Book Spotlight -- Women of Color in Tech A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators by Susanne Tedrick

Book Details:

Book Title:  Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators by Susanne Tedrick
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction, 18 yrs +, 288 pages
Genre:  Business, Careers, Technology
Publisher:  Wiley
Release date:   April, 2020
Tour dates: June 22 to July 10, 2020
Content Rating:  PG.

Book Description:

Tech industry jobs are growing fast, offering great pay, career growth and learning opportunities. Women of color, sadly, have not been able to fully participate in this boom. There are many misconceptions about the tech industry. Misconceptions can often discourage women of color from pursuing or remaining in technical careers. For example, misconceptions like “tech careers are all about coding ”or “there’s no diversity in tech.”

In reality, tech career opportunities can be diverse, fun, and incredibly dynamic. While there are barriers to overcome, Women of Color in Tech is an indispensable resource for building a rewarding future in tech. Packed with inspiring stories and practical advice, this book shows you how to uncover the resources you need to succeed.

This practical guide will help you develop the blend of knowledge and skills needed for getting into tech—and staying there. Author Susanne Tedrick understands that, for a variety of reasons, young women of color are underrepresented in tech and may not have access to strong support networks or resources to be successful. Using her own experiences transitioning into tech, Susanne offers you real-world guidance on finding knowledgeable mentors, learning the latest industry trends, cultivating strong relationships and more.

If you’re thinking about going into tech, or you want to take your current career to the next level, Women of Color in Tech will help you build a blueprint for a successful career.

• Understand the reality of tech today, not misconceptions.
• Learn about the different tech jobs and opportunities that exist, not just coding.
• Gain an understanding of emerging technology areas that will affect jobs, like artificial intelligence, Blockchain and cloud computing.
• Discover traditional and non-traditional education option to get the skills you need.
• Find mentors, build your professional network and get the guidance you need.
• Stay motivated and deal with difficult situations.
• Recognize the importance of giving back to increase diversity and inclusion.

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Meet the Author:

Susanne Tedrick is a technical specialist for a Fortune 50 technology company. Fiercely committed to increasing participation of women and people of color in STEM educational and professional opportunities, she is a career mentor for the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Initiative and a volunteer workshop technical assistant for Black Girls Code, a nonprofit that empowers girls of color to develop in-demand IT skills and prepare for careers in tech. Susanne was awarded the 2018 CompTIA AITP Rising Star of the Year Award, and nominated for the 2019 CompTIA Advancing Women in Technology Mentorship Guide Award, for her dedication to advancing her career and that of others. Views expressed are those of author Susanne Tedrick and are not endorsed by any of her current or former employers.

​Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook  ~  Instagram ~ Goodreads

AUTHOR INTERVIEW 

What should readers expect from your book?

Readers can expect an overview of the popular tech careers out there. They can also expect a discussion on how to prepare for these careers. This isn’t just about resume and interview preparation, but where to find opportunities to build skills, cultivating a strong network and demonstrating your value. Lastly, they should expect a discussion of basic strategies to address challenges women of color often face in the field, including bias and microaggressions, imposter syndrome, mental health and more.

What inspired you to write Women of Color in Tech?

The book is largely based on my experiences in transitioning into the tech industry, after having worked in administrative and operations roles in financial services for several years. I wrote the book to provide guidance to women of color who are thinking pursuing a career in tech but may be unsure of what a tech career could look like for them, and how to get started, especially if resources and support networks are in limited supply.  

Which female technologist has inspired you the most?

Katherine Johnson, who was profiled in both the book and movie, Hidden Figures. Ms. Johnson came from very humble beginnings to become one of the most integral and influential mathematicians in NASA’s history. Her legacy is truly an inspiration to all women of color within the STEM fields.

What emerging technology are do you see having the most impact on our society?

Artificial intelligence will have the most impact on our society. We are already starting to see examples of its usage in everyday life. When we call on a business for a customer service inquiry, or to book an appointment, it’s very likely that we’re interacting simplified AI chatbot vs. a human being. As AI continues to innovate, we will start to see more and more AI integrated in websites, applications and more. We will also have more and more conversation on its ethical implications, and on how to make it free from bias, so that marginalized communities are not negatively impacted.

When did you know for sure that you wanted a career in tech?

While I had always had an interest in technology since I was young, it wasn’t until I took my first Java programming class much later in life, and I compiled my first program. I had created a personal budget calculator, where the users input the amounts to see if their spending was in line with recommended percentages from financial advisors. It wasn’t so much that I wanted to code for the rest of my life. I didn’t ☺. It was more the fact that I was able to program in the first place, and that I could use technology to solve one of many problems that people face. It took me many hours to create this very crude program, but I was so in my “zone” and honestly, it was so much fun that I barely noticed when long periods of time went by. From there I knew that this was what I wanted out of my career and my calling.

Tour Schedule:

June 22 -Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / author interview / guest post / giveaway
June 22 –Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
June 22 -Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight / giveaway
June 23 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
June 24 – Alexis Marie Chute Blog – book spotlight / author interview
June 25 –Pen Possessed – book spotlight / giveaway
June 26 – Her Book Thoughts – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 29 - Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
June 30 –Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
July 1 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
July 2 – Library of Clean Reads – book spotlight / giveaway
July 2 - Over Coffee Conversations - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
July 3 – Olio by Marilyn – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 6 –Mowgli with a book – book spotlight / author interview
July 7 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
July 8 – Connie's History Classroom – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:  Here