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Step back in time and leap forward with us as we celebrate the extraordinary journey of a trailblazing IT trainer, Carol "Lady Ray" Holmes, who has spent four decades breaking barriers, empowering communities, and growing alongside technology itself.

From delivering flyers at 13 to transitioning typist skills to teach basic computer skills, our guest shares her story of resilience, patience, and self-taught mastery-without a college degree.

We dive into her experiences navigating civil rights movements, recessions, and the ever-changing tech landscape, as well as her strategies for handling misogynoir and microaggressions in the workplace.

Discover her “why” for giving back, her recognition by Congress, and the mentors who helped her shatter systemic barriers.

If you’re seeking wisdom on mentorship, handling adversity, and thriving in tech against the odds, this fun yet down-to-earth conversation is for you.

Work Smart, Live Balanced, and Thrive in your Career Journey.

Connect with us:

Carol: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladyraycomputer-b621769/ | www.ladyraycomputer.net

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

✨ Join the waitlist for my upcoming coaching cohort: Courage to Elevate​
It’s designed specifically for Women of Color in Tech navigating professional and life transitions who are ready to step into more clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Click here and You’ll be the first to receive:
✔️ Early access when enrollment opens
✔️ Special pricing and bonuses
✔️ The full scoop on what’s included

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

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In this episode, I sit down with JT Taylor, the visionary leader behind our non-profit, Black IT Academy (BITA).

JT shares his inspiring journey through the tech industry, from overcoming the glass ceiling without a college degree to embracing leadership roles in customer success management.

We dive deep into the importance of confidence, networking, and continuous learning, especially for underrepresented professionals.

Our conversation explores how balancing professionalism with personal authenticity can open doors, why embracing your true self attracts opportunities, and how building confidence one step at a time can transform your career.

We also discuss the value of humility, asking questions, and speaking up, even about the small things.

Whether you’re just starting out, pivoting, or climbing the tech ladder, this episode is packed with actionable insights for career development, personal growth, and thriving as your authentic self in the global tech landscape.

Reminding you to Work Smart, Live Balanced, and Thrive in your Career Journey.

How to connect with us:

Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

JT: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josetaylor06/

BITA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/black-it-academy/

BITA Discord: https://discord.gg/yBEM5zjV

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Send us a text

In today's episode, we're moving from reflection to action.

If you've ever felt stretched thin, overwhelmed by change, or unsure of your next move in tech or cybersecurity, you're not alone AND you're not failing.

You're being called to evolve.

Join me as I share five powerful, actionable strategies to overcome career challenges, thrive in dynamic environments, and build resilience that doesn't just help you survive but propels you into your next level.

It’s time to collaborate, learn, refine, speak up, and courageously adapt.

You are not stuck. You are at a threshold.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a fellow tech or cybersecurity professional who might need the reminder: you were built for this.

📩 Connect With Me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/

✨ Join the waitlist for my upcoming coaching cohort: Courage to Elevate
It’s designed specifically for Women of Color in Tech navigating transitions and ready to step into more clarity, confidence, and purpose.

You’re ready for more support, guidance, and sisterhood on your journey…

You’ll be the first to receive:
✔️ Early access when enrollment opens
✔️ Special pricing and bonuses
✔️ The full scoop on what’s included

Click here to join the waitlist

Support the show

Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can:

• Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions.
• Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching.
• Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you.
• Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.
• If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity.

Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community!

Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.