We were lucky to catch up with Valerie Kristynne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

Valerie Kristynne, a successful product and interaction designer, is the driving force behind Foster2Tech, a program aimed at providing access to technology training and career opportunities to young women transitioning out of the foster care system. Valerie understands the challenges these young women face firsthand, having grown up in foster care after her mother was murdered and her father became homeless.

Valerie’s journey to her first role in tech was a challenging one. She went through 15 foster homes in her childhood, facing many obstacles along the way. However, she refused to let her past hold her back, and taught herself about the tech industry before eventually going back to school. Despite financial challenges, she saved up enough money to purchase her first MacBook, which enabled her to develop her skills in coding and design.

With determination and hard work, Valerie landed her first role in tech, and quickly rose through the ranks. She took her salary from $50,000 to over $125,000 in just a little over a year. Her success is a testament to her perseverance and resilience, and serves as an inspiration to other young adults facing similar challenges.

Despite these obstacles, Valerie persevered and pursued a career in technology, realizing the potential of technology knowledge to create professional and financial opportunities. With Foster2Tech, Valerie seeks to bridge the digital divide and decrease the pipeline to poverty for young women from adversity. Her mission is fueled by determination, passion, and a desire to open doors for others who face similar challenges.

With Foster2Tech, Valerie is dedicated to empowering women from adversity by providing them with the education, skills, mentorship, and guidance needed to pursue careers in technology. Her goal is to bridge the digital divide and increase diversity in the tech industry by offering courses, tech training, events, and resources that equip our participants to succeed.

To further this mission, Valerie created the Foster2Tech Tech Career Planner, the first planner of its kind, to walk users through the essential tips to land and navigate a career in tech. The Tech Career Planner provides a roadmap for success, covering everything from portfolio building, resilience techniques and building a personal brand to mastering essential tech skills and staying up-to-date on the trending roles in the field. With the Tech Career Planner, Foster2Tech participants have access to the guidance and support they need to achieve their dreams in the tech industry.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

Valerie got into the field of tech shortly after graduating college when she purchased her first MacBook.

This purchase along with tech courses and training in UX was the catalyst for her career, as the software required for her industry was only available on a MacBook at the time. With her technology and design education and her MacBook, Valerie was able to go from an hourly rate of $25 to $55 within just one year of the MacBook purchase. However, Valerie recognizes that obtaining a MacBook or even a laptop is not easy for many women from underprivileged backgrounds, such as those in foster care. She hopes to use her own experiences to inspire and provide mentorship to young women in foster care who may lack resources and exposure to the opportunities and education required to pursue a career in technology.

Through her organization, Foster 2 Tech, Valerie aims to have transparent conversations with this women from adversity about the qualifications and opportunities within tech to enable them to be self sufficient and financially stable.

Foster2Tech offers the following services:

1. Life Skills Coach: An AI-powered virtual assistant that provides personalized guidance and resources on various life skills such as budgeting, cooking, job hunting, and mental health.

2. Tech Career Mentor: F2T provides access to educational resources and personalized guidance for academic success. It includes advice such as study tips, homework help, and personalized recommendations for college or vocational training programs.

3. Emotional Support: F2T uses machine learning to provide emotional support and counseling to young women who have experienced trauma. The portal provides mood tracking, guided meditations, and access to mental health professionals.

4. Job Search Coach: F2T offers job search coaches that matches participants with job openings based on their skills and preferences. It also provides personalized feedback on resumes and cover letters and interview preparation tips.

5. Technology Skills Training:F2T provides access to online technology courses and training programs.

6. Tech Career Planner: The Tech Career Planner offers a variety of benefits, including providing a comprehensive guide to building a career in the tech industry, from the initial stages of deciding which career path to pursue to landing the first job and beyond. It provides practical advice on networking, building a resume, preparing for interviews, and creating a personal brand.

Moreover, the Tech Career Planner is a valuable resource for those who may lack access to other career-building resources, including those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. It helps bridge the digital divide by providing practical tools and resources to those who may not have access to them otherwise.

The Tech Career Planner is an excellent tool for those who are serious about building a career in tech, as it offers a step-by-step guide to achieving success in this competitive field. It is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to take the first steps towards a fulfilling and lucrative career in tech.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most crucial things I had to unlearn is to stop allowing others to dictate what you can or cannot achieve. As a former foster youth, I experienced my fair share of discouragement from foster parents who labeled me as just another statistic. They believed that I would not go far in life due to the challenges and traumas that often accompany a foster care background.

Throughout my time in foster care, I encountered individuals who sought to limit my potential based on my circumstances and past experiences. I had to unlearn these restrictive beliefs and embrace the idea that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to. For example, when I decided to study abroad in Italy, I faced a barrage of criticism from those who thought it was an unrealistic goal given my background. However, I learned to ignore these naysayers and focus on my own ambitions.

It’s crucial to unlearn the limitations others may impose on you based on their own constraints. Whether you aspire to travel the world, become a millionaire, or pursue any other dream, remember that it is within your grasp. Many women are told they only deserve the stars, but I am here to tell you that if you work hard and believe in yourself, you can reach the moon as well. All you need is a plan and a strong sense of self-belief.

When I chose to enter the tech industry, I faced similar discouragement. People constantly told me that I would never achieve the salary or milestones I sought. However, their predictions proved to be unfounded. By unlearning these limitations and focusing on my own abilities, I was able to defy expectations and forge my own path to success.

There is a quote from TD jakes that I love: “Giraffes and Turtles–they occupy the same space, but they don’t share the same view.

The giraffe can be in the same geographical location as the turtle, but the giraffe eats from the tops of the trees, and the turtle moves through the grass.

What ultimately happens in the lives of people is that “We eat on the level of our vision”.

When you are a giraffe and you get criticism from turtles, the turtles are reporting the view from the level they’re on. If you understand this, you won’t be moved by what the turtles say”. –T.D. Jakes

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Some of the most inspiring books that have enabled me along the way are: Finding Fish by Antoine Fisher. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Contact Info:

• Website: Foster2tech.com
• Instagram: @foster2tech