Women in Technology: Marissa Williams

Marissa Williams is a talented and dedicated Tier 1 Help Desk Technician here at Standley Systems, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. With years of experience in the IT field, Marissa has proven herself to be an invaluable asset, consistently delivering top-notch solutions and support to our clients. Her passion for technology and commitment to excellence make her a standout member of our team. We are thrilled to feature Marissa in our women in Technology blog series, highlighting her achievements and contributions to our team and the IT field. 

Marissa's love for technology started at sixteen when her family got their first computer. This was the first time she had the opportunity to use a computer outside of school so she dove in and learned everything she could. Sometimes that involved breaking things, but she enjoyed the thrill of troubleshooting and problem solving when something went wrong, often turning to online forums and tech communities for help. Her passion for technology only grew stronger as she discovered the endless possibilities that computers offered. With each challenge she faced, Marissa emerged more skilled and confident in her abilities, solidifying her love for all things tech. 

Marissa's passion for technology and problem solving continued to develop as she began assisting her family members with their computer issues. Word quickly spread about her talent, and soon she found herself with a growing list of clients. This positive feedback and demand for help with technology motivated Marissa to take a leap and establish her own IT company. 

Upon relocating to the Washington DC/Northern Viginia area, Marissa knew that she couldn't start from scratch and understood the importance of leveraging her experience and skills in a new environment. Joining The World Bank marked a significant milestone in her career, where she honed her abilities in remote troubleshooting and familiarized herself with advanced software and ticketing systems. The knowledge and expertise she gained during her time at The World Bank laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in the IT industry. 

After three and a half years at The World Bank, Marissa transitioned to Freddie Mac, a company that was chartered by Congress in 1970 to support the U.S. housing finance system to provide an affordable supply of mortgage funds across the country. Marissa continued to excel in her role at Freddie Mac, focusing on local IT support and ensuring seamless computer setups for employees. This transition was a natural progression for her, as she applied the same dedication and skills she had developed in her own business to deliver exceptional service in her new workplace. Marissa's journey in the IT field is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to excellence. 

When the government was discussing shutting down Freddie Mac, Marissa decided it was time to make a career move and ended up at Dell. Marissa says that Dell gave her the most experience with troubleshooting hardware which is a lot of what she does in her current role. She learned better how to determine what causes the issue, how to break everything down, how to rebuild, how to know when hardware has failed and how to replace it. She says that her time at Dell has changed how she looks at and assesses a situation when a client calls in. 

After ten years, Marissa left Dell and came to work at Standley Systems as a Tier 1 Help Desk Technician. Now her job responsibilities include dealing with most everything outside of higher up networking issues. Once she is assigned a ticket by the IT Dispatcher, Marissa reaches out to the client and addresses their issue. Sometimes this requires remoting into the client's computer where other times it may require an onsite visit. The opportunity to meet clients face to face during onsite visits brings a personal touch to her work that she deeply values. Building relationships and rapport with clients is a cornerstone of Marissa's approach at Standley Systems, a component of being on Team Standley that she really enjoys. 

Marissa's passion for helping others shines through in her dedication to alleviating the stress and pressure that can come with looming deadlines. Her ability to resolve issues and make a positive impact on someone's day is what truly fuels her love for her job.

Each day brings a new challenge and Marissa enjoys being able to take a an issue or frustration and turn it into a win for our clients. 

In terms of staying current with the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Marissa emphasizes the importance of understanding the fundamental principles that underpin all advancements. While the tools and interfaces may change, the core concepts remain the same, enabling her to troubleshoot effectively and address recurring issues with ease. In cases where she encounters a problem beyond her immediate knowledge, Marissa showcases her proactive approach by using all of her resources including reaching out to her colleagues for assistance through a chat that encompasses everyone in her department. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of teamwork but also reinforces her belief in the power of collective expertise. 

Marissa emphasizes the importance of communication within her team, stating that it plays a crucial role in facilitating knowledge sharing and efficient problem-solving. Knowing where to quickly find answers and having a supportive team are key factors in navigating the ever-changing IT landscape. She firmly believes in the right tools, stating, "Team and tools - When you have those two things you can do anything." 

Looking ahead to the next five years, Marissa envisions herself continuing her IT journey at Standley Systems, aiming for a promotion to Tier 2 or even Tier 3 Help Desk Technician. She is currently studying for the Cisco Certified entry-level network technician (CCENT) certification which is entry level to networking because while she knows a little bit about network issues, she wants to know networking as well as she knows troubleshooting desktops and laptops. She also hopes to have completed the Cisco Certified Network Admin (CCNA) certification because a lot of escalated tickets have to do with Networks, firewalls, and servers and she wants to be able to contribute and be an asset to her team.

When asked if there are any women in tech that she looks up to, Marissa admits she has yet to work closely with women in similar roles. Nevertheless, she remains determined to excel in her field and become a valuable asset in her job by expanding her knowledge and skills in networking and server administration.

When asked if she has any advice to young women wanting to enter the technology field, Marissa emphasizes the importance of projecting confidence, even when faced with uncertainty. By exuding confidence, you not only reassure the client but also instill trust in your abilities to resolve any issues that may arise. Marissa's approach highlights the significance of communication in the IT industry, where sounding confident can often be just as crucial as having the right technical skills.

Her words serve as a reminder that qualifications and credentials are essential, but your commitment to generous service and client satisfaction is what truly sets you apart in the eyes of the client. Whether it's handling a ticket independently or escalating it to another technician, Marissa's assurance to the client reflects her commitment to delivering top-notch service and ensuring their needs are met.

Marissa's dedication to her job and clients makes her an invaluable asset to Team Standley, showcasing not only her technical expertise but also her passion for helping others. As we continue to shine a spotlight on the remarkable women in technology at Standley Systems, Marissa's story serves as a testament to the impactful contributions women make in the IT field. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories as we celebrate the achievements of the women of Standley Systems.