LIU008: Breaking Barriers: Thriving as a Woman in Tech

In a conversation with Kevin and Alexis, Melissa Brooks, a Senior Cloud Engineer at Aritzia, shares her inspiring journey from a “terrible waitress” to a successful career in technology. Her story highlights the challenges faced by women in the tech industry and the strategies she employed to overcome them.

Melissa began her career in a completely unrelated field, working as a waitress. She admitted to being “terrible” at the job, often struggling to manage the demands of the role. However, this experience served as a catalyst for change. She realized that her passion lay in technology, an area she had explored during her college years. Determined to pursue her interests, Melissa decided to go back to school, enrolling in a diploma program in network security.

To achieve her goal, Melissa adopted a strategic, “reverse engineered” approach to goal setting. Instead of starting with the end goal of becoming a cloud engineer, she broke it down into smaller, manageable steps. She identified the skills and qualifications required for her desired career and worked backward to determine the path she needed to take. This method allowed her to focus on acquiring the necessary knowledge and experience systematically.

One of the key challenges Melissa faced was the stereotype that women were not well-suited for technical roles. She encountered skepticism and doubt from others, who questioned her ability to succeed in a male-dominated field. However, Melissa was undeterred. She embraced the challenge and used it as motivation to prove herself.

To further her education, Melissa enrolled in a diploma program in network security. This decision was not without its challenges. She had to balance her studies with her part-time job, often working late shifts before attending classes early in the morning. Despite the exhaustion, Melissa persevered, driven by her passion for technology and her determination to succeed.

Upon completing her diploma, Melissa began applying for jobs in the tech industry. She faced numerous rejections, but each setback only fueled her determination. She continued to refine her skills and expand her knowledge, staying persistent in her pursuit of a career in technology.

Eventually, Melissa landed her dream job at Aritzia, where she now works as a Senior Cloud Engineer. Her journey has not only been about overcoming personal barriers but also about breaking the glass ceiling for women in tech. She credits her success to her strategic approach, perseverance, and the unwavering belief in her abilities.

Melissa’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the importance of challenging societal norms. By reversing the traditional goal-setting process, she was able to systematically build the skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a field often dominated by men. Her experience serves as an inspiration for other women aspiring to enter the tech industry, reminding them that with the right strategy and unwavering commitment, anything is possible.

Today, Melissa continues to excel in her role at Aritzia, contributing to the company’s success and paving the way for future generations of women in technology. Her journey highlights the importance of advocating for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of gender, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

In conclusion, Melissa Brooks’s story of overcoming personal and societal barriers to become a successful cloud engineer is a powerful example of the resilience and determination required to thrive in a male-dominated field. By adopting a strategic, reverse-engineered approach to goal setting and refusing to be deterred by stereotypes, Melissa has not only achieved her personal goals but also inspired others to break through the barriers they face. Her journey underscores the need for continued efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, ensuring that all individuals have the chance to succeed.