Interview with Michelle Ragusa-McBain | BlackHawk Data

What inspired you to pursue a career in IT?

A mentor with belief in me and an unexpected opportunity.

What is the most challenging part about being a woman in IT?

Sometimes I believe it’s the lack of mentorship by women and men to champion and groom a bench of diverse candidates for leadership positions. Sometimes I believe it’s an unconscious bias that exists for unequal promotion or pay. Sometimes I think it’s ourselves—having imposter syndrome or some unrealistic expectation of having checked all the boxes before throwing our hats in the ring.

What is the most rewarding part about being a woman in a leadership role?

The tangible and intangible benefits are superfluous—great relationship building for a strong customer, partner and employee experience. Innovative thoughts and perspectives are rare in male majorities. Better employee retention and listening as well as multi-tasking skills to diplomatically and effectively get the job done!

Why is diversity in business important to you?

If you look across the table and everyone looks like you, thinks like you, and acts like you—you’re doing it wrong. Diversity creates better conversations, solutions, ideas and experiences for everyone involved.

What advice would you give an aspiring female IT leader?

Be authentic to who you are, embrace your unique differences and empower yourself to raise your hand, lean in, and succeed.

Want to tell us anything else?

I am the first in my family to go to college, the first to get my MBA, and the first to work in tech. My life’s path is different because of the opportunities and flexibilities a career in tech presented to me. I have spent the last 17 years trying to pay that forward—to volunteer and give back, and to attract, retain and promote women and diverse candidates into a career in tech.

I am blessed for the opportunity to do so through organizations such as CompTIA, Alliance of Channel Women, NCWIT, CRN’s Women of the Channel, Tech World’s Half, and Xposure. I was honored when Entrepreneur Magazine named me one of the top 4 women to encourage young girls to pursue a career in tech. I believe as Gandhi said, we can all be the change we would like to see in the world. Together, we elevate.

Help Us Keep IT Diverse

BlackHawk Data is proud to be a woman-owned small business. We’re committed to sharing the stories of women in our industry and opening doors for young professionals. We believe everyone should be able to make changes in the tech world.
Learn more about our commitment to diversity today!