Seven months ago, I took a leap of faith and left a job that I already loved for the promise of a new adventure. In my new role as Strategic Optimization Specialist at rewardStyle, I’ve been able to combine my love of fashion and technology while helping fellow bloggers– to say that it’s a dream come true would be an understatement.
A study was published recently which found that the lack of female role models and mentorship in the workplace was one of the top challenges faced by women in technology careers. Reading the results of this survey reminded me of my own responsibility as a woman in this industry. The disparity of women in tech careers is staggering. If I can use my role to teach and empower bloggers or coworkers to understand– even love— technology more, I’ll have made a contribution to the field as a whole.
This month, rewardStyle hosted its annual conference in Dallas at The Joule hotel. I had the chance to meet many of the publishers I had been working with over the past few months, and also lead classroom sessions on Google Analytics/SEO. After months of preparation, and a week of uncontrollable nerves, I finally threw out the script for my session when I realized that I LOVE this stuff– I could talk about Google Analytics for days, if there were people interested in listening. It was such a high being in my classroom with the bloggers who have pioneered this industry, and having the chance to help them in some small way.
Once I got over the initial butterflies, the rest of the conference was a blur. I somehow managed to snap a few pictures in between sessions, panels, and working on tech fixes in our Creative Suite. Here are some of my favorite shots from the weekend, which culminated in an epic finale party to celebrate our Instagram-monetizing platform, LIKEtoKNOWit.
Speaking of LIKEtoKNOW.it…Click here to register for LIKEtoKNOW.it and then when you’re browsing my Instagram feed, if you “like” one of the posts enabled by LTK, an email will be sent to you with a breakdown of links for buying all items in the photo.
Sevi says
Your leap of faith was your greatest blessings. I love hearing about the force you are continue to become in the tech world. We need more female leaders like you who are not only leaders, but carry an aura of compassion with it.
Keep rocking and styling ❤️
Stephanie Drenka says
Thank you, Sevi!! That’s the one thing I try to hold on to— skills can be taught/learned, compassion and empathy are inherent.
Faustina Gallagher-DuVall says
You are an amazing inspiration to young and old alike. Keep up the good work!
Stephanie Drenka says
Thank you, Faustina!! I hope to meet you next time I stop by to visit my mom– I feel like we’d have so much to chat about!
Taylor Gardner says
Your class was by far my favorite of the weekend. You lit a fire under my ass (excuse my language) about understanding, studying and taking action on my GA stats. God bless our “fairy blog mother”…where would Dallas be without you?
Stephanie Drenka says
Haha love to hear that!! It really is fun to get lost in your analytics. I made a dashboard template with some of my favorite metrics if you want to install it: http://bit.ly/AnalyticsOverview
Taylor Gardner says
Installed! You are too good to me. TGIF bebe!!
Stephanie Drenka says
Hehe enjoy your weekend!!
Brooke says
We love you! So grateful for your beautiful brain and YOU! 🙂
Xx
Brooke
http://Www.brookedujour.com
Stephanie Drenka says
Love getting to see you every day at work!! (Even though you’re soooo far away now) Office besties foreva.
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
Your words choked me up…I’m so happy you’ve found your niche and home, and thrilled to be on the receiving end of your knowledge, mentoring and passion!!
Stephanie Drenka says
Awww 🙂 I’ve loved being able to work with you through rS and otherwise. People like you (and Sheaffer) are the reason I do what I do!