Navigating the First Year as a Female Technology Director: A Journey of Leadership and Empowerment

• By Dr. Cheri Bridge
• 04/23/25

The landscape of technology leadership is evolving — and women are not just stepping into the conversation, they're shaping it. Taking on the role of technology director brings the promise of innovation, the responsibility of leadership, and the opportunity to redefine what's possible. For women in this space, the first year is both a proving ground and a powerful platform. It's a year of listening deeply, learning quickly, leading boldly, and paving the way for others.

Breaking Barriers and Setting the Tone

The first year matters. It's where credibility is built, relationships are formed, and culture begins to take shape. For female tech leaders, that first impression often includes challenging assumptions — sometimes subtle, sometimes overt — about who belongs in tech leadership. But with clarity, confidence, and competence, we can reset the narrative. Our presence speaks volumes, but our actions — grounded in vision, transparency, and results — speak even louder.

• One Defining Experience — Assumptions:
  In one of my earliest district meetings, a vendor mistakenly assumed I was the assistant rather than the decision-maker. Instead of bristling, I used the opportunity to assertively introduce myself, outline our district's tech vision, and ask strategic questions that reframed the dynamic. It wasn't about proving myself — it was about leading authentically and letting results do the talking.

Building a Network of Support

No one leads in isolation. One of the most powerful lessons of the first year is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge, support, and uplift you. Finding that tribe — other female tech leaders, mentors from outside the field, or colleagues who see the value in your vision — makes all the difference. These connections offer space to reflect, problem-solve, and recharge. Just as importantly, they remind us that we're not alone in this work.

• One Defining Experience — Coffee and Connect:
  Recognizing a lack of connection among women in ed tech leadership, I founded Coffee and Connect, a monthly virtual meet-up space for female tech directors. What started as a small circle quickly grew into a community of shared stories, strategies, and support. These conversations have been a lifeline — offering both affirmation and accountability. It's become one of the most impactful leadership networks I've helped create.

Driving Innovation and Change

Technology is a tool — but leadership is what makes it transformational. In the first year, fresh eyes can often see what others have normalized. That's a gift. Whether it's streamlining systems, introducing new tools, or reimagining how students and teachers engage with technology, the early days are ripe for innovation. But sustainable change comes through collaboration, not imposition. By listening first, piloting thoughtfully, and keeping students at the center, innovation becomes a shared journey.

• One Defining Experience — B.E.E. Innovation Program:
  One of the most impactful initiatives in my first year was launching the B.E.E. (Boosting Educational Excellence) Innovation Program, a districtwide effort to elevate classroom learning. This initiative, funded by the technology department, is dedicated to fostering innovation and enriching classroom experiences by empowering educators to infuse technology into their teaching practices — believing that this spark can ignite transformative educational outcomes. At its core, the program was a bold decision to invest not just in technology, but in innovation — and in the ideas, creativity, and leadership of our people. The result? Classrooms transformed into creative studios, students designing prototypes, teachers integrating tools like iPads and AI, and a growing culture of risk-taking. What started as a pilot became a movement — buzzing with excitement and built on trust, curiosity, and learning.

Listening to Find Your "In"

One of the most underrated superpowers in a new leadership role is listening — really listening. When you take the time to understand what your colleagues care about, what keeps them up at night, and what dreams they have for their departments, you start to see patterns. And almost always, technology is part of the solution. But the key is not to lead with tech — it's to lead with empathy, then move with strategy.

• One Defining Experience — Strategic Listening in Action:
  In my first few months, I made it a point to sit in on meetings, hallway conversations, and planning sessions — not to talk, but to take notes. During several safety team discussions, I kept hearing the same concerns about response time and coverage gaps during emergencies. While it wasn't a "tech ask," I saw an opportunity to support the broader district mission. I proactively co-led the implementation of CENTEGIX, a campus-wide safety alert system, and began seeking grants — not just for the tech department, but to support the district's larger safety initiatives. Listening gave me a window. Taking action built trust.

Overcoming Challenges

Let's be honest — there will be moments that test you. Moments when your expertise is questioned, when resistance to change slows progress, or when the weight of the work feels heavy. Those are the moments that build resilience. Leadership isn't about having all the answers — it's about staying grounded, staying curious, and knowing when to ask for help. Each challenge is a chance to learn, grow, and lead with even more purpose.

• One Defining Experience — Leading Through the Lag:
  Mid-year, a major software migration didn't go as planned, and the frustration was real. Teachers were e-mailing, systems were lagging, and morale was dipping. I gathered the team that same afternoon — not to assign blame, but to listen, reset, and realign. We made a revised rollout plan, communicated it clearly, and followed through. It was a tough week, but it strengthened trust and reminded me that transparency is one of the most powerful tools in leadership.

Celebrating Wins, Big and Small

In the whirlwind of year one, it's easy to move from task to task without pausing. But every milestone matters. Whether it's launching a new platform, building trust with a key stakeholder, or watching a student thrive because of something your team implemented — those wins deserve recognition. Celebrating them not only fuels your team, it reinforces a culture where progress is seen and valued.

• One Defining Experience — Recognition as Culture:
  I make it a point to send personal messages to my teams — sometimes in a text, sometimes an e-mail, sometimes a sticky note on a desk — reminding them they are valued, appreciated, and connected to something bigger than the task. I never take the win alone. Whether it's a successful rollout or a solved issue, there are always people behind the scenes — techs, clerks, translators, support staff — who helped make it happen. Taking the time to recognize their part builds a culture where people know they matter. And when people feel seen, they show up with heart.

Empowering Future Leaders

Representation matters. Your presence in this role — your leadership, your voice, your approach — sends a powerful message: You can do this too. Share your story. Mentor intentionally. Invite others into spaces they might not have seen themselves in before. The most lasting impact we leave isn't just in the systems we build, but in the leaders we help rise.

• One Defining Experience — Promoting From Within:
  One of the most rewarding parts of my leadership journey has been helping others realize their own potential. I believe in starting small — feeling people out, creating space, and then progressively building their capacity to lead. I have a strong commitment to promoting from within. For example, we recently moved a technician into a site coordinator role — something she never imagined was possible for her. Since then, she's co-led presentations and even co-facilitated a conference workshop alongside me. But it's not just her. Every member of our team is encouraged and nudged to grow, step into new challenges, and see themselves as leaders in their own right. That's how we build a movement — one opportunity at a time.

Looking Ahead

The first year as a female technology director is a foundation — it's where vision meets action and leadership takes root. But it's only the beginning. The future of education depends on tech leaders who are collaborative, forward-thinking, and equity-driven. It depends on us. So as we continue to lead, let's do so with heart, with courage, and with a commitment to creating a future where all students and staff thrive.

This work matters. Your leadership matters. And the journey ahead is filled with possibility.