The TI:GER (Technology Innovation: Generating Economic Results) program at the Georgia Tech Scheller College of Business roars with innovation and empowers the next generation of leaders in STEM. The transdisciplinary program allows Full-time and Evening MBA students at Scheller and Ph.D. students across Tech to gain hands-on experience in strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting some of the remarkable women — or TI:GRESSES — of the program. Learn about their experiences and future goals in technology innovation.
Rose Espiritu
Evening MBA ‘25
Senior Engineering Manager, Microsoft
What sparked your interest in technology innovation?
During my time in Los Angeles, I became involved in hackathons and startup weekends. We would build business plans and develop proof of concepts within a three-day period. This exposure made establishing a technology-driven startup feel within reach. It was also my first time realizing how technology is used to produce solutions at scale, deepening my interest in technology innovation.
Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman pursuing a career in technology and business? How did you overcome them?
As a woman of color, I’ve had challenges with some individuals doubting my capabilities. However, these experiences have motivated me to enhance my technical skills. I also focus on my allies; I’ve found immense support from people who genuinely want to see me win. I am intentional about channeling my energy toward nurturing those relationships and ignoring the rest.
What are your future career goals, especially in the context of technology and innovation?
I am a first-time engineering manager at Microsoft. I look forward to building a cohesive, productive team and delivering high-quality work. I aspire to pursue other opportunities in engineering leadership at high-growth companies. I also mentor startups and look forward to investing in companies in the future.
If you could share one piece of advice with aspiring women pursuing their careers in technology or business, what would it be?
If I could offer one piece of advice to aspiring women in technology or business, it would be to embrace your uniqueness and never underestimate the value of your perspective and contributions. You may encounter challenges, but it can all be used as an opportunity for growth and resilience. Stay true to yourself and keep pushing forward.
Rime El Asmar
Ph.D. ‘25
Atmospheric Sciences, College of Sciences
What sparked your interest in technology innovation?
As a bridge between academia and consulting, I am actively seeking an opportunity to broaden my business acumen and prepare for a career where I can translate my technical expertise into impactful solutions. I enrolled in the TI:GER program for this reason. This rigorous program is designed for STEM-focused individuals like me and equips Ph.D. students with the necessary skills and knowledge in strategy, innovation, and leadership.
Were there any influential women in your academic journey who inspired or mentored you?
Dr. Najat Saliba has been a significant influence in my academic journey. As an environmental activist, chemistry professor, and independent parliament member in Lebanon, her work and dedication to finding solutions for issues affecting the environment and society have inspired me.
What are your future career goals, especially in the context of technology and innovation?
In the context of technology and innovation, my future career goals revolve around leveraging my expertise in atmospheric science to become an environmental consultant. I aim to apply innovative solutions and technologies to address environmental challenges, particularly focusing on air quality, climate change, and related human health issues.
If you could share one piece of advice with aspiring women pursuing their careers in technology or business, what would it be?
If I could share one piece of advice with aspiring women pursuing careers in technology or business, it would be to believe in your capabilities. Your unique experiences and insights can significantly contribute to success in any field you choose.
Brooke Shareé Patterson
Full-time MBA ‘25
What sparked your interest in technology innovation?
My parents were both entrepreneurs at different points in their lives and understood the power that entrepreneurship has to build communities and financial freedom. I was inspired by them and started my first business at age 7, selling flower ink pens to doctors’ offices around Atlanta.
Were there any influential women in your academic journey who inspired or mentored you?
My journey has included inspirational women who have aided me in my career and encouraged me to keep going. During my undergrad, one of my professors became the faculty advisor for my on-campus student organization and later helped me find my first role after college.
Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman pursuing a career in technology and business? How did you overcome them?
Yes. I have faced several challenges as a founder and in corporate America, but I surround myself with talented women who have helped me shift my focus. I worry less about the challenges I have faced, and instead, I focus on my work ethic, what I can control, and my response to challenges as they arrive.
What are your future career goals, especially in the context of technology and innovation?
I look forward to continuing to work on projects at the intersection of fashion, media, and technology. I am interested in those opportunities for established firms and potentially building something similar as a founder. However, I would like my legacy to be connected to sharing positive stories and promoting mentorship via a nonprofit organization that supports mentorship for young women as they navigate from university through their careers.
If you could share one piece of advice with aspiring women pursuing their careers in technology or business, what would it be?
My advice for aspiring women would be to act. We are not short of good ideas, but we often shy away from acting and executing those ideas. I believe if you have a dream to create something that contributes positively to the world, you must do it because other people’s dreams depend on you executing yours.
Katie Crawford
Evening MBA '25
Manager, Engineering at Acuity Brands
What sparked your interest in technology innovation?
I work in engineering and was curious about how to strategically innovate and the types of decisions that are involved in that.
Were there any influential women in your academic journey who inspired or mentored you?
One of my favorite managers was a woman. She inspired me to get my MBA and move into a management position.
Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman pursuing a career in technology and business? How did you overcome them?
The field I work in is predominantly male, and sometimes it feels like there is a glass ceiling for success, but I’ve found it helpful to find other women in leadership positions to help mentor me to overcome this.
What are your future career goals, especially in the context of technology and innovation?
I want to become someone who sets strategy for innovation in a fast-moving industry.
If you could share one piece of advice with aspiring women pursuing their careers in technology or business, what would it be?
Find mentors anywhere you can. They can be a great advocate for you.
Analisa Wade
Full-time MBA ‘25
What sparked your interest in technology innovation?
I'm obsessed with the fast-paced nature of technology. Technology continues to evolve our world and how we conduct business.
Were there any influential women in your academic journey who inspired or mentored you?
Dr. Anne Fuller, a senior lecturer of Strategy and Innovation at Scheller, and Dr. Katie Badura, assistant professor of Organizational Behavior at Scheller.
Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman pursuing a career in technology and business? How did you overcome them?
Keeping up with the latest technology and advancements with AI. In tech, the learning process is a never-ending journey. Having a support group of like-minded millennial women to discuss these changes with has been challenging to find. For now, I utilize my peers, both men and women, to have these discussions within the MBA program.
What are your future career goals, especially in the context of technology and innovation?
To be a chief innovation officer.
If you could share one piece of advice with aspiring women pursuing their careers in technology or business, what would it be?
Be open to taking risks and always ready to learn new things. Embracing new experiences along the way can lead to unexpected career paths and opportunities.
