Jessica Santana
New York On Tech
New York, NY USA
"Own your greatness and own your difference, then create a space where other people can flourish in your greatness as well."
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Jessica's work combines: Education, Technology, and Helping People
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I realized I had a lot of insecurities about what I was capable of achieving because I had never seen someone like me succeed. I had to become that person that I was looking for. I decided not to make any excuses for myself and become the face that others could look up to.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Accounting
Syracuse University
Graduate Degree
Information Technology
Syracuse University
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life took a while to figure out
1.
Co-founded New York on Tech along with her college classmate and fellow leader Evin Robinson.
2.
New York on Tech is a nonprofit organization that provides low-opportunity youth with mentorship and experience in technology.
3.
Growing up in New York City, Jessica learned how to code so that she could personalize her Myspace profile.
4.
Met Evin Robinson while at school at Syracuse University; the two pursued master’s degrees in technology studies together, then decided to go into business together.
5.
Believes that the diversity problems in the world of technology aren’t based on malice, but rather on ignorance.
6.
As a result, she’s made it her mission to educate people on the importance of diversity and inclusion in technology, especially in her hometown of New York City.
7.
Rather than searching out role models, she decided she’d become the face of young Puerto Rican women in technology herself.
8.
Says that being a trailblazer can feel like a burden, but then she sees things—like her niece completing a degree—that make her feel completely affirmed in her hard work.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Myself:
I don't think I can succeed at this.
How I responded:
I realized I had a lot of insecurities about what I was capable of achieving because I had never seen someone like me succeed. I had to become that person that I was looking for. I decided not to make any excuses for myself and become the face that others could look up to.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
I am a first generation resident of this country. My parents immigrated here from Puerto Rico.
The community I grew up in was sheltered and people had no idea about the opportunities that existed. In school, we never had enough resources and students often failed. My dream was to get out, but I didn't know how.