Tech Tuesday: Stefany Tovar, Corporate Recruiter

1. How did you end up in the Tech Industry?

My dad owned a computer shop back in the 90’s. It was mostly imports, exports, and fixing desktop computers. He always has a gadget in his hands. I guess you can say I take after him. I was also very passionate about automation. My passion began during my call center and retail days when I read a particular book named “2 Second Lean” by Paul A. Akers. It’s a self-help book that urges you to look back at your processes and identify any opportunity to save yourself two seconds and become more efficient. While working for a call center, your biggest goal is to save your customers’ time. They’re calling you because they have a problem, and you want to make your interactions with them as easy and smooth as possible.

When I finished the book, I gravitated towards the tech aspects and always looked for ways to save everyone’s time through automation – especially with AI. This is why working at IntelePeer has opened a new doorway to explore many more new solutions.

2. What technology do you use the most – whether in your personal or professional life?

I absolutely love virtual assistants. I could easily grab a pen and sticky note and write myself a reminder to start a project by a certain time. I could hope the sticky note’s glue is strong enough to withstand any adversities, stay pressed on my laptop, and do its job, which is to remind me. Whereas I can also – much more easily – activate my virtual assistant with my voice and say, “Hey, set up a reminder to start my chart project at 12:00 p.m. today.” My cellphone, along with my smartwatch, will ring at noon with a reminder.

3. What was the most challenging aspect of your career, and how did you overcome it?

The most challenging aspect of my career was experiencing all the facets of the HR industry at the perfect job on top of a big move – all right after graduating from college. I remember submitting multiple applications in hopes of landing at least somewhere close to my degree, as many other college graduates will tell you this task isn’t always simple. I was ecstatic when I got the call for an opportunity to become an HR auditor for offices throughout the U.S. The opportunity came from their home office in Syracuse, NY and, as a South Florida local who had never experienced snow before, having to relocate my entire life to a northern state surprisingly wasn’t the most difficult. At this pivotal moment in my career, this move could have easily turned anyone towards a different path. Juggling so much at once can take a toll on you personally and professionally.

This taught me perseverance, but most importantly, the balance I needed in my life. I prompted myself to always assess my health – both physical and mental – to ensure I am not straining myself. This allowed me to succeed enormously at the start of my career.

4. Any advice for women who want to join the tech industry?

If there is anything I can share with the next generation of women, it is to always take good care of your body and soul. Also, be persevering, and don’t give up on your first attempt at anything. I cannot guarantee that you will succeed the second time, but I can bet money you will learn from it.

The best advice I received was to participate and involve myself. I couldn’t expect anyone to do something I haven’t done myself. I leave you with my favorite quote, “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” (Xunzi).