September 26, 2023 • 29 mins
Have you ever considered how an art major could end up as an avionics technician in the Air Force, and then transition into the healthcare technology management field? Prepare to be impressed as our remarkable guest, Jennifer Chester, shares her inspiring journey through these diverse fields. A mother, a technician, and an influential leader, Jennifer has blazed a trail in the HTM industry, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. She generously shares her insights on the latest advancements and trends, and discusses her unique experiences as a woman in a predominantly male industry.
Jennifer isn't just making waves in the industry, she's also inspiring the youth through her community driven platform "NEXTJENN Tech Mom". Exposing the youth of her community to S.T.E.A.M. - Scienc, Technolgy, Engineering, Art and Math. As they become increasingly tech-savvy, Jennifer disers to launch a podcast project, 'Small Talk, Big Tech,' to encourage kids to explore different career paths in the industry. But her advocacy doesn't stop there. She's also eager to help newcomers to the field, particularly female technicians, find their footing. As we reflect on Jennifer’s resilience and the incredible difference she's making in the HTM industry, we can't help but be inspired by her unwavering dedication to her profession. Tune in and prepare to be moved by Jennifer's story.
You can follow Jennifer on her YouTube page, click here.
This podcast is sponsored by The College Biomedical Equipment Technology. You can find out more information about this outstanding institution at CBET.EDU.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to HTM on the Line, the podcast that is for
HTM by HTM.
I'm your host, bryant HawkinsSr.
Today we're thrilled tointroduce you to a remarkable
individual who has not onlydefied the odds, but has also
carved a remarkable path forherself in the HTM industry.
(00:25):
Jennifer Chester, a mother,technician and inspiring leader,
joins us to share herincredible journey.
Jennifer's story is a testamentto courage, unwavering
determination and boundlessinspiration.
She's a shining example ofsomeone who has not only
(00:46):
mastered the technical aspectsof the HTM field, but has also
risen as a respected leaderwithin her community.
Her contributions have left anindeniable mark on her
profession and on the many youngpeople she comes in contact
with, and today we have theprivilege of hearing her story.
(01:08):
Jennifer, welcome to HTM on theLine.
It's so great to have you as aguest.
(01:28):
How are you doing today?
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Well, thank you for having me and I'm doing
excellent today.
Thank you so much for having meon.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
But before we get started, can you tell us a bit
about your background andjourney into the HTM industry?
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Sure.
So I had a very untraditionaljourney actually into the HTM
community.
I started out going to collegebright-eyed and bushy-tailed,
thinking I was going to major inart, and that's what I did.
But I realized that art majorsdon't make very much money,
right?
So after I got out of college Iwent to the Air Force as a
(02:10):
reservist and I got training tobe an avionics technician.
So I worked on C-130s for awhile and I was trained in
C-130s and I learned that I hadan affinity for tech and
electronics and stuff like thatand I really loved it.
(02:31):
And when I transitioned out ofthe military I was trying to
find something that kind of likeworked with both sides of the
person that I am.
I really like helping people,and then also I had the
technology, electronicsengineering side of me.
So I took a position withDavida.
That was my first experiencewith healthcare technology at
(02:56):
all and it was trial by fire, so, but it was amazing because I
really felt like I was making adifference.
And that was when I was sold onmedical devices and just being
in this industry, because it'sso unique in the fact that we
(03:16):
get to deal with high-leveltechnology and then at the same
time, we're also very much apart of the patient and making
sure they get the proper care,because we're maintaining the
machines that they're using tohelp them sustain the medical
(03:39):
industry.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
And the HCM.
You mentioned how diverse itwas.
How do you stay up to date withthe latest advancements and
trends?
Speaker 2 (03:48):
So, like I said with Davida, it's very much trial by
fire.
I think that every day in theclinics that I work in now,
we're getting new equipment andstuff, and it's a matter of just
asking questions, talking tothe right people, making sure I
stick around and hang out whenthey're doing installations so I
(04:09):
can see what's going on, inaddition to just looking it up,
sometimes just spending sometime reading the technical
manuals and stuff like that,trying to make sure you're
prepared for the next repair orthe next maintenance.
And luckily, the company that Iwork for, croffle, is very good
(04:31):
about sending us to training.
So if there's anything that wewant to be trained on, usually
all we have to do is say theword and they try to make it
happen for you.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
You see or face any challenges as a female
professional in the HCM industry?
If you did face a challenge,how did you overcome it?
Speaker 2 (04:52):
So I mean I think I definitely face challenges as a
female in the industry, more sobecause it's the fear of the
unknown A lot of people.
When we walk in as a femaletechnician and I've got my tool
belt around my waist andeverything, they're like wait,
you're here to fix it, you know,because it's new, it's
(05:12):
different, it's like you're not,you don't look like the normal
guy that comes to fix it.
So there you always have tolike build a relationship with
your staff like you're.
You know the nursing staff, thedoctors and stuff almost at the
ground level, where sometimes Ithink that other technicians
(05:34):
come in and they automaticallyassume they know what they're
doing.
You know what I mean.
So it's kind of building.
The complicated part is justbuilding that confidence in the
customer, letting them know that, hey, you know I also can do
this job just as good as anybodywho doesn't look like me who
comes in here.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
How long have you been in the industry now?
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Oh gosh, I think it's been 17 years now.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Wow, 17 years.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Yeah, it's been a while yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
So, in the 17 years you've been in the industry,
what would you think it's one ofyour fondest moments that you
can reflect upon?
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Goodness, I think when I was field service at my
previous position lots ofbeautiful traveling like I spent
a week and I spent severalweeks in Hawaii just there to
work on medical equipment, whichwas amazing.
It's just thinking how this jobcan take you to the most
(06:47):
amazing places.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
That was leading to my next question.
I was going to ask you, you can, because I try to channel my
podcast to the young people.
So if you, can maybe give sometype of advice or encouragement
to about made student who'slistening to this podcast.
What could you give him as faras advice when he comes into
(07:13):
this industry?
Speaker 2 (07:17):
I would say to always take steps forward If they are
interested in this industry,like in the military, they used
to say every day starts with oneleg out of the bed.
You just keep moving forward,you keep going and don't let
anything stop you because you'llrun into challenges.
(07:38):
There's challenges in everyindustry, but there are
certainly challenges in this one.
But as long as you keeppressing forward, you'll see a
lot of sunny days.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Great advice.
How do you feel about tradeshows like Amy and the Expo?
Do you go to any trade shows ortake part in that?
Speaker 2 (07:57):
I have been to the trade shows.
I went to the ICE conferencerecently.
Now I've been to a couple ofother trade shows as well, when
I was working in dental.
But there's a wealth ofknowledge in trade shows, not
only just for being there andtalking to the different vendors
(08:19):
and learning from them and alsocreating relationships with
them, but just all 10 brains isbetter than one.
It's like just having all ofthe people as a resource, like
the people that you meet and thepeople that you run into and
you learn that they're reallygood at imaging or infusion
(08:40):
pumps or something like that.
So it's like taking that phonenumber and saying, hey, I can
give this person a call and justcreating kind of like a team
atmosphere around just theindustry as a whole, because I
think we all have the same goal.
We may all work for differentcompanies and different, you
know, and different industriesor not industries, but different
(09:01):
situations, but I think we allhave the same goal and that's
better patient outcomes, right.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
So you would definitely recommend that HGM
professionals, if they canattend trade shows.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Yep, go to a show.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
Absolutely, I personally believe in them.
Trade shows also.
It's great networking Avenue.
It definitely will gainknowledge just by going there,
because a lot of people be therefrom different levels of
experience, so it's always awin-win.
I encourage it also Absolutely.
I did a little research on youand I ran across this thing Next
(09:44):
GenTechMom.
What is this about?
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Tell us about this.
So Next Gen TechMom is anonprofit organization that I
started in 2021.
I actually started doingYouTube videos in 2020, where I
kind of like you know, it wasduring COVID and I was doing
(10:09):
videos and I was doingactivities with my kids as well
and I was like, hmm, I shouldstart doing some videos.
So it started out with justteaching kids electronics online
and doing little projects likedoing robotics projects and
stuff like that, and it justkind of like steamrolled into
something amazing.
So now Next Gen TechMom isactually hosting live classes at
(10:33):
the Woodlands Parks andRecreation at Bear Branch.
Recreation Bear Branch, theRecreation Center at Bear Branch
Park I'm sorry, that's that'sthe name.
So we do classes and basicallywe get in there and we just geek
out.
It's just an opportunity forkids to learn the fun side of
(10:57):
science.
You know, there's like and I'mnot taking what I think they
have excellent educators here inmy area.
They go to, you know, scienceclasses and they have a great
time.
But this, this time is not likeschool.
This time is like if we saywe're doing rockets, we're out
there firing rockets.
You know what I'm saying,having a good time.
Or if we're, you know doingrobotics extravaganza.
(11:21):
We're pulling out some robotsand we're going to have a really
good time with robots coming uphere in November.
So it's, it's just been great.
And now we have the Next GenTechMom mobile museum where we
actually do marketing events andalso we do events with schools
where we take the we take NextGen TechMom to the school and we
(11:45):
set up you know hovercrafts andyou know robots and everything
for the kids to just get theirhands on stuff and have some fun
.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
I'll give you a little up a second.
You just gave me a lot ofinformation just now.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Let's see if we can do this somewhat.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
You have a YouTube channel.
What is your YouTube channel?
Speaker 2 (12:07):
My YouTube channel is Next Gen TechMom.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
I definitely put that in context too, and you host
live classes.
Now, in what city is this we'retalking about?
Speaker 2 (12:20):
It is in the Woodlands.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
Texas, that's North Houston, right, and what days do
you offer these live classes on?
Speaker 2 (12:30):
So we do it the second Saturday of every month.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
And for what ages?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Right now it's from six to 10 years old, but I do
allow students that are youngerthan six, as long as they're
accompanied by a parent, becausewe always build something.
Our motto is learn it, build it, play it.
So we actually build.
If we're working on rockets,we're building rockets and then
we're firing them.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
And is there a cost?
Speaker 2 (13:01):
It's $15 if you are a resident in the Woodlands and
if you are not a resident in theWoodlands, it is $20 per class.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
How long the classes usually last about.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
An hour.
The classes are an hour andthey always get something to
take home as well.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
And you said also a mobile museum.
So that's like a plan or what'syour brain stuff set up.
What does this mobile museumconsist of?
Speaker 2 (13:32):
So the mobile museum is actually.
We're working on acquiring abus right now, but currently our
mobile museum is where we justbring all of our exhibits that
we do in our classes, like ourhovercrafts, our robots, all of
our submarines, things like thatthat we do during classes and
(13:55):
we host an event at the schools,the local schools and rec
centers, and also like marketingevents.
We've done marketing events.
We just go out and allow thekids excuse me, allow the kids
to play, and they love therobots, they love doing that
kind of stuff.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
So it's like a pop-up event, more or less, than we
have it.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
Exactly, exactly, except.
It's just a learningopportunity for them.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Beautiful.
So all this came from yousitting idle during COVID.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Yes, I know, it's crazy.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
How many people are on your team?
Speaker 2 (14:37):
So it is actually five of us on my team started
out with just me, and then itwas me and my dad.
And then I have my one of myclosest friends, dr Jacqueline
Yvonne Cook.
She is a certified schoolcounselor.
She works with me on, you know,curriculum and stuff like that
(14:59):
on what to do for the kids.
And I have a very, another veryclose friend of mine, robert
Walker, and he is the recreationdirector for making making
Parks and Recreation Director.
So he's like the right guy.
He's the one who tells me ifit's going to be fun, you know,
(15:22):
are the kids going to want to doit?
And then also my mother is partof my board as well.
She's part of my team.
She is a certified math teacherof over 30 years, so she knows
how to get the kids engaged andshe also knows how to implement
real curriculums into funactivities.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
But I also read yes, looking you up, you had this
acronym S, t, e, a M.
What's that about?
Speaker 2 (15:54):
Yes, so it's STEAM.
It's science, technology,engineering, art and mathematics
.
Those are all things we try toimplement in each one of our
classes and in the mobile museum.
The reason why normally it'sSTEM right, so it's S T E?
M, but we added the A because,like I had said earlier, when I
(16:21):
started out, I was an art majorand I really loved art and I
realized that art is a majorpart of who I am too, and it's a
really good part of holisticlearning as well, so I
definitely wanted to add that inthere as part of Next Gen Tecma
(16:46):
.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
So when these kids let's just say, for instance, we
have some kids, parentslistening you say you bring the
kids there teaching them how tobuild rockets, what else would
you talk to the children?
Speaker 2 (17:00):
about.
So basically, I just want toget them excited about science
and technology and then alsojust building things and being
able to start something, finishit and know that it's amazing
(17:20):
when they're done.
You know, like the whole pointof it, like one of my biggest
hobbies that I love to do.
I like robotics kits andelectronics kits and stuff like
that because it gives you somekind of gratification, right,
you start out with all thesemillions of pieces and then once
you've put everything togethercorrectly and everything, and
(17:41):
then you have this robot or youhave this thing at the end.
That's just fantastic.
So I really think that it stemsfrom that a little bit and it
gives them just a sense ofpurpose to like actually put
their hands on stuff andactively put stuff together and
see how amazing it is withinthat hour.
So I think my takeaway is thatscience is cool, Technology is
(18:05):
cool and it's not the boringstuff that we read in a book
sometimes.
I mean that's part of it, butthere's a cool side as well.
And you know, it's pretty nice.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
I mean you can read about it but actually see it in
action.
It sticks with you longer and,like you say, they all tie in
science, technology, engineering, arts, math.
They all like distant cousins.
I guess you can say they allblend well.
I've never heard it put thatway.
(18:39):
I'm sitting there thinkingabout this while we're talking.
I think that arts can beincorporated in that and I
commend you for what you'redoing, because I know it takes a
lot of time for you to putsomething like this together and
it's all nonprofit, I'massuming it's nonprofit, all
(18:59):
nonprofit.
Yeah, that's great.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
I do.
That's why I'm next to you inTecmo, right.
So I have two little ones andthey're it's Jackson Kennedy.
I call them my not so twinsbecause they are one year apart,
so they.
(19:26):
Everywhere we go, people ask meare they twins, Are they twins?
And I'm like no, they're not sotwins.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
So are they involved in this process also.
I would want to say they are.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Absolutely.
They are very much involved,very much involved.
They go to all of my classesbecause they have to be there,
of course.
Not only that, I kind of I geta lot of what I do just from
working with them.
Like I said earlier, like Istarted out just doing robotics
kits with them during COVID too,because we were, you know, we
(20:01):
were at home.
They weren't at school I wasfurloughed at the time so we
were just, you know, at homedoing kits and building robots
and stuff like that, and I waslike, huh, I bet other kids
would like to do this too.
This might be a fun thing forthe community.
Speaker 1 (20:18):
Definitely it's a fun thing for adults.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Yeah, it's great I mean the kids.
Speaker 1 (20:26):
They're getting all of this knowledge and coming to
each each time.
You have one of these showsthere, there, so eventually they
can become instructors as theyget up in age with it and keep
the keep the family traditiongoing.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (20:37):
So what's your future plans for next gen mom, next
gen tech mom?
Is there any day you couldshare with us?
Speaker 2 (20:47):
So I am working on some things.
Right now, of course, we'retrying to get the bus for the
mobile museum, but I also kindof have been thinking about
starting a podcast of my owncalled Small Talk, big Tech, and
it's basically going to be anavenue for kids to ask people in
(21:11):
the industry what they do andjust give them you know, have
them, give them a platform wherethey can ask questions that
pertain to them, that they wantto know about the different
careers that are out there,because I feel like that was
something that was missing forme as a as a kid, I felt like,
you know, my parents came homefrom work and they acted like
(21:33):
they didn't even want to bethere, right?
They were happy to be home.
So it wasn't something that Ilooked forward to.
It wasn't like, oh, I can'twait to go to work.
You know what I mean.
But sometimes you know therecan be a lot of fun stuff that
our careers entail and that theythat they have.
So I want the kids to be ableto ask some of their own
(21:55):
questions and get a real idea ofwhat it is that we all do.
I love my job.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
I can tell you that honestly and I'll be able to
answer any questions.
If you need someone to be yourhost or be your guest, I can ask
me any questions.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Yeah, the kids are hosting.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
I would love to see who do the editing for your show
, right?
I think that's great, I meanthat will definitely broaden the
horizon.
So you got the kids hosting.
So what?
Speaker 2 (22:25):
you're going to just gather a few kids together and
they're going to come up withtheir own questions and so yeah,
so I would basically ask youknow, I'll start out with my
kids and some kids from Friendsof theirs as well, but just give
them a couple of questions togo off of, you know, and maybe
create a few of their own, justto give them an idea and also so
(22:49):
they won't be super nervous,you know, because I know how
that could be too.
I have those same nerves myself.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
I was part of a career day and they had like
2000 high school kids came andthis one group.
They all had questions preparedto ask in these words it was a
special needs group Right.
So they had their questionsprepared for us and each one
asked their question, wrote downthe answers.
(23:17):
I thought that was pretty cool.
So what you're saying it doesmake some sense and I think if
they prepare the questions, Iguarantee you won't have a
problem finding people, and ifyou can't find it, let me know I
can find a bunch for you also.
Is it?
Is it strictly?
Speaker 2 (23:33):
going to be HTML professionals.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
You want them to ask questions too.
Are you going to be across thespectrum of careers?
Speaker 2 (23:41):
I want to kind of cross the spectrum of careers
because although I love HTM andI think that everybody should do
it because it's amazing, I alsothink that the kids should have
a broader perspective of what'sout there for them.
And then also not only thatlike you know, everybody's not
cut out for it.
You know, some of us, you know,as far as cut out for it, I
(24:05):
mean, like everybody doesn'twant to do that, you know.
So they may want to beautomation technician or you
know something like that.
So I want to give them let'snot cut short HTM.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
now we got about 20 different things you can do.
No, I'm not cutting short.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
Like I said, I love it.
You can be on cybersecurityside.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
You can be on the networking.
I get what you're saying.
I'm just giving you a hard time.
But I think personally.
I don't know who wouldn't fallin love with this industry if
they really took time and seewhat it's about, because it's
it's about saving lives prettymuch, and that's what I that's
my mindset with it.
But I think that will be aawesome podcast.
(24:49):
I'm trying to think if I evenheard of kids hosting a podcast
or something involving kids it'sprobably out there somewhere
I'm on the shore but, like Isaid before, I'll be great if
you want to use my platform toyour first one you're welcome to
.
I'll be glad to assist anywhereI can, because I think it's a
great idea to be given back tothe kids.
(25:10):
OK, and one thing I always askto, like I said before, I asked
you a question about what youcan tell a new person that's
coming into the industry.
What could you?
What advice can you give to afemale technician who's because
you said you've been in theindustry for 17 years?
(25:30):
What advice you could give toone?
Say she's been in the industryeight years and she seems to be
stagnated, Not not movingforward but not going backwards.
What advice could you give her?
Speaker 2 (25:47):
I would say create your own lane.
Sometimes we are fighting in alane we don't belong in and it
could still be an HTM, it couldstill be in what you want to do,
but sometimes you have tocreate your own lane, exactly.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
Got to get out the comfort zone.
Speaker 2 (26:10):
Yeah, get out of the comfort zone and do what you
know, follow your, your, yourspirit and your heart and and
create your own lane.
Sometimes that that's what wehave to do as females in the
industry and that's what we haveto do, as you know, as people
period.
You know, sometimes it's it's astruggle, it can be a struggle,
(26:33):
I'm not going to lie.
But you know, when you startcreating your own lane and being
successful at it, you'll startnoticing all the people that,
hmm Well, how does she do that.
Speaker 1 (26:45):
You know you want to deal with that big enemy called
regret.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
That's right, exactly I would have tried.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
You have to get uncomfortable, you know you
can't just stay comfortable andexpect things to happen.
I tell people all the time youcan't expect great things if
you're not doing great things.
It's not going to come to you.
Exactly, make it come to you,that's that.
Speaker 2 (27:11):
Yep, yep.
And you have to, you have to bedriven, you have to end and,
like I said, when you create,when you create that lane, you
drive as hard as you can in it.
Speaker 1 (27:25):
You know, no traffic, just go.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
But you put on the pedal Now.
Speaker 1 (27:31):
I enjoy talking with you so much, Jennifer we have to
do it again Once you get thingsmoving forward.
I'm glad you can come backanytime you like, but before we
leave I want you to give someadvice to everyone who may be
listening, whether it's aengineer or someone who's been
in the industry 20 plus.
(27:51):
What encouragement can you giveto the HTM industry as a whole
that you think would be somegood encouragement or motivation
to them?
Speaker 2 (28:05):
Just never forget who you're doing this for.
Remember that our, our patientscan be our mothers, our aunts,
our grandmothers, our children,our family, our neighbors, our
you know the family, our, youknow the person that you that
checked out your groceries atthe grocery store, you know.
(28:28):
Just remember that what we doeven though sometimes we're not
always patient facing that,we're sitting in front of a
machine.
This machine, it could be alife saving or it could be the
device that makes a differencein that person's life.
So just never forget that.
Keep it, you know, close to you, close to the Well said, well
(28:53):
said.
Speaker 1 (28:54):
But thank you once again, Jennifer, and I wish you
much success in your HTM career.
I mean, I wish you much successin your next Gen Tech mom
platform.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
And thank you so much .
Any type of health assistance.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me, do anything
and everything I can to help.
Okay, see you next time.
Welcome to HTM on the Line, the podcast that is for
HTM by HTM.
I'm your host, bryant HawkinsSr.
Today we're thrilled tointroduce you to a remarkable
individual who has not onlydefied the odds, but has also
carved a remarkable path forherself in the HTM industry.
(00:25):
Jennifer Chester, a mother,technician and inspiring leader,
joins us to share herincredible journey.
Jennifer's story is a testamentto courage, unwavering
determination and boundlessinspiration.
She's a shining example ofsomeone who has not only
(00:46):
mastered the technical aspectsof the HTM field, but has also
risen as a respected leaderwithin her community.
Her contributions have left anindeniable mark on her
profession and on the many youngpeople she comes in contact
with, and today we have theprivilege of hearing her story.
(01:08):
Jennifer, welcome to HTM on theLine.
It's so great to have you as aguest.
(01:28):
How are you doing today?
Speaker 2 (01:29):
Well, thank you for having me and I'm doing
excellent today.
Thank you so much for having meon.
Speaker 1 (01:36):
But before we get started, can you tell us a bit
about your background andjourney into the HTM industry?
Speaker 2 (01:44):
Sure.
So I had a very untraditionaljourney actually into the HTM
community.
I started out going to collegebright-eyed and bushy-tailed,
thinking I was going to major inart, and that's what I did.
But I realized that art majorsdon't make very much money,
right?
So after I got out of college Iwent to the Air Force as a
(02:10):
reservist and I got training tobe an avionics technician.
So I worked on C-130s for awhile and I was trained in
C-130s and I learned that I hadan affinity for tech and
electronics and stuff like thatand I really loved it.
(02:31):
And when I transitioned out ofthe military I was trying to
find something that kind of likeworked with both sides of the
person that I am.
I really like helping people,and then also I had the
technology, electronicsengineering side of me.
So I took a position withDavida.
That was my first experiencewith healthcare technology at
(02:56):
all and it was trial by fire, so, but it was amazing because I
really felt like I was making adifference.
And that was when I was sold onmedical devices and just being
in this industry, because it'sso unique in the fact that we
(03:16):
get to deal with high-leveltechnology and then at the same
time, we're also very much apart of the patient and making
sure they get the proper care,because we're maintaining the
machines that they're using tohelp them sustain the medical
(03:39):
industry.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
And the HCM.
You mentioned how diverse itwas.
How do you stay up to date withthe latest advancements and
trends?
Speaker 2 (03:48):
So, like I said with Davida, it's very much trial by
fire.
I think that every day in theclinics that I work in now,
we're getting new equipment andstuff, and it's a matter of just
asking questions, talking tothe right people, making sure I
stick around and hang out whenthey're doing installations so I
(04:09):
can see what's going on, inaddition to just looking it up,
sometimes just spending sometime reading the technical
manuals and stuff like that,trying to make sure you're
prepared for the next repair orthe next maintenance.
And luckily, the company that Iwork for, croffle, is very good
(04:31):
about sending us to training.
So if there's anything that wewant to be trained on, usually
all we have to do is say theword and they try to make it
happen for you.
Speaker 1 (04:41):
You see or face any challenges as a female
professional in the HCM industry?
If you did face a challenge,how did you overcome it?
Speaker 2 (04:52):
So I mean I think I definitely face challenges as a
female in the industry, more sobecause it's the fear of the
unknown A lot of people.
When we walk in as a femaletechnician and I've got my tool
belt around my waist andeverything, they're like wait,
you're here to fix it, you know,because it's new, it's
(05:12):
different, it's like you're not,you don't look like the normal
guy that comes to fix it.
So there you always have tolike build a relationship with
your staff like you're.
You know the nursing staff, thedoctors and stuff almost at the
ground level, where sometimes Ithink that other technicians
(05:34):
come in and they automaticallyassume they know what they're
doing.
You know what I mean.
So it's kind of building.
The complicated part is justbuilding that confidence in the
customer, letting them know that, hey, you know I also can do
this job just as good as anybodywho doesn't look like me who
comes in here.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
How long have you been in the industry now?
Speaker 2 (05:59):
Oh gosh, I think it's been 17 years now.
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Wow, 17 years.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
Yeah, it's been a while yeah.
Speaker 1 (06:11):
So, in the 17 years you've been in the industry,
what would you think it's one ofyour fondest moments that you
can reflect upon?
Speaker 2 (06:22):
Goodness, I think when I was field service at my
previous position lots ofbeautiful traveling like I spent
a week and I spent severalweeks in Hawaii just there to
work on medical equipment, whichwas amazing.
It's just thinking how this jobcan take you to the most
(06:47):
amazing places.
Speaker 1 (06:50):
That was leading to my next question.
I was going to ask you, you can, because I try to channel my
podcast to the young people.
So if you, can maybe give sometype of advice or encouragement
to about made student who'slistening to this podcast.
What could you give him as faras advice when he comes into
(07:13):
this industry?
Speaker 2 (07:17):
I would say to always take steps forward If they are
interested in this industry,like in the military, they used
to say every day starts with oneleg out of the bed.
You just keep moving forward,you keep going and don't let
anything stop you because you'llrun into challenges.
(07:38):
There's challenges in everyindustry, but there are
certainly challenges in this one.
But as long as you keeppressing forward, you'll see a
lot of sunny days.
Speaker 1 (07:48):
Great advice.
How do you feel about tradeshows like Amy and the Expo?
Do you go to any trade shows ortake part in that?
Speaker 2 (07:57):
I have been to the trade shows.
I went to the ICE conferencerecently.
Now I've been to a couple ofother trade shows as well, when
I was working in dental.
But there's a wealth ofknowledge in trade shows, not
only just for being there andtalking to the different vendors
(08:19):
and learning from them and alsocreating relationships with
them, but just all 10 brains isbetter than one.
It's like just having all ofthe people as a resource, like
the people that you meet and thepeople that you run into and
you learn that they're reallygood at imaging or infusion
(08:40):
pumps or something like that.
So it's like taking that phonenumber and saying, hey, I can
give this person a call and justcreating kind of like a team
atmosphere around just theindustry as a whole, because I
think we all have the same goal.
We may all work for differentcompanies and different, you
know, and different industriesor not industries, but different
(09:01):
situations, but I think we allhave the same goal and that's
better patient outcomes, right.
Speaker 1 (09:07):
So you would definitely recommend that HGM
professionals, if they canattend trade shows.
Speaker 2 (09:17):
Yep, go to a show.
Speaker 1 (09:19):
Absolutely, I personally believe in them.
Trade shows also.
It's great networking Avenue.
It definitely will gainknowledge just by going there,
because a lot of people be therefrom different levels of
experience, so it's always awin-win.
I encourage it also Absolutely.
I did a little research on youand I ran across this thing Next
(09:44):
GenTechMom.
What is this about?
Speaker 2 (09:48):
Tell us about this.
So Next Gen TechMom is anonprofit organization that I
started in 2021.
I actually started doingYouTube videos in 2020, where I
kind of like you know, it wasduring COVID and I was doing
(10:09):
videos and I was doingactivities with my kids as well
and I was like, hmm, I shouldstart doing some videos.
So it started out with justteaching kids electronics online
and doing little projects likedoing robotics projects and
stuff like that, and it justkind of like steamrolled into
something amazing.
So now Next Gen TechMom isactually hosting live classes at
(10:33):
the Woodlands Parks andRecreation at Bear Branch.
Recreation Bear Branch, theRecreation Center at Bear Branch
Park I'm sorry, that's that'sthe name.
So we do classes and basicallywe get in there and we just geek
out.
It's just an opportunity forkids to learn the fun side of
(10:57):
science.
You know, there's like and I'mnot taking what I think they
have excellent educators here inmy area.
They go to, you know, scienceclasses and they have a great
time.
But this, this time is not likeschool.
This time is like if we saywe're doing rockets, we're out
there firing rockets.
You know what I'm saying,having a good time.
Or if we're, you know doingrobotics extravaganza.
(11:21):
We're pulling out some robotsand we're going to have a really
good time with robots coming uphere in November.
So it's, it's just been great.
And now we have the Next GenTechMom mobile museum where we
actually do marketing events andalso we do events with schools
where we take the we take NextGen TechMom to the school and we
(11:45):
set up you know hovercrafts andyou know robots and everything
for the kids to just get theirhands on stuff and have some fun
.
Speaker 1 (11:55):
I'll give you a little up a second.
You just gave me a lot ofinformation just now.
Speaker 2 (12:00):
Let's see if we can do this somewhat.
Speaker 1 (12:03):
You have a YouTube channel.
What is your YouTube channel?
Speaker 2 (12:07):
My YouTube channel is Next Gen TechMom.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
I definitely put that in context too, and you host
live classes.
Now, in what city is this we'retalking about?
Speaker 2 (12:20):
It is in the Woodlands.
Speaker 1 (12:23):
Texas, that's North Houston, right, and what days do
you offer these live classes on?
Speaker 2 (12:30):
So we do it the second Saturday of every month.
Speaker 1 (12:33):
And for what ages?
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Right now it's from six to 10 years old, but I do
allow students that are youngerthan six, as long as they're
accompanied by a parent, becausewe always build something.
Our motto is learn it, build it, play it.
So we actually build.
If we're working on rockets,we're building rockets and then
we're firing them.
Speaker 1 (12:57):
And is there a cost?
Speaker 2 (13:01):
It's $15 if you are a resident in the Woodlands and
if you are not a resident in theWoodlands, it is $20 per class.
Speaker 1 (13:09):
How long the classes usually last about.
Speaker 2 (13:12):
An hour.
The classes are an hour andthey always get something to
take home as well.
Speaker 1 (13:17):
And you said also a mobile museum.
So that's like a plan or what'syour brain stuff set up.
What does this mobile museumconsist of?
Speaker 2 (13:32):
So the mobile museum is actually.
We're working on acquiring abus right now, but currently our
mobile museum is where we justbring all of our exhibits that
we do in our classes, like ourhovercrafts, our robots, all of
our submarines, things like thatthat we do during classes and
(13:55):
we host an event at the schools,the local schools and rec
centers, and also like marketingevents.
We've done marketing events.
We just go out and allow thekids excuse me, allow the kids
to play, and they love therobots, they love doing that
kind of stuff.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
So it's like a pop-up event, more or less, than we
have it.
Speaker 2 (14:18):
Exactly, exactly, except.
It's just a learningopportunity for them.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Beautiful.
So all this came from yousitting idle during COVID.
Speaker 2 (14:31):
Yes, I know, it's crazy.
Speaker 1 (14:33):
How many people are on your team?
Speaker 2 (14:37):
So it is actually five of us on my team started
out with just me, and then itwas me and my dad.
And then I have my one of myclosest friends, dr Jacqueline
Yvonne Cook.
She is a certified schoolcounselor.
She works with me on, you know,curriculum and stuff like that
(14:59):
on what to do for the kids.
And I have a very, another veryclose friend of mine, robert
Walker, and he is the recreationdirector for making making
Parks and Recreation Director.
So he's like the right guy.
He's the one who tells me ifit's going to be fun, you know,
(15:22):
are the kids going to want to doit?
And then also my mother is partof my board as well.
She's part of my team.
She is a certified math teacherof over 30 years, so she knows
how to get the kids engaged andshe also knows how to implement
real curriculums into funactivities.
Speaker 1 (15:44):
But I also read yes, looking you up, you had this
acronym S, t, e, a M.
What's that about?
Speaker 2 (15:54):
Yes, so it's STEAM.
It's science, technology,engineering, art and mathematics
.
Those are all things we try toimplement in each one of our
classes and in the mobile museum.
The reason why normally it'sSTEM right, so it's S T E?
M, but we added the A because,like I had said earlier, when I
(16:21):
started out, I was an art majorand I really loved art and I
realized that art is a majorpart of who I am too, and it's a
really good part of holisticlearning as well, so I
definitely wanted to add that inthere as part of Next Gen Tecma
(16:46):
.
Speaker 1 (16:48):
So when these kids let's just say, for instance, we
have some kids, parentslistening you say you bring the
kids there teaching them how tobuild rockets, what else would
you talk to the children?
Speaker 2 (17:00):
about.
So basically, I just want toget them excited about science
and technology and then alsojust building things and being
able to start something, finishit and know that it's amazing
(17:20):
when they're done.
You know, like the whole pointof it, like one of my biggest
hobbies that I love to do.
I like robotics kits andelectronics kits and stuff like
that because it gives you somekind of gratification, right,
you start out with all thesemillions of pieces and then once
you've put everything togethercorrectly and everything, and
(17:41):
then you have this robot or youhave this thing at the end.
That's just fantastic.
So I really think that it stemsfrom that a little bit and it
gives them just a sense ofpurpose to like actually put
their hands on stuff andactively put stuff together and
see how amazing it is withinthat hour.
So I think my takeaway is thatscience is cool, Technology is
(18:05):
cool and it's not the boringstuff that we read in a book
sometimes.
I mean that's part of it, butthere's a cool side as well.
And you know, it's pretty nice.
Speaker 1 (18:19):
I mean you can read about it but actually see it in
action.
It sticks with you longer and,like you say, they all tie in
science, technology, engineering, arts, math.
They all like distant cousins.
I guess you can say they allblend well.
I've never heard it put thatway.
(18:39):
I'm sitting there thinkingabout this while we're talking.
I think that arts can beincorporated in that and I
commend you for what you'redoing, because I know it takes a
lot of time for you to putsomething like this together and
it's all nonprofit, I'massuming it's nonprofit, all
(18:59):
nonprofit.
Yeah, that's great.
Speaker 2 (19:06):
I do.
That's why I'm next to you inTecmo, right.
So I have two little ones andthey're it's Jackson Kennedy.
I call them my not so twinsbecause they are one year apart,
so they.
(19:26):
Everywhere we go, people ask meare they twins, Are they twins?
And I'm like no, they're not sotwins.
Speaker 1 (19:32):
So are they involved in this process also.
I would want to say they are.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
Absolutely.
They are very much involved,very much involved.
They go to all of my classesbecause they have to be there,
of course.
Not only that, I kind of I geta lot of what I do just from
working with them.
Like I said earlier, like Istarted out just doing robotics
kits with them during COVID too,because we were, you know, we
(20:01):
were at home.
They weren't at school I wasfurloughed at the time so we
were just, you know, at homedoing kits and building robots
and stuff like that, and I waslike, huh, I bet other kids
would like to do this too.
This might be a fun thing forthe community.
Speaker 1 (20:18):
Definitely it's a fun thing for adults.
Speaker 2 (20:22):
Yeah, it's great I mean the kids.
Speaker 1 (20:26):
They're getting all of this knowledge and coming to
each each time.
You have one of these showsthere, there, so eventually they
can become instructors as theyget up in age with it and keep
the keep the family traditiongoing.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (20:37):
So what's your future plans for next gen mom, next
gen tech mom?
Is there any day you couldshare with us?
Speaker 2 (20:47):
So I am working on some things.
Right now, of course, we'retrying to get the bus for the
mobile museum, but I also kindof have been thinking about
starting a podcast of my owncalled Small Talk, big Tech, and
it's basically going to be anavenue for kids to ask people in
(21:11):
the industry what they do andjust give them you know, have
them, give them a platform wherethey can ask questions that
pertain to them, that they wantto know about the different
careers that are out there,because I feel like that was
something that was missing forme as a as a kid, I felt like,
you know, my parents came homefrom work and they acted like
(21:33):
they didn't even want to bethere, right?
They were happy to be home.
So it wasn't something that Ilooked forward to.
It wasn't like, oh, I can'twait to go to work.
You know what I mean.
But sometimes you know therecan be a lot of fun stuff that
our careers entail and that theythat they have.
So I want the kids to be ableto ask some of their own
(21:55):
questions and get a real idea ofwhat it is that we all do.
I love my job.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
I can tell you that honestly and I'll be able to
answer any questions.
If you need someone to be yourhost or be your guest, I can ask
me any questions.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Yeah, the kids are hosting.
Speaker 1 (22:14):
I would love to see who do the editing for your show
, right?
I think that's great, I meanthat will definitely broaden the
horizon.
So you got the kids hosting.
So what?
Speaker 2 (22:25):
you're going to just gather a few kids together and
they're going to come up withtheir own questions and so yeah,
so I would basically ask youknow, I'll start out with my
kids and some kids from Friendsof theirs as well, but just give
them a couple of questions togo off of, you know, and maybe
create a few of their own, justto give them an idea and also so
(22:49):
they won't be super nervous,you know, because I know how
that could be too.
I have those same nerves myself.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
I was part of a career day and they had like
2000 high school kids came andthis one group.
They all had questions preparedto ask in these words it was a
special needs group Right.
So they had their questionsprepared for us and each one
asked their question, wrote downthe answers.
(23:17):
I thought that was pretty cool.
So what you're saying it doesmake some sense and I think if
they prepare the questions, Iguarantee you won't have a
problem finding people, and ifyou can't find it, let me know I
can find a bunch for you also.
Is it?
Is it strictly?
Speaker 2 (23:33):
going to be HTML professionals.
Speaker 1 (23:34):
You want them to ask questions too.
Are you going to be across thespectrum of careers?
Speaker 2 (23:41):
I want to kind of cross the spectrum of careers
because although I love HTM andI think that everybody should do
it because it's amazing, I alsothink that the kids should have
a broader perspective of what'sout there for them.
And then also not only thatlike you know, everybody's not
cut out for it.
You know, some of us, you know,as far as cut out for it, I
(24:05):
mean, like everybody doesn'twant to do that, you know.
So they may want to beautomation technician or you
know something like that.
So I want to give them let'snot cut short HTM.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
now we got about 20 different things you can do.
No, I'm not cutting short.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
Like I said, I love it.
You can be on cybersecurityside.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
You can be on the networking.
I get what you're saying.
I'm just giving you a hard time.
But I think personally.
I don't know who wouldn't fallin love with this industry if
they really took time and seewhat it's about, because it's
it's about saving lives prettymuch, and that's what I that's
my mindset with it.
But I think that will be aawesome podcast.
(24:49):
I'm trying to think if I evenheard of kids hosting a podcast
or something involving kids it'sprobably out there somewhere
I'm on the shore but, like Isaid before, I'll be great if
you want to use my platform toyour first one you're welcome to
.
I'll be glad to assist anywhereI can, because I think it's a
great idea to be given back tothe kids.
(25:10):
OK, and one thing I always askto, like I said before, I asked
you a question about what youcan tell a new person that's
coming into the industry.
What could you?
What advice can you give to afemale technician who's because
you said you've been in theindustry for 17 years?
(25:30):
What advice you could give toone?
Say she's been in the industryeight years and she seems to be
stagnated, Not not movingforward but not going backwards.
What advice could you give her?
Speaker 2 (25:47):
I would say create your own lane.
Sometimes we are fighting in alane we don't belong in and it
could still be an HTM, it couldstill be in what you want to do,
but sometimes you have tocreate your own lane, exactly.
Speaker 1 (26:07):
Got to get out the comfort zone.
Speaker 2 (26:10):
Yeah, get out of the comfort zone and do what you
know, follow your, your, yourspirit and your heart and and
create your own lane.
Sometimes that that's what wehave to do as females in the
industry and that's what we haveto do, as you know, as people
period.
You know, sometimes it's it's astruggle, it can be a struggle,
(26:33):
I'm not going to lie.
But you know, when you startcreating your own lane and being
successful at it, you'll startnoticing all the people that,
hmm Well, how does she do that.
Speaker 1 (26:45):
You know you want to deal with that big enemy called
regret.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
That's right, exactly I would have tried.
Speaker 1 (26:55):
You have to get uncomfortable, you know you
can't just stay comfortable andexpect things to happen.
I tell people all the time youcan't expect great things if
you're not doing great things.
It's not going to come to you.
Exactly, make it come to you,that's that.
Speaker 2 (27:11):
Yep, yep.
And you have to, you have to bedriven, you have to end and,
like I said, when you create,when you create that lane, you
drive as hard as you can in it.
Speaker 1 (27:25):
You know, no traffic, just go.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
But you put on the pedal Now.
Speaker 1 (27:31):
I enjoy talking with you so much, Jennifer we have to
do it again Once you get thingsmoving forward.
I'm glad you can come backanytime you like, but before we
leave I want you to give someadvice to everyone who may be
listening, whether it's aengineer or someone who's been
in the industry 20 plus.
(27:51):
What encouragement can you giveto the HTM industry as a whole
that you think would be somegood encouragement or motivation
to them?
Speaker 2 (28:05):
Just never forget who you're doing this for.
Remember that our, our patientscan be our mothers, our aunts,
our grandmothers, our children,our family, our neighbors, our
you know the family, our, youknow the person that you that
checked out your groceries atthe grocery store, you know.
(28:28):
Just remember that what we doeven though sometimes we're not
always patient facing that,we're sitting in front of a
machine.
This machine, it could be alife saving or it could be the
device that makes a differencein that person's life.
So just never forget that.
Keep it, you know, close to you, close to the Well said, well
(28:53):
said.
Speaker 1 (28:54):
But thank you once again, Jennifer, and I wish you
much success in your HTM career.
I mean, I wish you much successin your next Gen Tech mom
platform.
Speaker 2 (29:05):
And thank you so much .
Any type of health assistance.
Speaker 1 (29:08):
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me, do anything
and everything I can to help.
Okay, see you next time.
Popular Podcasts
1. Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
2. Start Here
A straightforward look at the day's top news in 20 minutes. Powered by ABC News. Hosted by Brad Mielke.
3. Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.