Just me and the textbook. I would complete most tasks or assignments within 15 minutes of receiving them.
What was your first job out of school?
McDonald’s! I was a crew member. I did anything and everything at the restaurant. Interestingly enough, during my time there, my technical skills really began to shine through. If something broke down, like the POS system, I was the one to fix it.
What did you want to do after high school?
Actually, I wasn’t sure. I didn’t specifically pursue my current role. I was still trying to make sense of my world and where I wanted to be.
Have you found that path and do you have goals now?
Yes, VPLS gave me the opportunity to learn and challenge myself in new ways. I’ve discovered my strengths in programming and security systems, so I am working on sharpening those skills every day. It also means working towards certain certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) cert.
Other than money, what do you value most in your work?
Freedom. Also, the opportunity to learn and discover more through various challenges and obstacles. At VPLS, there’s always something different going on and I love that. No day is ever the same.
What’s something you wish your co-workers understood about you?
I hope people notice and have faith in my confidence to get the job done. I want them to know that no matter how hard a task may seem, I will find a way to complete it and do my very best.
What advice do you have for other women that aspire to work in the tech industry or aspire to be an engineer?
Never stop. Never surrender. Whatever the obstacle, know that there is always a solution. You just have to find it.
Lastly, in a battle between Wonder Woman and X-Men’s Rogue, who would win?
Wonder Woman. No one can beat the Lasso of Truth.
VPLS Gives Applause!
We hope you enjoyed this introduction to some of the women behind-the-scenes, as they work hard to maintain the very best in what VPLS has to offer.
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