Carolyn Lesser

Microsoft

Career Roadmap

Carolyn's work combines: Engineering, Education, and Learning / Being Challenged

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Director of Engineering

I lead a multi-discipline engineering team that creates inclusive online learning experiences.

High School
Midlothian High School
Bachelor's Degree
Computer Science
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

High School

Bachelor's Degree: Computer Science

My path in life has been direct

1.
Found a love in sports, especially soccer, and enjoy the teamwork and friendly competition.
2.
Challenge accepted: I built a bridge out of tongue depressors and glue that withstood my weight.
3.
Cut from JV basketball and became the manager - immersed in a world of stats and data.
4.
Then I took a Pascal Programming class and I LOVED creating programs that solved problems.
5.
Went to an engineering expo and hidden in the back found the Computer Science major. I'm Interested!
6.
I interned at Microsoft, and fell in love with designing and engineering SOFTWARE.
7.
Volunteered teaching tech to 4th grade Girls computer club. Took many tries to explain Y2K bug.
8.
Found a team that combines 2 loves: SOFTWARE + LEARNING.

Keep following my journey

THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
You won't be able to install this. You won't figure it out.
How I responded:
Not all assumptions are true. You'll never know unless you try and in many cases there's a wealth of resources from your own intuition and ability, to online communities, to your friends that will enable you to succeed. Don't allow others to paint you into a corner or dictate your capability.

Experiences and challenges that shaped me

Click to expand

When you're the minority, it can feel lonely and isolating. One of only 4 out of 100. You're probably the trail blazer. Look for the common threads (passions, hobbies, etc.) outside what makes you the minority to connect rather than divide.

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