Tech is Empowering—
As the demand for skilled technology professionals continues to grow, more women are finding their place in information technology programs at Moraine Park Technical College. Students Christy Justman and Lily Kreis bring different experiences, strengths and career goals into the classroom.
Throughout her 25 years in the IT field, Jennifer Schoonover, IT–Technical Support Specialist instructor at Moraine Park, has seen more women entering and succeeding in the industry than ever before.
“There is a misconception that IT is a very specific career that requires an individual who has a very precise skillset,” Schoonover said. “When in fact there are many areas of IT, and it takes a diverse group of workers to make technology and human interactions successful.”
For Christy Justman, curiosity sparked her interest in the field.
“My interest in IT started with the massive cyberattacks that hit the casinos in Las Vegas in 2023,” Justman said. “Seeing how a single point of entry could impact such a high-stakes operation fascinated me. My interest really took off during my network administration course. Learning the mechanics of how data moves and how to build those secure connections made me realize that networking is exactly where I want to be.”
Now working toward a triple degree in cybersecurity, network specialist and technical support specialist programs, Justman is building skills she can apply right away. Her background as a lead tech in manufacturing has also shaped how she approaches problem-solving.
“Whether it’s a robotic cell or a network server, the logic of finding and fixing a ‘break’ is the same, and I enjoy that challenge,” Justman said. “In the beginning, a network error felt like a roadblock, but now I see it as a chance to apply logic and solve a problem.”
For Lily Kreis, an IT–Network Specialist program student, the path into IT was driven by a desire for a career that is always evolving.
“The world of technology is always growing, which is very exciting to me,” Kreis said. “I would rather have a career that is always changing than something that feels stagnant.”
That mindset paired with inspiration from her mom’s decision to return to school after 15 years in the workforce gave Kreis the confidence to take the next step.
“My favorite skill so far has been learning how to take apart computers and put them back together,” Kreis said. “That kind of physical problem solving is something that keeps me on my toes.”
Both Justman and Kreis encourage other women to consider IT, even if they don’t see themselves as “tech-savvy.”
“Don’t be intimidated by the technical jargon or the fact that it’s a male-dominated field,” Justman said. “If you enjoy problem-solving and are willing to put in the work, there is a place for you.”
Schoonover hopes more women recognize that IT careers are more accessible than they may think.
“Often times I hear potential IT students say, ‘I’m not smart enough to work in technology,’” Schoonover said. “If you are curious about how technology works and enjoy problem solving, you can absolutely succeed in IT.”
Both students look toward the future. Kreis is exploring opportunities near Madison and hopes to find a workplace that supports and empowers women, while continuing to build experience through internships and volunteer work. Justman is aiming for a networking role and is especially interested in Wisconsin’s growing data center industry.
At Moraine Park, women aren’t just entering the IT field—they’re helping shape its future.
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