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Introducing: Lindsay Lindstrom…Microsoft Developer and Triplet

Who are you and what do you do?

Lindsay Lindstrom.  I work for Microsoft as an Academic Developer Evangelist, which means I get to work with students and faculty/teachers on using Microsoft technology as a means to reach their tech goals.  I usually say I get to talk to nerdy people about nerdy things, it’s the best job ever!

 

What will you be teaching at the Geek Girl Tech Conference this year?

I am so excited to participate in the Geek Girl Tech Conference this year!  I’ll be leading a couple of workshops on Small Basic and Game Development with XNA.  I’m also thankful to have the opportunity to kick of the conference as the morning keynote speaker.  Yikes, no pressure!

 

What was your favorite part of the conference last year?

This is my first year at Geek Girl Tech Conf!  I’m definitely looking forward to meeting people and hearing their stories.  I know that I will leave Cape Code inspired and encouraged!

 

PC or Mac?

As you probably expect, PC.  The Apple Macintosh II was the first computer I ever used, though!  My philosophy is use whatever tool you like or need to get the job done.  I love technology, so whether it’s PC or Mac, I say use what works for you.  For me, that’s a PC.

 

When did you first know you were geeky?

In 1996, I was 13, and my parents didn’t know what to do with me and my sisters during our summer break, so they put us in a week-long “Learn about the Internet” class at the local library taught by the first local Internet Services Provider.  I created my first email address on Hotmail (before it was owned by Microsoft) and my first website on Geocities.  And so it began…

 

Star Wars or Star Trek?

I was definitely a Star Trek: The Next Generation fan as a child.  But I like both!

 

Choose 5 people from any moment of time to have dinner and drinks with. Who would they be and why?

Jesus – regardless of your beliefs, definitely impacted many facets of society today.

Grace Hopper – Rear Admiral in the Navy, pioneer of Computer Science.  A strong, intelligent, funny woman who paved the way for all of us!  Watch her interview with David Letterman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZ0g5_NgRao

Leonardo Da Vinci – Artist, Scientist and Inventor.  Just to bask in his genius.

Sir Winston Churchill – won the Nobel Prize for Literature “for his mastery of historical and biographical description as well as for brilliant oratory in defending exalted human values”.
Princess Diana – she’s a princess!  She remained humble and used her influence to help others.

 

Who do feel has had the most impact on technology in your time?

One obvious answer is Bill Gates.  His vision of a PC in every home has pretty much come true in such a short time since Microsoft was founded in 1975.  I can’t wait to see how technology grows and changes in the rest of my life!

 

Facebook or Twitter?

Facebook.  I’m not consistent enough for Twitter, though every now and again I make an effort!

 

Tell us something about you nobody knows….

Well, none of you probably know that I’m a triplet…was born in Singapore, raised in Guam and Australia.  I moved to the US for college and here I’ve stayed (for now)!

How Internet Censorship will Affect Us if SOPA Passes [infographic]

You’re hearing all about the “American Internet Censorship Bill” or “SOPA” lately, but you really need a quick way to discern if these concerns are valid. We have included this infographic on how SOPA – the Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261) and the Senate’s PROTECT IP Act (S. 968) works. In trying to protect the hard work of everyone’s piracy and theft of IP, the Government is just going a bit too far. And since Hollywood outspends Silicon Valley on lobbyists by 10x, you can see why this will probably pass. This is a content issue, and no one has even included the technology sector to help write the bill. It’s a shame. Because many sites you enjoy could be in danger of being blocked, simply because someone spams it with links the censors catch. Maybe even your own site.

But, we leave interpretation up to the individual and we hope this infographic helps

CEIVA Digital Frames are NOT like the others…Find out why at Boot Camp!

Boot Camp sponsor CEIVA, the Inventors of the Connected Digital Photo Frame, is bringing their show to Cape Cod on March 6th to show you why they are the best in digital picture frames. Pssssst. Here’s a hint. They’re wireless!

Picture this. You and the kids on a beautiful, sandy beach in Hawaii relaxing on the sand. Up comes a dolphin out of nowhere and you get the most awesome picture. First thing that comes to your mind; “I wish grandma could see this right now!”. Well grandma can get your pictures instantly on her CEIVA frame when you email them directly to her from your iPhone or any other smart phone!

In 2000 CEIVA Logic, Inc. was founded by former Disney executives with a pioneering vision: to bring the world together through the power of digital photography. Industry leaders then and now, CEIVA was the first company to invent and market digital photo frames. Their award-winning, patented technology has positioned their product line as the premier choice in the marketplace.

CEIVA frames are going to be displayed all over Boot Camp on Saturday to show you how easy and effortlessly it is to send your loved ones instant pictures to their digital frames! Mom and dads love them, grandma and grandpa love them because they don’t have to do any work – you just email them the picture and it loads instantly. Keeps your memories fresh and current!

Donna from CEIVA will be demonstrated these innovative frames all day and we even have a few in our Scholarship Raffle, in addition to incredible offers for frames just for Geek Girl Boot Camp attendees. In tow are the most gorgeous books with beautiful photography you won’t want to miss. “The Joy of Digital Photography” is an incredibly beautiful book that any photographer, new or old, pro or amateur, will adore.

Even if you can’t be at Boot Camp, this technology is so worth it. Go to the CEIVA site and check out all their frames and learn how the technology works!

And make sure you say “hi” to CEIVA Joe, their very handsome and chiseled iconic mascot  on Facebook and Twitter – tell him @GeekGirlCamp sent you!

Meet the Educational Scholarship Partner for Boot Camp Cape Cod, ABWA Cape Cod

At each Boot Camp, we partner with a local women’s group in that region to not only assist us in running the Boot Camp, but because of their involvement, we try to donate a portion of the proceeds to their educational scholarship fund which helps women take classes, workshops, attend conferences and go to college. Last year at Boot Camp Cape Cod 2009, we were able to donate a $1,500 check to them, and this year we are hoping to break that record, and see if we can give some other organizations some help. The Board got together and answered these questions for us, to let people know what the organization does. Also, several of the Geek Girls are members of the ABWA.

1.) What is the purpose of ABWA? And the Cape Cod Charter Chapter specifically?

The mission of ABWA Cape Cod is the same as ABWA National which is:
To bring together businesswomen of diverse occupations and to provide opportunities for them to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support, and national recognition.

Though here on Cape Cod we add a bit more flair and fun to the organization, and I think most members would agree, that we have expanded on the mission statement by focusing on friendships and enjoying each other’s company both at meetings and out in the community.  We see each other at so many events and organizations that we are all a part of, and it’s always great to bump into fellow ABWA members.

2.) When do you meet, where and what is the format?

Every month, on the second Tuesday, we meet at the Radisson Hotel on Route 28 in Hyannis. Meetings start at 5:30 with networking and hanging out, and a little after six we sit down so that we can cover a bit of necessary business.  We do very lively introductions of ourselves and then dig into the amazing buffet dinner that the Radisson provides.  After that we have a guest speaker from the community who presents for 20-30 minutes, on a topic of interest to women in business. We then have an ABWA member talk for 5-10 minutes, what we call our Member Spotlights, so that we can get to know our members better.  The official meeting concludes at 8:00pm and the after party continues in the Bistro!

3.) How many members, and what industries are represented? What are the most “unique” industries ever represented by members?

We have approximately 60 members representing a wide variety of professions from lawyers and real estate agents to artists to a whole host of entrepreneurs who cover almost every business enterprise from retail stores to technology.  The most unique members that come to mind are a talented jewelry designer, a professional organizer and a fabulous textile artist. Essentially as many industries as there are represented in the community, there are represented in ABWA Cape Cod.  Everyone can benefit from ABWA. We even have retirees who just enjoy the meetings and the community that has formed!

3.) What are some of the events you do year-round for visibility and awareness for your members and women in general?

Thanks to our dedicated members we have really increased our presence in the community over the last few years.  We have a great Public Relations Chair, Erica Waasdorp of A Direct Solution, who is fabulous at publicizing our meetings, events and activities. Also, our Website Chair, Paula Hersey of Penguin Digital Design (AND a Geek Girl presenter!), works tirelessly to keep our website, www.abwacapecod.org, full of up to date useful information for both members and guests alike.

Also, while all of our meetings are open to the public, we also hold two events, our April Open House (April 13th, 2010) and July Golf Outing (July 13th, 2010) where we have an even greater number of guests and community members.  Also (of course!), we partner with like minded organizations such as Geek Girl Camp.

4.) How do you “give back and pay forward” at ABWA Cape Cod?

Our members are very generous at the monthly meetings and at all events by donating to the various raffles and fundraising efforts, proceeds of which go to our Scholarship Fund.  Every year we give out at least three scholarships of $1500 each to Cape Cod women in college or graduate school, as well as $500 to a local organization that helps local women educationally.  Over the years, tens of thousands of dollars have been given out via dozens of scholarships to meritorious Cape Cod women.

5.) What were your thoughts when Geek Girl came to you to partner with Boot Camp in 2009? And what was your reaction when Geek Girl Camp was able to deliver a $1,500 check to you last year for partnering?

We were wicked excited to partner with Geek Girl and were thrilled to be a part of the excitement and energy surrounding the effort.  We had no idea how big it was going to be and how substantially it would benefit everyone in so many ways. We were blown away by both the positive feedback as well as the amount of the check we received as a part of our partnership.  The money from Geek Girl Boot Camp completely supported us adding one more scholarship of $1500. ABWA strives to help women (and their daughters, mothers, sisters, you name it!) through empowerment and education, and so our partnership with Geek Girl Camp is ideal.

6.) What will ABWA Cape Cod be doing at Boot Camp 2010 as an organization? What will each of you be doing that day?

Courtney: I will be manning the ABWA booth and encouraging attendees to come to the ABWA Open House on April 13th, which is free for guests, and a great chance for the ABWA membership to promote itself collectively as well as individually through member booths.

Midge: I will be manning the ABWA booth also and letting everyone know about ABWA, our monthly meetings and how much fellowship you get being a member and attending the meetings. Also how much fun we have together!

Jane: I, too, will be manning the booth primarily chatting it up with member prospects about why ABWA is so fabulous and they should join!  I hope to sneak into a session here or there, too, to enhance my own geek knowledge.

Adrienne: As one-half of the famous “Greek Girls”, I will be meeting, greeting, selling Geek Girl gear and raffle tickets, handing out the awesome swag-bags, and generally keeping the place humming in the background!

7.) What is the Geekiest thing you have ever done that you were so proud of?

We managed to answer the questions for this interview on a three way conference call which we were impressed by! But each of us is also geeky in our special way:

Courtney: I was a Computer Science major in college, so I spent 4 years being full-on geeky.

Midge: We had a workstation crash and I got it back working, it took a long time to figure it out but I did it.

Jane: I set up Skype this week on my laptop and actually brought a friend currently in Florida in on a book club. What fun!  Imagine what my poor kids in college are in for.

Adrienne: I got my 3 year-old Godson in Florida all set up on Skype so we can see each other when we talk – it backfired though; he is less interested in seeing “Auntie A” and more excited to see Ellie, my cat!

8.) What do you hope members of ABWA Cape Cod and other women attending get out of Geek Girl Boot Camp?

Hopefully members will have a chance to broaden their perspective on technology and to realize it is not intimidating. We also hope members will embrace their inner geek and gain confidence in their skills. And of course, get some cool swag as well!

Thanks, Ladies!

Meet Geek Girl June Bertucci

June Bertucci will be teaching workshops on: Becoming Proficient on my PC! and PC Maintenance and Troubleshooting a/k/a Be your own Techie! - See all workshops here

1.      How and when did you become a Geek Girl?

Over 25 years ago at my first real job.  (Not in High School as they were still using manual typewriters waaay back then!) But I took to it from the very beginning…so I consider myself a natural born geek girl! J

2.      Technology is so big, so diverse: in what parts are you an expert? in what realms are you still learning?

All things PCs is one of my strengths the typical stuff virus removal, security, etc but what really thrills me is any kind of data management projects – figuring out the best ways to manage/manipulate data!  WordPress and blogging is my next learning endeavor.

3.      Did you have an experience growing up or as an adult where you felt the huge divide between women and technology?

OMG, yes the worse for me was as a young professional managing the computer operations for an old yankee law firm.   A lot of our outside vendors/salesmen assumed a male was in charge of the firms technology and never directed the conversation towards me, only over me, (I’m kind of short.)…towards whatever male was in proximity.  And yes that “male” often had no idea what was the person was talking about!

4.      If you answered yes, how did you handle it?

I was lucky as I had an awesome woman boss that would let the salesmen know that, IF she liked their product, they still had to convince me of its technology worthiness before we would consider purchasing it.  I knew how to ask the hard questions that let them know the depth of my knowledge of the computer operations.  (which they often couldn’t answer, hehe.)

5.      What was your favorite part of Geek Girl Camp 2009?

The energy level, all day long and especially at the cocktail party, was amazing!

6.      List 3 ways that women (or you specifically) can have an impact on technology.

Be an I.T. professional with integrity
Be a life long learner
Share my knowledge

7.      If you could change one thing about the world (and we know you can) what would it be?

Women would embrace and not fear technology

8.      What is your desire, wish or goal for Geek Girl Camp 2010?

That it will help  women embrace, not fear technology

9.      If the Geek Girls could have 1 minute to talk to the world, what would we say?

That there is power in knowledge and that there is nothing to fear but fear itself -that is especially true when it comes to technology.  Experiment, play and explore technology with all its wonders and it will help lead you forward.

June Bertucci’s Biography:

June Bertucci, President and founder of Small Office Computer Support, has been “getting her geek on” for more than 24 years. As a presenter at the first ever Geek Girl Camp, she can’t wait for the opportunity to share her knowledge of computers and technology at this year’s expanded Geek Girl Boot Camp.  June’s career with technology started out in the early 80’s, when she headed the data operations department of a major bank. It quickly became apparent that she had the magic touch with computers and a natural skill for troubleshooting problems. She went on to manage computer operations on a national level for one of the largest law firms in Boston. In the early nineties June relocated to Cape Cod, where she worked for a hiring process management company that was to become part of Monster.com. Those who work with June enjoy her high energy and enthusiasm, and they gain great peace of mind from her exceptional expertise in technology. June’s goal is to help her clients fully utilize technology. She welcomes the opportunity to bring her extraordinary knowledge to an even wider audience at Geek Girl Boot Camp!

Meet Geek Girl Julianne McLaughlin

Julianne McLaughlin will be teaching workshops on: Podcasting – See all workshops here


1. How and when did you become a Geek Girl?

I became a Geek Girl in 2008 when I attended the first Geek Girl Camp in Hyannis.  A good friend of mine, who is a web designer, suggested I attend the Cape Cod Boot Camp.   I had never known such a thing existed!  As I waited in line, I noticed young and young at heart chatting and exchanging pleasantries.  I immediately felt a sense of ease.  We all know that walking into a seminar surrounded by a lot of women can be, well, daunting.  Not this time!  Everyone was so easy going, fun and had a smile on their face.   We all were there for the same reason…….to learn!  It was truly a judgment free day!

2. Technology is so big, so diverse: in what parts are you an expert? in what realms are you still learning?

I am an expert in texting my 13 year old daughter “it’s time to come home” or “where are you at the mall?”  I am also an expert in social media, especially podcasting.  I have an awesome podcast with two friends named “Two Geeks and A Girl”.  We have a grand ole time each week discussing how to get your business on the web.  We laugh, we cry…..it’s better than Cats!  I would suggest you check it out…..oh and by the way, both of the Geeks are single and if I dare say, very cute!  Also, I am a blog freak.  I love to write my company’s blog, read blogs, comment on blogs, anything to do with blogs!  Finally, I am an expert in websites du jour.  I don’t build them or even design them, I have an awesome team who does that, but I can tell you what’s good, what stinks, what will work, what will not.  I can count thousands of hours of looking at websites from construction companies to driving schools to realtors to venture capitalists.  I’ve seen a lot and I’ve got a pretty good idea of how your website IS your business, so make it really, really great.  This is the future of the web for businesses…..a kick butt website and social media 24/7!

3. Did you have an experience growing up or as an adult where you felt the huge divide between women and technology?

Well, when I learned to program the VCR about three years after my husband had mastered it…….I would say I felt pretty left behind.  All joking aside, I never felt that I had the same level of expertise when it came to technology and computers.  I could use Word to write a letter, Excel to make a spreadsheet and that was about it.  With the advancement of the internet (and yes, I remember life BEFORE the internet!) I came to realize very quickly that the world was moving faster and faster and I was either going to join in on the fun or get left behind.

4. If you answered yes, how did you handle it?

Above.

5. What was your favorite part of Geek Girl Camp 2009?

Without a doubt it was all of the Workshops, but I especially loved blogging for business with Julie Roads.  She was great!

6. List 3 ways that women (or you specifically) can have an impact on technology.

I tell my daughter she can do everything her brothers do.  And I believe it.  Already she knows more about technology than I do!  For me my life goal is to make sure that my little girl (not so little at 13) can do everything and achieve everything she sets her mind to.  She will never know a time before the internet, or email, or texting.  This is her life.  It’s my job to make sure she (and her two younger brothers) use technology in a safe, honorable, and respectable manner.  I will also continue to learn how technology can help the business owner.  I owned a business, now defunct, and know well all the ups and downs it entails.  A business is like your baby….you eat, sleep and live it 24/7.  Because of that I will be on-top of the latest technologies to assist the business owner to grow and prosper.  I believe that all business will be conducted (to some degree) from the web.  Gone are the days of looking for an electrician in the phone book.  Now we go to the web.  Finally, I will learn how to fax and scan from my new HP Laser Jet Printer.  It’s brand new and I am still figuring out how it works.  By the time Geek Girl Boot Camp 2010 rolls around, I hope to be faxing and scanning like a crazy woman!  J

7. If you could change one thing about the world (and we know you can) what would it be?

This sounds so cliché, but I feel like the poverty in the world, whether near or far, is something that we all can help with.  We all have something to share, whether it is time, talent or money.  If we all shared a little bit, can you imagine how much better the world would be?

8. What is your desire, wish or goal for Geek Girl Camp 2010?

I want just one person to feel empowered about technology.  If even ONE gal walks away saying “hey, I can do that” then I have achieved my goal.

9. If the Geek Girls could have 1 minute to talk to the world, what would we say?

I would say “DON’T BE AFRAID!  If I can do it………anyone can!”

Juliann McLaughlin’s Biography:

Julianne McLaughlin brings a unique skill set to her role as Project and Solutions Manager for Blue LAN Group, Inc. Her years with the Executive Office of Public Safety (a Massachusetts state law enforcement governing agency) taught her how to successfully navigate the waters of  predominantly male organizations while garnering respect (the excused parking tickets were just an added bonus). Her experience writing grants for the Weymouth Police Department gave her valuable insight in how to evaluate a client’s needs and pursue the resources to meet those needs. As the owner of Bodyworks Fitness Studio, Julianne gained firsthand knowledge of the obstacles that small business owners face in a competitive industry. Her years as a certified Personal Trainer added to her already tenacious personality, working with clients to meet their goals, even if it meant kicking their butt in the process. (“C’mon, 25 more push-ups!”)

Joining Blue LAN Group in 2008 as a Social Media/Networking Consultant, Julianne quickly proved an invaluable asset and was promptly promoted to Business Development Manager which led to her current position as Director of Web Services. Working under her younger brother, Ed O’Connor, has been both a rewarding experience as well as an exercise in humility.

In her spare time, when not devouring books at an alarming rate, Julianne can be found hiking, biking, running and enjoying other outdoor activities with her husband Mike and their three children.  She is a regular contributor to the wildly popular podcast “Two Geeks and a Girl” (hint: she’s the girl) and was recently featured on WBIX Radio’s “Real Deal on Real Estate” program with host Fran Yerardi, where Julianne shared her expertise as an authority on Social Media.

What I Learned from the Mass Conference for Women Yesterday

Geek Girl Camp had the most fortunate opportunity to be a supporting organization of the Massachusetts Conference for Women and we were able to provide a Technology Help Desk for all the attendees to ask questions on computer, Internet and web-related questions. It was a great experience, and we cannot thank them enough for allowing us to partner with them on what is their crowning achievement of the year.

In sitting at our busy, bustling booth yesterday, I had a little time to reflect on a few things with Geek Girl Camp throughout the past year since we started and while in the midst of all the wonderful energy yesterday at the conference, I came up with some things I believe are true.

1.)    I learned that there are a lot of women in Massachusetts who believe that a conference devoted to them is worth taking the day off from life and work. (Over 5,000 attendees)

2.)    I learned that there are a lot of women in Massachusetts who can make a huge difference, if they just start supporting one another better and stop throwing each other under the bus. Face it, we all have done it one time or another. Stop.

3.)    I learned that what makes a conference great, is not just great speakers, but great attendees.

4.)    I learned that those who are willing to take the time to talk with people, answer questions, engage, smile, and most of all listen, are the winners of the conference and in life. Life is too short to brush someone off who is coming to you for help. Always be willing to help someone, even if you cannot help them.

5.)     I learned that you can never give people too much information and that knowledge should be shared. Even if you make your money and livelihood by what you are sharing. 90% of the time, people are not going to use it for their own gain or compete against you, and they will come back and use your services or tell secondary or terciary contacts about you. Don’t be stingy and share; be the Resource! There is no greater person on this earth than those who are the resource. Knowledge is our legacy.

6.)     I learned that there were a lot of organizations out there doing great things for women; we just need to have all of them working together to make all of our goals come true. Not to make it all easier for us so we lose our desire and passion; but so that we can all achieve greatness by not stepping on each other’s toes and wasting resources.

7.)    I learned that when you have a cause that you are passionate about, treat people with respect, lead with integrity and create excitement, people will believe in your cause as well and walk with you to the ends of the earth to achieve it.

8.)     I learned that when you do find these people, thank them every day, love them, ask they what they think, delegate, let them own it and you will see your cause flourish beyond belief. Oh, and do a random act of kindness every once in a while out of the blue. This will make sure people know you are thinking about them and care about them, without people thinking you want something in return.

9.)    I learned that similar to an iceberg, everyone sees the top 10% part that is the success of the cause; no one really knows the other 90% of the iceberg under water that is all the hours of hard work everyone involved puts into a cause. They also do not need to know and you don’t have to brag about it either. Keep it to yourself, smile and pretend it’s just your little secret. That is called humility.

10.)    I learned that honesty is always the best policy, no matter the situation. I would rather be known as a consistent straight-shooter than liked because I said what you wanted me to say. You will never be respected if you have an incessant need to be liked; but you will be respected if you are honest and gracious with people. People are resilient and will come around. Be true to yourself and in doing so, you are being true to everyone else.

11.)     I learned that as much as you trust other people with your cause, always protect yourself. Never feel bad to even the most devoted, avid person on your cause when it comes to protecting the cause. Remove your emotions and think about the health, wealth and longevity of the cause by drawing up expectations for everyone and utilizing your attorney. Everyone is more willing to be a part of a well-established cause with direction and organization. If not, they never were part of the cause to begin with.

12.)    I also learned that the conference was a great place for Geek Girl Camp to be. I hope the conference organizers were pleased with us and want us back. We were in our element by being “the resource” and trust agents for our cause.

It was a good day.

Thank you to everyone for stopping by our booth; we hope you had a great experience with us and would love to hear about your experience below!