Meet Steph! Co-Founder of Women in Tech Sussex

Tell us a bit about yourself, your background professionally and personally

I always loved technology growing up, but I didn't foresee becoming a woman in tech, specifically. Gaming was my gateway into technology and how fun and intricate it can be. Sims was definitely an early favourite. I kind of fell into working in technology to be honest with you. I needed a job after university to help fund further studies, and I found a position for website editing. When I realised I was good at it and really enjoyed it, I haven't looked back. I went from authoring websites, to QAing them, to developing them, to testing their accessibility.

What’s something surprising about you that people don’t usually know?

I have been trained by the MS Society to speak publicly on all things MS. From what it actually is to how people live day to day, I love spreading the word on multiple sclerosis. As long as you don’t mind them being a bit on the ugly side, I can also make a good cupcake!

Do you have any rituals, habits or people that keep you grounded?

I find gaming very therapeutic. It's one of the great joys in my life (along with my family and friends, of course) where I can be in my own space, do my own thing and play very badly. I also have a very loving(?) cat who I take care of and who takes care of me… when she sees fit.

Tech is quite a broad industry, what parts of it are you most interested in?

I've seen a lot of different aspects of software testing, from what you see on a webpage to the nitty gritty of an internal system. For me, it's how all these aspects fit and work together. They don't always work well together, but that's where I come in as a software tester! I find it really satisfying to find an issue or error that could help improve a site to benefit the end users when fixed.

What new skills in tech have you learned in the last 12 months?

I have learnt so much over the past year about accessibility for websites and apps. The accessibility guidelines help inform companies on how to do what they can for differently abled people. The lengths companies do (and do not) go to can help ensure people who may be overlooked can access their content. Just don’t ask me to go into it in too much detail, or I may never stop talking.

Were there personal experiences or people that shaped your decision to help found WIT Sussex?

As I entered the world of tech as a woman, I found there were a lot of us, but we weren't very connected. I believe a network can offer great support to those who may feel a bit alone. I wanted to help start WIT Sussex to help provide that support and connection to those who would like that too. I’ve had previous experience setting up groups such as this, with great results. Sussex has an amazing array of women and non-binary people in tech, and I would love to link with likeminded people.

What piece of tech can’t you live without?

An obvious one would be my phone. It has all the information you may - or may not - ever need in the palm of your hand. However, it's a bit out there, but an unlimited digital music source would be my first choice. I don’t think I could survive a full work day without my favourite music.