Editor: Julie is the first in a series of meeting the “Geek Girls”, getting to know them and what they will be speaking about at Boot Camp! Stay tuned weekly and meet all the Geek Girls!

Julie Roads will be teaching workshops on: Blogging, Copy Writing, Social Media, Twitter – See all workshops here

1. How and when did you become a Geek Girl?

I believe that I caught wind of Geek Girl about a year (or maybe 6 months?) before the real prep began. In a nanosecond, I knew it was something FABULOUS and I contacted Leslie…she didn’t quite no what to do with me at that point, but we found our way and when Geek Girl was ready to come alive, I was ready too.

2. Technology is so big, so diverse: in what parts are you an expert? in what realms are you still learning?

I’m an ‘expert’ in the realms of writing, blogging and social networking. I’ve always loved people and connecting and networking – so the social media wave, to me, feels like regular old networking on speed (or ecstasy, as the case may be!). I’m also a writer by trade – and this fits in just perfectly with social media because it’s all about communicating. Communicating who you are, what you do, how you can help, what specialness you have to contribute…and on and on.

I’m still learning a LOT of things. I wish I could do web development – kind of. Mostly, I’m just thrilled that I know other great people who can do that for me! Sometimes, that’s the answer!

3. Did you have an experience growing up or as an adult where you felt the huge divide between women and technology?

I’ve felt the sting of being overlooked, undervalued or simply negatively seen as a result of being a woman. The first time was actually when I was a senior in high school. It was me and Jeff Miller up for Editor in Chief of our school newspaper – and the sexist, ignorant faculty sponsor decided that we should be co-editors because – and I quote and swear on my thesaurus – “I don’t think a girl can do it by herself.” There was also definite mention of all the computer work that had to be done. Does anyone remember publishing software circa 1991? Oy vey. It really was a nightmare – for both the girl and the boy – I might add!

I must also say that I’ve felt the positive power of being a woman many times – of surprising those disbelievers with my smarts, my skills, my abilities and my womanly powers.

4. If you answered yes, how did you handle it?

How did I handle it? (Yes, I just stalled by repeating your question back to you.) I’m fiery by nature, so I yelled and screamed a bit (hey, I was 17!) And then I just did my very best, worked my buns off and PROVED HIM WRONG!!!

5. What was your favorite part of Geek Girl Camp 2009?

Can I make a list of my favorite parts? ‘Kay thanks.

1. That it was a huge success.
2. Meeting so many incredible, powerful, smart women who were eager to learn.
3. When my sessions turned into standing room only events.
4. Teaching what I love – writing, blogging, building relationships!

6. List 3 ways that women (or you specifically) can have an impact on technology.

1. Women are born communicators – so when we use technology, we spread information, we educate, we expand the world…
2. Women are born relationship builders – we take the cold out of technology and figure out ways to use it to build connection, love, bridges…
3. Women are passionate – when we learn something that works, we go after it with gusto. The more we learn about technology the farther we can go with our chosen interests and areas of expertise….

7. If you could change one thing about the world (and we know you can) what would it be?

Technologically speaking? I would expand the Geek Girl laptop donation program – beyond laptops and worldwide. There is so much wasted, ‘old’ technology out there that could easily be cleaned up and given to those that can’t afford to buy new, but need access to the world.

8. What is your desire, wish or goal for Geek Girl Camp 2010?

My wish is twofold: 1) that it is even more successful than last year, and 2) that it gets national media coverage and, as a result, interest and sponsorship grows so that we can put on GGC’s across the country – spreading the gospel of tech far and wide!!!!

9. If the Geek Girls could have 1 minute to talk to the world, what would we say?

We’d say: If you think something is unattainable, if you think you can’t do it, we think you just haven’t asked the right people for help and guidance! Call a Geek Girl!!!

Julie Roads Biography: