The Spotlight Series amplifies the authentic stories of women and underrepresented groups in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
Neferteri
Strickland
“I help others hone the ‘Art of The Possible’ using human-centered technology.”
Neferteri Strickland
Cyber Technology Strategist, Founder of TEACHERS&
WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
"As a military leader and formal educator, I have identified how I best motivate others to solve pressing problems and accomplish meaningful goals, transforming the way in which I lead and serve."
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU’D KNOWN 10 YEARS AGO?
“I wish I knew that many things work themselves out with little to no intervention. It's intelligent design.
I was raised believing that force equated to progress. I now know that that is a fallacy.”
WHAT IS A STRUGGLE YOU’VE OVERCOME?
"Lack of role models and mentors who were non-linear thinkers made it hard, at times, to communicate with traditional thinkers.
From those experiences, I learned that I can be the translator."
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OUTLOOK?
"I am an optimist planner.”
“I believe in taking the time to evaluate the problem set, consult subject matter experts, and develop options to achieve success, but no plan ever survives the first shot."
WHAT'S YOUR DAY-TO-DAY MANTRA?
"I am the ancestor of my future."
“I consider it a privilege to think about my life with my descendants in mind. What will I leave to them? How will they remember me? Not just for assets, but for wisdom."
WHAT’S THE LAST THING YOU RATED 5-STARS?
It goes without saying, anything by Malcolm Gladwell.
With that said, I recently enjoyed an episode of Steve Perlman's podcast "Headagogy". (Title "Ungrading: What? How? Why?")
WHAT DOES ADVOCACY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
"I support others by listening. I listen for what they say and I listen for what they don't say.
Often those I support are close to their work still mapping out the details. I champion their causes by lending them my platforms and my perspective. We host community conversations, co-author grants, beta test ideas, and support the development of a minimum viable product."
CAN YOU SHARE A GOAL THAT YOU’RE WORKING ON?
"I have a goal of balancing my energy.
I am naturally a giver who requires replenishment in order to continue to give.
I consider this goal, ‘Master Level’."
Our Spotlight Series ↗ amplifies the authentic stories of women and underrepresented groups in tech, entrepreneurship, and leadership.