Diversity, equality, and inclusion is more than just a goal for the technology world — it’s a necessity. That’s why Mission Critical hosts the annual Women in Technology contest. As the demands for data generation, consumption, sharing, storage, processing, and more continue to grow and cybercriminals become increasingly more threatening, it’s clear that the industry needs more people to collaborative on innovative solutions to consumer needs, sustainable connectivity, and cyber safe infrastructure.
Women from all over the world in a wide range of technology sectors, including data centers, health care, and food processing, were nominated for their admirable contributions to the industry and the people who rely on it.
As Rebecca Ellis, president of Questions & Solutions Engineering Inc. and one of this year’s winners, so matter-of-factly put it, “If technology is to benefit all people, then all people need to be represented in the development and application of that technology.”
And, with that, Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2022 Top 25 Women in Technology.
Jessica Jepkes
Title: Senior Technical Program Manager
Company: Amazon
Age: 45
Education: Bachelor of Arts in digital design from Colorado Univesity in Denver
Professional Credentials/Accreditations: Six Sigma Green Belt, ITIL Certified
Organizational Affiliations: Reginal Animal Services of King County
What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in technology?
My first professional job was in a call center answering calls for a marketing company. I was fascinated with how phone calls came in and were routed to people. One day, I realized I was spending too much time learning the phone system instead of answering calls. I transferred to the IT department and never left the tech industry.
What inspires you to do what you do?
My team is working on bringing internet connectivity to underserved communities of the world. This mission resonates with me. I see the goodness Amazon brings to the world and am honored to be a part of it.
What role does sustainability play in your life?
It’s a pivotal part of my life. At home we work on identifying conveniences that harm the plant and then work on taking steps toward putting more effort into being inconvenienced. At work, we have a principle to leave the Earth better than when we found it, so we pay attention to anything that increases sustainability — even if it is as small as planting wildflowers instead laying gravel.
What is the most fascinating thing you have learned while working in this industry?
Speed. Information technology never sleeps or slows down. It requires constant curiosity and learning new ways of doing things.
What’s something unique about you personally?
My kids would say it’s my ability to lose my phone, car keys, and glasses. They say I am good at hiding things where I can’t find them.
“The industry has potential in innovation spaces, where new ways of living and evolving exist. The industry needs to do better with equality. They need more diverse ideas and opinions to truly increase growth. I don’t see that happening enough even in the fashion industry — the world wants my daughter to be a princess even though she doesn’t. I struggle finding clothes she likes because most affordable girls clothing is overly feminine.”
- Jessica Jepkes, Senior Technical Program Manager at Amazon
What’s something unique about you professionally?
Most people would say it’s my ability to absorb and understand complexity.
What’s your most admirable quality?
My dependability. People know I will do what I say. This quality helps me earn trust with people.
Why is diversity, equality, and inclusion important to you?
As a woman who has been in the tech industry for over 20 years, I have experienced and seen a lot of inequalities and unfair treatment of people. It’s important to me to give women an opportunity to break into this heavily male dominated industry.
What aspect of the industry do you think has the most potential for growth, and, on the other hand, which aspect do you think needs the most improvement?
The industry has potential in innovation spaces, where new ways of living and evolving exist. The industry needs to do better with equality. They need more diverse ideas and opinions to truly increase growth. I don’t see that happening enough even in the fashion industry — the world wants my daughter to be a princess even though she doesn’t. I struggle finding clothes she likes because most affordable girls clothing is overly feminine.
When you imagine the future of the technology industry, what does it look like?
I hope it’s one where people have the opportunity to decide how much tech is a part of their life and how it enriches them. I am not inclined to the idea that life is better based on the number of devices you are connected too. I am fascinated with time crystals, but I hope their usefulness (quantum computing) betters humankind.
