Mission Critical is excited to introduce you to the 2024 Top 25 Women in Technology. Meet Celina Berglund.

Title: SHE-E-O

Company: BROGAV Solutions

Age: 37

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business management

Organizational affiliations: AFCOM, Infrastructure Masons, 7x24, Founder of Let’s Break the Ice

Achievements/awards: 2023 iMasons award

What made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in technology?

My career started out in sales for a fiber optic company. I had no idea what fiber optics were when I started there, I just knew I liked sales at the time. I have stayed in the industry, driven by a combination of curiosity, a love for learning, and the dynamic nature of the field. Wrapping my head around how fiber optics work and the incredible possibilities they offer, especially in conjunction with data centers and AI is fascinating. The constant innovation and broad spectrum of applications in technology have kept me engaged and excited, making this a field I continue to be eager to be a part of.

What inspires you to do what you do?

Running my own company, BROGAV Solutions, is fueled by various facets that inspire me. At the core of it is my genuine love for helping people. Working with individuals, solving problems, and building meaningful relationships energizes me, and I thrive in environments where I can interact with others. I’m also inspired by leading others into the industry, offering them a new and rewarding career path. Lastly, the creativity involved in approaching challenges in new and innovative ways adds an extra layer of excitement to being an entrepreneur.

What role does sustainability play in your life?

With children of my own, making sustainable decisions is not just a personal choice but a responsibility to contribute to a healthier future for them and the planet. Whether it's opting for eco-friendly practices at home or supporting sustainable initiatives in my business endeavors, the overall goal is to create a better tomorrow for future generations to thrive in a healthy and sustainable environment.

What is the most fascinating thing you have learned while working in this industry?

For me, the most fascinating thing is the abundance of solutions to challenges. Collaboration with diverse minds brings incredible creativity and pushes innovation beyond individual limits. The synergy of working together helps to achieve remarkable outcomes.

What’s something unique about you personally?

I’m adventurous and willing to try new things. Many might not know that I’ve driven a motorhome across the country, drove semis, flown planes and even hold a motorcycle license, I can drive just about anything.

What’s something unique about you professionally?

I dove headfirst into starting a company, without a safety net, defying the odds, because I love to challenge myself and maybe induce a touch of insanity at times.

What’s your most admirable quality?

Resilience, I possess strength to bounce back, adapt, and persevere.

Why is diversity, equality, and inclusion important to you?

I believe in a world where differences are celebrated, where everyone has a fair chance to thrive, and where inclusivity is the key to building a stronger, more compassionate community for all. I think DEI contributes to a more fair and vibrant society.

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?

AI holds immense potential for growth. It’s driving innovation in all sectors. Its capacity to enhance efficiency and problem-solving is incredible and there are still so many untapped possibilities. On the other hand, the industry requires substantial improvement in expanding our workforce. The current shortage of tech professionals is not going to allow us to keep pace with the rapid progress in technology.

When you imagine the future of the technology industry, what does it look like?

I see a landscape characterized by unprecedented innovation and integration. AI becomes seamlessly woven into various facets of our daily lives, enhancing efficiency, decision-making, and global connectivity.