Behind LA’s rising digital tech scene are some amazing developers building great products and driving growth. Since only 10 to 12 percent of developers in LA are women developers, Built In LA is giving them some well-deserved attention in this series. In the first installment, a few incredible women shared their stories about how they got started and who is pushing them to succeed now.To recommend a female developer for a future installment, email [email protected].
Luz Rivas, founder and executive director at DIY Girls
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HOW DID YOU BECOME A DEVELOPER?
I studied electrical engineering in college and afterwards worked as a hardware engineer. I worked on a team that did software and hardware development for automotive navigation systems. After this position, I worked for a small consulting organization on developing databases for non-profits.
HOW WAS THE TRANSITION FROM ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING TO EDTECH?
I became interested in technology in education while I was an engineer and spent time figuring out how I could get involved. I volunteered at community organizations, and I was part of a program that sent technology professionals to Latin America for six months to work with Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs). I then went to the Harvard Graduate School of Education and completed a Master's in edtech.
WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR DIY GIRLS?
DIY Girls is an organization that offers hands-on educational experiences for women and girls to increase their interests in technology, engineering and making products. My goals are to continue to offer programs where women and girls learn new skills and gain confidence in technical abilities. I want to expand our reach and double the number of participants we currently serve in the next year.
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE RECEIVED?
As a founder, I'm grateful to get lots of offers for help and advice, but I also receive criticism. Someone recently advised me to always stay even-keeled when I am criticized. I'm trying.
WHAT IS YOUR SECRET WEAPON?
I was born and raised in LA so I'm fortunate to have lots of support from family and childhood friends.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I was an Electrical Engineer for Motorola in the Chicago area.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR WOMEN STARTING OUT IN THE TECH WORLD?
Find someone that will give you honest feedback and not just praise. In my first job, my boss always gave me feedback and was very straightforward with me.
WHICH GROUPS OR INDIVIDUALS DO YOU ADMIRE IN THE LA TECH COMMUNITY?Sabio.la: I like that this company is focusing on increasing women and minorities in tech through its developer bootcamps.
Elon Musk: As a former hardware engineer that worked in automotive product manufacturing, I admire Elon's big ideas for developing and building products.
