Learning to Pivot

Being overlooked for a couple of promotions left her feeling defeated, so she reframed her outlook and began to see rejections as redirections. “After facing rejection for the second time, I realized my approach might be flawed,” she said. “It made me broaden my perspective and seek growth beyond the confines of my previous aspirations.” Sometimes, Belom said, women have to pivot in the face of rejection. “I knew that I had to move in a career direction that was best suited for me.”

Empathy

During her time in higher education, Belom has often noticed a lack of empathy in IT and how it affects end users. She became more involved in the decision-making process, collaborating with colleagues to initiate marketing campaigns, town halls, and training sessions. “My goal was to ensure that end users were adequately prepared and supported for any challenges in the technologies they use,” she said.  

Before she came to Tech, her strategies led to the formation of a technology council at another university. This council later became the primary body overseeing IT governance and activities across the University System of Georgia. 

A More Inclusive Future

As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Belom often reflects on gender inequality and the future of IT leadership. She credits Georgia Tech with advancing women in the field and encourages women in IT positions to advocate for themselves. “It’s important that women feel confident and empowered in the workplace. We must also support and advocate for our peers, especially for other women and minorities.”