Kesha Williams is a Senior Delivery Principal - AWS Cloud Residency at Slalom. She has 25+ years of experience architecting, designing, and building enterprise web applications. She has recent experience teaching cloud topics and leading software engineering teams migrating applications to the cloud.
Kesha currently holds multiple AWS certifications, including the Machine Learning Specialty certification, and is recognized as an AWS Machine Learning Hero and an Alexa Champion. She’s a frequent conference speaker on topics on machine learning, full-stack web application development on AWS, Amazon Alexa, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in tech.
Especially for the WomenTech Network, Kesha agreed to give an interview and share her story.
Watch all Global Awards keynotes on our YouTube channel.
Want to be a part of more events we organize? Join the WomenTech Global Conference 2022 to hear Kesha's and other inspiring talks.
Congratulations on winning a WomenTech Network Global Technology Leadership Award! How did it feel when you found out you had won?
I was filled with joy when I found out that I had won. It is an honor to be selected for the Speaker of the Year Award from WomenTech Network. I've gone many years of my career working in silence without being recognized. I appreciate the acknowledgment of my efforts to give back and help others. Thank you so much, WomenTech Network!
Tell us about your background, journey in tech, and what inspired you to develop your career in this direction.
I started coding in high school and didn't even know what I was doing was called coding - I just called it "playing on the computer." My introduction to tech at such an early age fostered a lifelong love of technology and hands-on software development.
I earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Spelman College. I've worked in tech for 26-years, across many industries, serving in various roles (e.g., web developer, software engineer, technical lead, software engineering manager). I am still as fascinated and intrigued by tech as I was on day one.
I've always had the heart to teach and mentor throughout my career; therefore, I enjoy sharing my lessons learned and helping others on their journey in tech. Speaking at meetups, tech conferences, and appearing on webinars, panels, and podcasts allows me to do just that. Speaking is an effective way to reach large groups of people.
Any advice you would like to give to girls in STEM on pursuing their dreams?
If you're a creative person that enjoys solving problems and designing and building things, a tech career could be for you! Don't be discouraged if you're the only girl in your class! Many girls have gone on to have successful and fulfilling careers in tech. Lastly, don’t ever let how someone treats you cause you to question your talents and abilities. You’re greater than anyone could ever imagine!
