The Male Perspective: The Tech Tea with Kimberly

I'm a day late, but it's all good. (This caregiver role sometimes takes over)

Let's hear from our next male tech professional.

He is a friend of a friend, and is definitely a great example of someone excelling in the field.

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This week allow me to introduce you to LaShawn Reaves.

LaShawn, tell us about yourself and what you do.

I am LaShawn Reaves, I am a Father, a Friend, and a mentor. I pride my self on working with the Youth in my community, and providing an avenue to support others through mentorship. I just happen to work in IT.

What’s your professional background, and how did you get into your current career?

I began my career as a Juvenile Correctional Officer, working with incarcerated youth for the Department of Juvenile Justice. I attended Clayton State University earning a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology. I transitioned from a correctional officer to a helpdesk technician during college. I continued to work with the department of Juvenile Justice for 14 years total. Beginning as a correctional officer, helpdesk tech, system administrator, network administrator, and Network Service Manager. In 2008 I transitioned to DeKalb County government as a Sr. Systems Administrator. While working at Dekalb I've worked as a Sr. Systems Administrator, Project Manager, IT Security Manager, as well an Applications Manager. While working at DeKalb, due to my experience in correctional settings and IT Knowledge, I was assigned to the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office where I was the IT Director, and also served as the Director of Administration for 3 years. As a need arose to support the Integrated Justice Information Systems for DeKalb County, I was assigned to manage and lead the IJIS initiatives within DeKalb County. Providing support for all of the Judicial partners, Superior Court, Probate Court, Juvenile Court, State Court, District Attorneys' office, and the Sheriff's office. My assignments and experience within the Justice Community has lead me to my current assignment as the IT Service Delivery Director for WellPath. WellPath is a correctional Health Service Provider.

What do you like best about your current position?

It provides me with an opportunity to mentor others, and lead a first class IT organization. Everyone here has a mission first attitude.

What is the best career advice you have received?

Be Patient, yet intentional. Write the vision.....

What has been your experience with working with/for women in tech?

I have been in a very unique position as I have worked for women in tech most of my career. My managers have all been women, until this current assignment. That experience has made me a better leader, it forced me to develop soft skills and become more empathetic.

What advice would you give women about a tech career?

I would give the same advice to anyone within the Tech space, be intentional about what you want to accomplish, but also be patient. Work toward your goals, and it is okay to change your goals. Don't chase money, chase your interest, the money will come.

Tell us one really cool or unique thing about you.

.... It was a stretch for me to complete this interview, I am definitely not sharing anything else about myself....

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LaShawn I really appreciate your openness. You have a great story, so please keep sharing.

Next week we get to hear from someone I have know for his entire life. Stay tuned.