Meet Valerie Kristyne | Innovation Experience Designer | AI Specialist | Tech Career Coach | Technology Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Kristyne and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own business, Foster2Tech, was a combination of personal passion, my own life experiences, and recognizing a critical need in the market.

Growing up in foster care, I faced numerous challenges. However, I was fortunate to discover the opportunities and power of technology early in my life. It became my pathway to opportunity, enabling me to break through barriers and build a successful career in tech.

While I was transitioning from foster care, I noticed that many of my peers didn’t pursue tech careers because they lacked resources and exposure to the vast opportunities available. I understood their struggles; I had walked in their shoes. I realized that there was a gap in the market for a service that would provide the necessary guidance, resources, and education required to compete for opportunities in tech.

Furthermore, I couldn’t help but think about young adults without parents or those who have parents but they haven’t navigated corporate. Who was inspiring them? Who was having transparent conversations with them about how to compete in the marketplace and how to command a livable and sustainable wage? I wanted to be a voice for anyone looking to get into tech but didn’t know where to start.

So, with all these thoughts in mind, the idea of Foster2Tech was born. I decided to leverage my experiences and knowledge to create a platform that could assist others in a similar situation. I wanted to create a program that would help individuals understand their strengths and weaknesses, identify their ideal tech career path, and provide the tools necessary to achieve their goals. This month, I will be launching virtual courses to educate anyone interested in careers in tech and how to get started on different tracks

My ultimate aim with Foster2Tech is to empower and equip individuals with the right knowledge and skills to transition into the tech industry, and help them realize that a fulfilling tech career is absolutely within their reach, no matter their starting point.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career has been quite an exciting roller coaster ride! Growing up in foster care, I’ve faced my fair share of challenges. I lost my mother at a very young age and my father faced a lifetime of homelessness. I could have allowed these situations to define me, but I was determined to carve out a different path.

The catalyst for my professional journey was a realization during college: I recognized that technology skills, specifically in web development and design, could be my ticket to a brighter future. It wasn’t easy. I had to invest in a MacBook on a limited income at the time to delve into the coding and design work I was passionate about. This was a significant investment, but it paid off in ways I couldn’t have imagined. I was able to increase my compensation almost twofold, opening up new doors of opportunity.

What sets me apart is my journey from foster care to becoming a successful tech professional and entrepreneur. I’ve walked the path that many of the young adults I now mentor are embarking on. This firsthand experience allows me to relate to their struggles, guide them through challenges, and celebrate their successes on a deeply personal level.

One of the things I’m most proud of is Foster2Tech. I started this project because I saw the immense potential of tech skills to create professional and financial opportunities. However, I also recognized that many young adults didn’t pursue these opportunities due to a lack of exposure. Foster2Tech addresses this gap by providing the equipment, training, and guidance these individuals need. Foster2Tech is not just for the foster care community but for anyone interested and looking to get involved in technology or looking to transition from another industry.

I’m also thrilled about the Foster2Tech career planners. These planners help individuals identify their skills, strengths, and weaknesses, guide them towards the right career path, and teach them how to land their first gig in tech. Seeing these individuals grow and flourish in their tech careers is the most rewarding part of my work.

In terms of overcoming challenges, I believe resilience and determination have been my greatest allies. The road was never easy, but every setback taught me a valuable lesson and propelled me forward. Perhaps the most important lesson I’ve learned is that it’s crucial to embrace change, remain adaptable, and never stop learning, especially in the ever-evolving field of technology.

I want the world to know that despite where you’re coming from, you can shape your own destiny. I believe my story, my brand, and my work at Foster2Tech embodies this belief. It’s about fostering tech skills to empower individuals, regardless of their past, to build their own successful future and financial independence.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh, I absolutely love this question! If my best friend were visiting Atlanta, I would ensure they get to experience the best the city has to offer, all sprinkled with some of my personal favorites.

We would start the week at a spot that’s been on my favorites list for a while now: The 3rd Spot. It’s an adult arcade that offers so much more than games; it’s a vibrant atmosphere combined with delicious gourmet small plates and an exciting range of drinks that make it a must-visit.

Next, we’d dedicate a day to relaxation. Atlanta is home to countless spots for a rejuvenating massage – perfect for shaking off the travel fatigue. It’s one of the myriad self-care options that the city offers, and something I personally believe is essential for our well-being.

For an evening to remember, I’d take her to Buckhead, one of my favorite neighborhoods. It’s got a dynamic energy that you can’t help but fall in love with, not to mention a plethora of things to do.

When it comes to dining, NOBU and TessaRae Atlanta take the crown for me. Both offer an exquisite dining experience that’s bound to leave a lasting impression.

Before the week wraps up, we would pay a visit to my hair stylist. One of the things I love most about Atlanta is the abundance of small businesses that cater to women’s upkeep and self-care. It’s not just about looking good, it’s about feeling good, too.

So, there you have it – a week packed with gastronomy, relaxation, nightlife, and a taste of local business. It’s a slice of Atlanta life that combines both the city’s vibrant offerings with the spots that have become close to my heart.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely, recognition is so vital. Success is never achieved in isolation, and I’m incredibly grateful for the multitude of individuals and institutions who have played a part in my journey.

First and foremost, I want to give a shoutout to my mentors. Their unwavering belief in my potential, their invaluable advice, and their constant encouragement were instrumental in shaping my path, not just professionally, but also personally. They helped me believe in myself when the world was overwhelming and helped me navigate the complex tech landscape.

Additionally, I have to mention the numerous foster care organizations and social workers who offered support during my time in the foster system. They provided me with the resources I needed and advocated for me when I couldn’t do it for myself. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it is incredibly impactful.

Lastly, I want to dedicate this shoutout to every single individual who has been part of the Foster2Tech community. Each participant, every story, every victory is a testament to the resilience and strength inherent in our community. I’m incredibly proud and grateful to be a part of this journey with them.

A book that deserves a mention is “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol S. Dweck. It introduced me to the concept of growth mindset, which has been a game-changer for me. It made me understand that abilities can be developed, challenges can be overcome, and that we are not defined by our circumstances but rather by our response to them.

Another book that has significantly shaped my journey is “The Body Keeps the Score” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. This book unravels the way trauma reshapes both the body and the brain, leading to a greater understanding of the lasting impact of traumatic experiences.

The knowledge I gained from “The Body Keeps the Score” deeply resonates in my work at Foster2Tech, as I strive to create a safe, supportive space for individuals who may have experienced trauma. It has helped me empathize and connect with them on a deeper level, understanding that their past experiences might still be influencing their present in ways they may not fully realize.

This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand trauma’s complex impact, and I can’t emphasize enough the profound effect it has had on my journey.

My story is not mine alone. It is the culmination of the efforts, love, and support of so many others, and I am immensely grateful for each and every one of them.

Website: https://stan.store/Foster2tech

Instagram: @foster2tech

Image Credits
@keithsaunders