I am the co-founder and creator of VillageNetwork, a project that has become both a personal passion and a meaningful way to help others in our community. Throughout my career, I have always enjoyed working with technology and building systems that make information easier to access. Over the years I had the opportunity to work with several respected organizations, including the U.S. Military as a civilian contractor, Wounded Warrior (formerly Wounded Soldier), Lockheed Martin while we were stationed at the Pentagon, and ADT Security, just to name a few.

My career did not begin in technology. I started as an Administrative Assistant, but I was always curious about how systems worked behind the scenes. Gradually I began learning how to create databases, and over time my curiosity and determination paid off when I was promoted to a Database Analyst. That promotion gave me the boost of confidence I needed—it confirmed that the technical ability I believed I had simply needed the opportunity to grow.

When I eventually retired due to disability, I found myself bored and looking for something that would keep my mind active and creative. That’s when I decided to continue developing my technical skills by learning how to build websites. I remembered something someone told me back in the 1970s—that if I didn’t learn a skill, especially in the growing IT field, I might end up flipping burgers for the rest of my life. At the time, the technology industry was just beginning to emerge. Looking back now, more than forty years later, I sometimes amaze myself at how much I have learned and how far I have come.

Technology never stands still, and the IT world continues to evolve every year. After even taking a five-year hiatus from the field, I found that returning meant practically retraining myself again because artificial intelligence and new tools had changed so much of the industry. But learning has always been part of the journey.

Creating VillageNetwork has truly been a blessing in disguise. Not only has it allowed me to continue growing and learning in technology, but it has also given me the opportunity to help newcomers discover what our community has to offer. Knowing that something I built can help guide others and make their transition easier is incredibly rewarding, and I look forward to continuing VillageNetwork so it will help individuals who join our community find information, activities, and resources that make them feel welcome and connected.