Meet Tenika Goodwin
Tenika is a woman of many talents, seamlessly balancing her roles as a dedicated wife and mother of three with her passion for both dance and IT. After graduating from Canisius College in 2010, she embarked on a corporate career in 2013. In 2015, she transitioned into the world of IT, where she has been making significant contributions for the past eleven years.
Dancing has been a part of Tenika's life since she was three. She is a skilled dancer and started teaching dance at sixteen, a passion she still pursues today.
As a black woman in an industry with few women of color, Tenika has faced her share of challenges. However, she has navigated these obstacles while balancing her roles as a wife and mother of twins and a one-year-old. Despite her busy schedule, she continues to pursue her interests and passions, determined to make her mark in the world of IT.
Personal Milestones
Where are you from?
Born in Buffalo, NY / Reside in Austin, TX
First Job
Target
One thing most people don't know about you:
I listen to all types of music. No matter the genre, artist, year it was made. If it has a tune, I’m listening to it.
What is your favorite book or podcast?
This is hard because I am a YouTube podcast watcher. Just like music, I enjoy different types of podcast. From the interabled couple Roll with Cole & Charisma, to pastor Tim with The Basement with Tim Ross, to interracial couple Josh & Sav.
What motivates you to pursue current and new passions?
My biggest motivation is my children and Husband. My husband goes to the gym everyday, as well as play in different sports league like basketball and softball. His discipline to participate in these activities in addition to having a full time job and taking care of home is incredible. He also encourages me to teach and take dance classes when I’m feeling lazy lol. My children motivate me to find new passions so that they can try new things and maybe find a passion of their own.
What is your biggest accomplishment at this point in your life?
With a corporate job, twin girls in kindergarten, a one-year-old, a husband, and dance instructing, I have mastered this work/life balance. I have always been organized, but when I had my twins, I didn’t know what work/life balance would look like. I wanted to be able to continue to travel with family or friends and have a social life and still take care of home responsibilities. It took a lot of trial and error (and sometimes there is still some error), but I have managed to maintain a healthy balance. My job makes this extremely easy with flexible schedules and remote working options. In a close second, my iPhone/iPad. I can’t live without my calendars, reminders, and lists! lol
What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew at 18 years old?
If I could tell my 18-year-old self anything, it would be GIVE YOURSELF GRACE. You may have your own timeline of when you want to start a family, start your career, graduate college, etc., which may not be on God's timing. Give yourself grace and allow things to happen organically. You can not force what's not meant to be yours when you think it's supposed to happen.
Professional Milestones
Tenika is a Software Developer and Quality Analyst - Information Technology
Is what you do now what you always wanted to do as a child?
Yes.
What inspired you to go into your industry?
My uncle actually inspired me. He has always been in IT and I thought it was cool he worked from home.
Describe in one word what it's like to be a woman of color in your industry.
Rare.
Was there ever a time you faced challenges in your professional life? How did you overcome them?
The main challenges came in the beginning of my career where I basically had to prove myself in order not to be second guessed. Being black and female in IT is not for the weak. You will be overlooked, challenged, and unheard if and only if you allow it. In the beginning I allowed it, for about 2.5 weeks. And then I got to work and haven’t been questioned since.
What's next for you in your career?
I’m thinking about getting into project management. I started in my company as a manager in manufacturing, then moved across the country and started in IT. I have been a developer for nine years now. I love it, but I would like to see a project through from beginning to end, not just the development/testing section.
What advice would you give to a young woman of color trying to enter or advance in your industry?
Don’t let your colleagues or upper management discourage you on advancing/applying for a higher position. If you feel qualified to do the job, apply for it. And give the best interview you ever gave. Don’t allow others to disrespect you in any way and always, ALWAYS, have everything in writing.
Who/what do you attribute your success to?
Nobody but God. He has led me my entire way!! And I have been obedient and listened. My company has had multiple layoffs for the past four years. And I pray and ask God to lead me in the decision to stay or try to find a new job. Even though my human feelings of fear wanted me to look elsewhere, God told me to STAY. And here I am, still standing.
Are you involved in any organizations, associations, clubs or groups?
DEI org (Work)
Moms of Multiples (support group)
Black IT (Work)
My kids school PTA board for social media communications (I run their social media pages)
Connect with Tenika
Facebook: Tenika Goodwin
Instagram: @1ofa_Kynd
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