Welcome back to Technically, A Podcast - Pathways to Programming. In today’s episode, Mia is joined by Ruth Mazango, a front-end developer working at the intersection of tech and public health in Zimbabwe. As the conversation unfolds, we hear that Ruth’s journey wasn’t some carefully mapped career plan. It was more like a series of honest pivots, fueled by curiosity, circumstance, and a deep desire to make a difference. Now, when Ruth talks about her work, you hear it right away: the clarity, the calm, the quiet power.

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About Technically, A Podcast:

Hosted by Mia, a web and software developer, Technically, A Podcast dives into the dynamic and often inspiring stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds who found their way into the tech world.

In each episode, we unravel the unique journeys that led our guests to where they are today. From their first "Hello World" to becoming tech professionals.

This podcast is your gateway to the personal side of the programming world. Join us as we explore the human element behind the code and get inspired by the endless possibilities of a career in tech.

Technically, A Podcast isn’t just about staying informed; it’s about thriving in the digital era. Whether you’re looking to launch an online store, enhance your website, or simply stay updated on the tech world, Mia and Ethan’s expert insights, relatable anecdotes, and engaging discussions make this podcast a must-listen for entrepreneurs of all industries.

Technically, A Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Curie & Co.⁠ and ⁠SnailMail⁠.

Lauren always thought she’d be solving mysteries, but not the kind that involve debugging C++ programs. With a background in criminology and years of running her own business, software development wasn’t on her radar. That is, until she found Code First Girls.

In this episode, Mia sits down with Lauren to discuss her unexpected career switch, the challenges of learning to code from scratch, and why she’s finally feeling fulfilled in tech.

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About Technically, A Podcast:

Hosted by Mia, a web and software developer, Technically, A Podcast dives into the dynamic and often inspiring stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds who found their way into the tech world.

In each episode, we unravel the unique journeys that led our guests to where they are today. From their first "Hello World" to becoming tech professionals.

This podcast is your gateway to the personal side of the programming world. Join us as we explore the human element behind the code and get inspired by the endless possibilities of a career in tech.

Technically, A Podcast isn’t just about staying informed; it’s about thriving in the digital era. Whether you’re looking to launch an online store, enhance your website, or simply stay updated on the tech world, Mia and Ethan’s expert insights, relatable anecdotes, and engaging discussions make this podcast a must-listen for entrepreneurs of all industries.

Technically, A Podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠Curie & Co.⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠SnailMail⁠⁠.

In this episode, Mia sits down with Jacqueline Corely, AKA Coach Jackie. Jackie’s journey in tech started early, when her parents brought home a computer, and she was instantly hooked. But years later, despite earning two computer science degrees, working as a developer, and even teaching at the university level, she hit a breaking point. That’s when a single conversation changed everything.

A mentor encouraged her not to leave tech, but to find a way to make a bigger impact. Today, Jackie is doing just that. She’s a coding instructor at AnnieCannons, teaching software development to survivors of human trafficking. At the time of this recording, she was also running Tech Girls Code, a community that helped women become confident software developers. Since then, Tech Girls Code has merged with the nonprofit Because of Gig, where Jackie continues her mission to empower women in tech. Their conversation covers impostor syndrome, diversity in tech, and how learning to code can be a path to empowerment.

Connect with Jackie:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcuzofgig.code/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ccwomenwhocode

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-corley/

Podcast: Girls Inspiring Generations to Code Podcast

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About Technically, A Podcast:

Hosted by Mia, a web and software developer, Technically, A Podcast dives into the dynamic and often inspiring stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds who found their way into the tech world.

In each episode, we unravel the unique journeys that led our guests to where they are today. From their first "Hello World" to becoming tech professionals.

This podcast is your gateway to the personal side of the programming world. Join us as we explore the human element behind the code and get inspired by the endless possibilities of a career in tech.

Technically, A Podcast isn’t just about staying informed; it’s about thriving in the digital era. Whether you’re looking to launch an online store, enhance your website, or simply stay updated on the tech world, Mia and Ethan’s expert insights, relatable anecdotes, and engaging discussions make this podcast a must-listen for entrepreneurs of all industries.

Technically, A Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Curie & Co.⁠ and ⁠SnailMail⁠.

Today, Mia sits down with Ewa a seasoned developer, mentor, and advocate for those who want to break into tech. They discuss the challenges of learning software development, and how she balances work, mentorship, and life.

For years, Ewa worked in aerospace engineering, analyzing flight data and working on aviation projects. But when she started exploring programming, she faced a tough question:

"Would switching careers mean throwing away everything I'd worked for?"

At first, she thought the answer was yes. But after making the leap, she realized it was the best decision of her life.

Now, she’s a senior Java developer at Circle K, a mentor at a coding bootcamp, and an advocate for helping others get into tech.

About Technically, A Podcast:

Hosted by Mia, a web and software developer, Technically, A Podcast dives into the dynamic and often inspiring stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds who found their way into the tech world.

In each episode, we unravel the unique journeys that led our guests to where they are today. From their first "Hello World" to becoming tech professionals.

This podcast is your gateway to the personal side of the programming world. Join us as we explore the human element behind the code and get inspired by the endless possibilities of a career in tech.

Technically, A Podcast isn’t just about staying informed; it’s about thriving in the digital era. Whether you’re looking to launch an online store, enhance your website, or simply stay updated on the tech world, Mia and Ethan’s expert insights, relatable anecdotes, and engaging discussions make this podcast a must-listen for entrepreneurs of all industries.

Technically, A Podcast is sponsored by Curie & Co. and SnailMail.

In today’s episode, Mia sits down with Daniela, known online as DanaScript, to talk about her unexpected journey into tech, the realities of pivoting careers, and why Berlin ended up being the perfect place for her career reboot.

Daniela had trained as an architect, but after moving to Germany, she realized that working as an architect there would be an uphill battle, not just because of the complex regulations, but also due to the language barrier. She started exploring other options and eventually decided to make the leap into tech. She now runs an online community where she shares coding tips, career advice, and hilarious coding-related skits. What started as a personal learning log turned into a thriving space for aspiring developers, especially those pivoting careers.

Find Daniela online at danascript.dev and on Instagram @danascript. Her app, Einbürgerungstest Pro 2024, designed to help people study for their German citizenship test, is now available on the App Store!

About Technically, A Podcast:

Hosted by Mia, a web and software developer, Technically, A Podcast dives into the dynamic and often inspiring stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds who found their way into the tech world.

In each episode, we unravel the unique journeys that led our guests to where they are today. From their first "Hello World" to becoming tech professionals.

This podcast is your gateway to the personal side of the programming world. Join us as we explore the human element behind the code and get inspired by the endless possibilities of a career in tech.

Technically, A Podcast isn’t just about staying informed; it’s about thriving in the digital era. Whether you’re looking to launch an online store, enhance your website, or simply stay updated on the tech world, Mia and Ethan’s expert insights, relatable anecdotes, and engaging discussions make this podcast a must-listen for entrepreneurs of all industries.

Technically, A Podcast is sponsored by ⁠Curie & Co.⁠ and ⁠SnailMail⁠.

Zoe McGrady’s journey to FinTech didn’t start in a boardroom, it started on a wrestling mat, where she was the only girl on her high school team. That experience taught her resilience, strategy, and how to thrive in spaces where she wasn’t necessarily expected. It’s a mindset that carried her through Duke’s engineering school, a major career pivot into tech, a growing presence in the world of modeling and mentorship, and even a memorable run on ABC’s The Bachelor.

In this episode of Technically, A Podcast, Mia sat down with Zoe McGrady: engineer, product manager, model, youth mentor, and all-around powerhouse. They talked about her transition from mechanical engineering to product management in FinTech, how wrestling against all boys on her high school team shaped her approach to work, and how a mindset shift helped her embrace big opportunities—even when they scared her.

Find Zoe McGrady on Instagram @zoe.mcgrady and online at www.zoemcgrady.com.

About Technically, A Podcast

Hosted by Mia, a web and software developer, Technically, A Podcast dives into the dynamic and often inspiring stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds who found their way into the tech world.

In each episode, we unravel the unique journeys that led our guests to where they are today. From their first Hello World to becoming tech professionals.

This podcast is your gateway to the personal side of the programming world. Join us as we explore the human element behind the code and get inspired by the endless possibilities of a career in tech.

Technically, A Podcast isn’t just about staying informed; it’s about thriving in the digital era. Whether you’re looking to launch an online store, enhance your website, or simply stay updated on the tech world, Mia and Ethan’s expert insights, relatable anecdotes, and engaging discussions make this podcast a must-listen for entrepreneurs of all industries.

Technically, A Podcast is sponsored by Curie & Co. and SnailMail.

For Marcus Davage, tech isn’t just a career, it’s been a lifelong passion. In this episode, Mia sits down with Davage, a lead product developer at BMC Software, a mainframe expert, and a mentor bringing the next generation into tech. They discuss his decades-long career, why mainframes aren’t dead, and why the real secret to a successful tech career is simply being willing to ask questions.

Check Out Marcus's Podcast: Db2 Table Talk

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/idug-db2-table-talk/id1664536174 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Rnpoova3LGE6HO9XvsM11?si=8c833ac936fd4f46

Find Marcus on Social Media

X: https://twitter.com/spufidoo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spufidoo/?hl=en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcusdavage/recent-activity/all/
GitHub: https://github.com/spufidoo

About Technically, A Podcast

Hosted by Mia, a web and software developer, Technically, A Podcast dives into the dynamic and often inspiring stories of individuals from diverse backgrounds who found their way into the tech world.

In each episode, we unravel the unique journeys that led our guests to where they are today. From their first Hello World to becoming tech professionals.

This podcast is your gateway to the personal side of the programming world. Join us as we explore the human element behind the code and get inspired by the endless possibilities of a career in tech.

Technically, A Podcast isn’t just about staying informed; it’s about thriving in the digital era. Whether you’re looking to launch an online store, enhance your website, or simply stay updated on the tech world, Mia and Ethan’s expert insights, relatable anecdotes, and engaging discussions make this podcast a must-listen for entrepreneurs of all industries.

Technically, A Podcast is sponsored by Curie & Co. and SnailMail.

"Technically, a Podcast: Pathways to Programming" offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse journeys that lead individuals to pursue careers in technology. Hosted by Mia Kotalik, a web and software developer, passionate about making technology accessible to everyone, this podcast delves into the heart of programming through the experiences of individuals from a broad spectrum of backgrounds.

This trailer features an impressive lineup of voices from the tech world, including Zoe McGrady, a tech product manager, and model; Jacqueline Corley, the founder of Tech Girls Code; Ewa Kułakowska, a Java software developer; and Ruth Mazango, a contract developer at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. It also introduces listeners to Lauren, who transitioned from business owner to software developer in less than a year with the help of CodeFirstGirls; Dana, known for the YouTube channel DanaScript; and Marcus Davage, an IBM Champion, influencer, and lead product developer for BMC Software. These voices add depth and breadth to the podcast, showcasing the myriad pathways into the tech industry.

Through its episodes, "Technically, a Podcast" peels back the layers of the programming world, revealing the human stories behind the screen. By spotlighting the challenges and triumphs of its guests, "Technically, a Podcast" underscores the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in the tech sector. It offers inspiration and guidance for listeners at any stage of their tech journey, whether they are seasoned developers, contemplating a career shift, or simply curious about the industry.

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe on their favorite podcast platform and follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram for updates on new episodes. "Technically, a Podcast: Pathways to Programming" promises an enlightening exploration of the lives of individuals who have intertwined their dreams with the world of technology, offering a unique glimpse into the personal journeys that define the tech industry.