Risk, Loss, Reward: An Entrepreneur’s Journey -Featuring Chelsea Pierre
In the latest episode of “Ask A CISSP,” host Ryan Williams Sr. explores the intersections of diversity, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity with Chelsea Pierre, a serial entrepreneur and a beacon for minorities in tech. As a former Air Force System Admin turned business woman, Chelsea shares her journey and insights into the challenges and triumphs of advocating for diversity within the tech industry.
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Chelsea’s Journey: From Military to Tech Innovator
Chelsea’s career began in the military, where she honed her skills in system administration. After leaving the military and gaining experience as a contractor, Chelsea didn’t slow down; she propelled herself into entrepreneurship, creating Blerds Leading Technology, Inc. (BLT) -a platform dedicated to elevating minorities in tech through networking, resources, and mentorship.
Blerds Leading Technology emerged from Chelsea’s observation of the persistent gaps in opportunity and access for minorities in the tech field. The initiative offers comprehensive resources such as free labs, training, certifications, and career consulting-all tailored to empower and elevate its members. The platform quickly gained traction, underscoring the demand and necessity for such resources in the minority tech community.
The Challenge of Change
One of the most poignant moments in the interview came when Chelsea discussed the obstacles that still hinder many from securing employment in tech, even with the right qualifications. She highlighted a critical gap in the pathway from education to employment-many are trained but few are hired. Her response to these challenges is proactive; she’s not just preparing individuals for the tech world but also paving pathways to employment by collaborating with companies and influencers within the industry.
Future Initiatives and Expanding Horizons
Chelsea is not one to rest on her laurels. Her future plans include expanding her reach by opening new locations for her initiatives and launching new projects. One such project is Pierre’s TechHeads, Inc , which aims to further bridge the gap between training and employment in tech. Chelsea’s commitment to education and empowerment is also evident in her plans to host conferences and workshops that target women in tech and aviation-a nod to her innovative spirit and dedication to inclusivity.
Chelsea Pierre has an upcoming class titled, “The Technical Edge: Essential Skills for Cybersecurity Beginners” hosted by . Make sure you sign up to learn the key skills needed to kickstart your cybersecurity journey on Friday, 5/17/2024 at 10am EST. The event is Computer Coach IT Training FREE but you’ll be walking away with priceless information. Hit the link below and share with a friend!
Personal Insights and Inspirational Words
Throughout the podcast, Chelsea shared personal anecdotes and insights that shed light on her resilience and determination. Her advice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs and minorities is grounded in realism and optimism-emphasize self-reliance, continuous learning, and genuine engagement with your community.
A Call to Action for Inclusivity
Chelsea’s dialogue with Ryan serves as a powerful reminder of the work still needed to make tech a welcoming industry for all. Her story is a call to action for current and future tech leaders to prioritize diversity and inclusivity within their ranks. As we look to the future, Chelsea Pierre stands as a formidable figure in the movement towards a more diverse and dynamic tech industry.
For those inspired by Chelsea’s story and looking to learn more or engage with her initiatives, further information can be found on her LinkedIn and official websites. Let her journey inspire you to take action and be part of the change in the tech landscape.
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as, the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday. Please like, share, and, subscribe.
Stay safe, stay secure!
Originally published at https://www.linkedin.com.