Hidden Gems: Meet Dr. Teresa Vasquez of Repped In Tech

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Teresa Vasquez.

Thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In 2017, I found myself in a digital queue, waiting to know if my family qualified for food stamps. Despite 15 years as an engineer and holding a terminal degree in tech, post-layoff, I couldn’t secure an interview. Frustrated, I committed: no more begging for recognition. I decided to build a reputation that preceded me.

As a Black woman in tech, I took unconventional steps, attending a local boot camp just to get my foot in the door. I delved into classes and books on accessing people in power, and learning to navigate advice, even when I knew it was wrong. Today, in less than six years, I’ve reshaped the narrative. I understand the tech landscape better, and I’m redefining how I play the game and building my dream team.

This is why I founded Repped in Tech with my daughter Trinity Christiana. So that I could teach what I’ve learned to others as well as start to make changes in what and who we think belongs in tech.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey’s been anything but easy. Battling blatant racism and daily microaggressions in the tech world, I faced the frustrating reality of being underpaid while job requirements kept piling up. The struggles reached a devastating low when I lost my brother, and the accumulated stress led to severe health issues, nearly costing me my life.

Today, I’m on anxiety meds that have been a game-changer. Despite the challenges, I’m determined to rewrite my narrative and be a beacon for other diverse techies facing similar struggles. It’s about turning adversity into strength, reshaping the narrative, and helping others script their own stories in the diverse tech landscape.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Repped in Tech is all about breaking barriers in the tech and media space. We support and invest in diverse technical creators, particularly those venturing into live streaming, video, or podcasts. Unlike traditional production companies, we empower individual creators by providing financial support in exchange for a share of project profits or other agreed-upon terms.

At Repped in Tech, we go beyond financial support. We help diverse technologists define their voices, showcasing their brilliance and power through our mentoring and education programs. Our commitment extends to amplifying these voices through media channels like live streaming, podcasts, and social media.

What sets us apart is our hands-on approach – we executive produce their content, providing support until they’re ready to represent their brands confidently. We believe in guiding, educating, and empowering, ensuring that every diverse tech creator we support not only succeeds but also becomes a potent voice in the tech landscape. It’s not just about content creation; it’s about building a platform for lasting impact, increasing representation, and changing who can teach.

Our focus is on eliminating obstacles for diverse tech media visions. We foster inclusivity, community, and mentorship, amplifying voices traditionally excluded in the tech world. What sets us apart is our dedication to not just creating content but crafting legacies and reshaping the future of tech, one diverse technical creator at a time. Our tagline says it all: “Amplify Your Tech Rep.”

We have several programs that we livestream to support our community. We host daily “Co-Tworking” streams that help us stay accountable and build community. We have a program called CodeSnax where we cook and tech together. We also have various other learning-to-code and tech streams that happen throughout the year.

Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding a mentor and navigating the networking landscape is crucial. For me, it starts with knowing myself and understanding my environment. Authenticity matters – be genuine about your goals and strengths.

Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts; it’s about building meaningful relationships. Actively engage in tech communities, both online and offline. Attend events, join forums, and participate in discussions. Show interest in others, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences and insights.

When seeking a mentor, look for someone who aligns with your goals and values. Approach them sincerely, expressing your admiration for their work. Be specific about what you hope to learn and how you believe their guidance can impact your journey.

Moving gracefully in and out of different sub-environments means adapting without losing authenticity. Tailor your approach to resonate with diverse audiences. Learn to navigate various tech spaces, understanding the nuances that make each unique.

Remember, success in networking and mentorship is a two-way street. Offer your skills and insights to others, creating a reciprocal relationship. Be patient, persistent, and genuine – it’s not just about what you can gain but also what you can contribute to the community.

Pricing:

• Our mentoring program accommodates up to 8 participants, providing valuable guidance throughout the year. While the full price is $2500, we understand the importance of individual circumstances. Therefore, we charge on a case-by-case need basis to ensure accessibility for all. For more details and to join The Repped Blueprint Lessons, visit https://courses.reppedintech.com/c/the-repped-blueprint-lessons/. We’re committed to making mentorship accessible and impactful for diverse technologists.
• Explore our options to support the community by enrolling in individual classes or gaining access to the entire collection for a year. Find more information at https://courses.reppedintech.com. Join us in empowering diverse technologists through education and skill-building.
• You can subscribe on Twitch for $4.99 per month https://reppedin.tech/twitch

Contact Info:

• Website: https://reppedin.tech
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/callmedrt
• Linkedin: https://LinkedIn.com/in/drteresavasquez
• Twitter: https://Twitter.com/reppedintech
• Youtube: https://YouTube.com/@reppedintech
• Other: https://twitch.tv/reppedintech