SHARE HQ: What’s your mainframe story? How did you come to the platform?

Laticia Carrow: I have always believed in using technology for positive change. In the past, I was a hair stylist. I wanted to create an app that would allow my clients to experiment with different hairstyles without putting a strain on their budget or damaging their hair. But when the salon I was working at closed, I felt like all hope was lost. However, I saw an opportunity to retrain in technology.

As I delved deeper into my studies and learned more about security and the diverse types of computers, I began networking via social networks and asking questions about the mainframe. Some mainframe professionals, as well as cybersecurity professionals, gave suggestions and recommendations on what to study and how to broaden my scope of knowledge.  I attended some conferences, such as the Diana Initiative and the Defcon Security Conference. I also made a second attempt at IBM's Master the Mainframe challenge (now known as IBM Z Xplore), where I completed all three levels. That's how I got started in zSystems, and I've been fully committed to it ever since.

SHARE HQ: How did you first learn about SHARE?

Laticia Carrow: I am grateful to have learned about SHARE from two of my mentors, Dr. Cameron Seay and Reg Harbeck. Their guidance to read articles on the SHARE website and attend SHARE conferences helped me gain a comprehensive understanding of the mainframe ecosystem.

My first experience at SHARE Fort Worth exceeded my expectations as I discovered the vast array of vendor products that the mainframe can support, as well as the potential for mainframe technology to provide digital solutions for various challenges in life.

SHARE HQ: What drew you to SHARE?

Laticia Carrow: After my initial experience at a SHARE conference, I knew I wanted to make it a regular tradition. My second conference exceeded my expectations as I was given the opportunity to participate in two panel discussions centered on the New to IBMz Community and Building a Mainframe Workforce. These conversations were particularly valuable to me as they highlight the importance of developing a sustainable workforce within the mainframe industry. 

SHARE HQ: What are you passionate about at work, and what are you passionate about outside of work?

Laticia Carrow: I don't talk about work outside of work. In general, I am highly enthusiastic about security, data continuity, and all aspects of cloud technology. I am fascinated by the offerings and capabilities of hybrid cloud and how businesses can utilize zSystems technology alongside the capabilities of the cloud. It is exciting to watch the future of business go from zero to 100 utilizing these technologies.

Outside of work, I am passionate about DIY home gardening projects, completing courses on mainframe topics, cooking, creating content on my YouTube channel Tish Talks Tech, sewing, and advocating for zSystems.

I run a small cooking digest on Twitter called Command Line Cooks (@cooks_line), where I curate and feature recipes, pictures, and videos of people in tech who love to cook. I recently expanded it to include people outside of tech because I was getting many requests on how to get into the field.

As a recent IBM Champion, I love sharing how zSystems technology is a wonderful platform for growth both personally and professionally. I believe there is a place for everyone within the zSystems ecosystem, and what better way to introduce them to it than through the medium of delicious dishes?

SHARE HQ: What are some of your goals as a new committee member?

Laticia Carrow: As a new editorial committee member, I would like to actively contribute to our community with entertaining and informative content about the capabilities and features of zSystems and mainframe technology. I want to open a door to get a bird's eye view of the different industries and business scenarios in which we utilize the technology.

My goal is to use every opportunity to share experiences and insights from the perspective of a new professional, and debunk the myths and misconceptions of mainframe versus other technologies. I would like to add to the conversation on how the mainframe can be integrated with other systems and tools to create a holistic and efficient IT infrastructure.

SHARE HQ: What’s one piece of technology or technology news that you’re excited about?

Laticia Carrow:  I am super excited about hybrid cloud. Hybrid cloud captivates me because it provides a bridge between the way business is conducted and how it can be done in the future.

Hybrid cloud allows us to customize our technology to meet the unique needs of our business through storage, applications, resource sharing with partners, and access to powerful tools while maintaining availability and security. It's like a futuristic salon where digital hairstyles become a reality, allowing clients to change their look for different occasions.

SHARE HQ:  Tell us something about yourself that SHARE members may not already know.

Laticia Carrow: I take immense pleasure in traveling and connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds and sharing experiences with them. I like to sing, and I love Italian and French operas, but my favorite opera is "Eugene Onegin," which is neither sung in Italian nor French.

I find joy in creating new experiences and inspiring others to strive for their personal best. The satisfaction of seeing others succeed and, in turn, mentoring and uplifting those who follow is what brings me the greatest happiness.