5 Questions with Code/Art Supporter, Yasmary Diaz
On this month’s feature, Yasmary Diaz shares how embracing your passion can change the world and how deleting an operating system sparked joy.
Yasmary Diaz is a mother (of one amazing toddler!), Stutterer, Problem Solver, Techie, Traveler, Beer Snob, Gamer, Crafty, and Dreamer.
Yasmary (aka Yaz) has been working in the IT industry for over 12 years, of which she has worn many hats ranging from Software Engineer, Software Test Engineer, Tech Lead, Architect, Tech Consultant, and People Manager. She is currently leading teams at Ultimate Software focused on nurturing a healthy Tech Community (both internal and external) via culture and tooling. In addition to the day job, Yasmary co-leads Ultimate Software’s Women in Tech South Florida group, runs workshops as an #IamRemarkable facilitator, and is a founding member of the #EquityatWork Social Room.
She is passionate about nurturing Tech Communities as well as helping women, underrepresented groups, and students in Tech.
Let’s get to know Yaz, as she shares how she began working in tech, her favorite candy and why her favorite class in school was Science.
1. How did you begin working in tech?
At the age of nine, I got my first computer which had Windows 3.1 on it. If you know anything about that system, it had a huge DOS component. I was so proud of myself that I learned it so quickly (pre-internet time) that I decided it was time to show my father. I managed to delete the Windows operating system and then also deleted the “UnDelete” program.
While my father was horrified, I had fallen in love with the field.
2. Why is a program like Code/Art Miami important to you?
I love it when we can show people, especially students, that they can embrace who they are. They can embrace their passions and change the world. I love how Code/Art does that and how they remind us that you don’t have to lose your creative side to be involved with technology.
3. What was your favorite class when you were in elementary school?
This is tough. I love learning so many classes were my favorite. If I had to pick one, it would be Science. Experimentation and proving your hypothesis was something that has changed the way I view the world.
4. Who inspires you?
So many! The one that stands out to me right now is Greta Thunberg.
She is only 17 and has taken the world by storm.
“I’m inspired by her passion and strength to fight for a better world.”
5. What is your favorite candy?
Reese’s pieces (just like from ET)
Join the conversation with Yasmary Diaz on Twitter and share your @CodeArtMiami moment.
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