We recently spoke to Kat Dej-Panah about the amazing work she’s doing helping young women to feel more confident and build their skills, so that they can help shape the future of technology and the world. We were so inspired by her work that we wanted to share a bit of her world with you too. Read on for the interview :
So Kat, tell us a bit about you:
I live in Seattle with my 2 rescue cats, and I enjoy camping and hiking. I have been working for non-profit organisations for the past 7 years, amazing organisations like Girls Who Code, Pacific Science Center and Ocean Institute. I have always wanted to make the world better, but never really knew how I could make a change. For me, that means working with nonprofits who are working to improve local communities.
How did you get started as a remote worker?
My current job is my first remote role, I am a partnership coordinator for Girls Who Code. I work with schools, non-profits and libraries around Washington and Nevada, I help them start Girls Who Code clubs and introduce their students to women in STEM.
What do you love about the work that you do?
I love hearing about students who have discovered computer science and coding, who now see themselves as potential computer scientists and STEM professionals.
What are the good and the bad sides about working remotely? Especially as it is your first remote job.
I enjoy working remotely for the freedom to travel, but also the opportunity to focus and work out of the distractions of a traditional office environment.
How does your daily routine look like?
I love to read in the mornings, I enjoy having a cup of tea and planning out my day. I usually get online and start working in the late morning and take a break in the afternoon. I'm usually back online working on communications and scheduling messages in the evening.
How do you balance between your work and spare time?
I try to create a space for work and use it for just working. Being remote means it can be too easy to let work take over all your time. My separating work from personal space, I can keep focused on work and keep a balance.
Miri’s Top Takeaways:
- T
ake time to plan out your day in the morning
- Take regular breaks when working
- Create a specific workspace that is only used for work
- Remote work allows for freedom to travel, but be careful to keep the right balance between your personal and professional life
Who are Girls Who Code?
-Girls Who Code is on a mission to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does.
-They are building the largest pipeline of future female engineers in the United States.
Connect with Kat on instagram @katdejpanah or twitter @KatDejPanah