Jinal Hitesh
Mehta
Data Engineer II at Amazon.com
"Breaking Barriers: A First-Generation Tech Journey from Immigrant Roots to Silicon Success"
"Breaking Barriers: A First-Generation Tech Journey from Immigrant Roots to Silicon Success"
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Session: Breaking Barriers: A First-Generation Tech Journey from Immigrant Roots to Silicon Success
In this inspiring talk, I'll share my personal journey as a first-generation technology professional navigating the American tech landscape while honoring my immigrant family's legacy. Through candid stories and practical insights, I'll discuss how cultural dynamics, family expectations, and the absence of established professional networks shaped my career path. This presentation will explore the unique challenges and unexpected advantages of being a first-generation professional in tech, including building bridges between different cultural mindsets, leveraging diverse perspectives for innovation, and creating new pathways for others following similar journeys.Key Takeaways
- Practical approaches for building professional networks from scratch when you don't have inherited connections
- Techniques for balancing traditional family expectations with modern tech career demands
- Ways to create and sustain support systems for other first-generation professionals
- How to transform perceived cultural "obstacles" into professional advantages in the tech industry
Bio
A seasoned Data Engineer with 8+ years of experience spanning three countries, Jinal brings a unique global perspective to the tech industry. Currently based in Seattle as a Data Engineer at Amazon, her journey from India through Canada to the United States embodies the quintessential first-generation tech professional's story of determination and adaptability.Beyond her technical expertise in data engineering, she serves on Amazon's interviewing panel and is passionate about building bridges for the next generation of tech professionals. Drawing from her experience of navigating multiple cultural and professional environments, she actively mentors aspiring data professionals, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds.
Her approach to technology and leadership is deeply influenced by her experience as a first-generation professional, combining traditional values with modern tech industry demands. When not transforming data architectures or mentoring others, she enjoys painting, playing badminton, and solving Sudoku puzzles - activities that reflect her blend of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving
