LiteWork Events originated as a vision to create an Urban Socialite Network in Boston. What better way to build on this vision than to highlight some of Boston’s most dynamic urban young professionals and socialites! Check out our latest feature, and hopefully you’ll also catch up with them at our next event!
Name: Melissa James
Where are you from? I grew up Milton, MA but I live in Dorchester now.
Alma Mater? University of Massachusetts, Amherst Class of 2010
What brings you to Boston? My grandmother came here from Jamaica with a hope and a dream to create a better life for her family. She came by herself then brought each of her ten children over one by one. I have lived just outside of Boston for my entire life. It only seems logical to start my career and business here. It is a city of immense resources and talent.
Tell us about yourself (What are you passionate about? Any side hustles?):
I am the Founder and CEO of The Tech Connection. Before starting The Tech Connection, I worked in talent acquisition at Sample6 Technologies, a biotech startup founded by MIT and Boston University graduates. I joined the company as they were in need of strong talent and grew their organization to a thriving 20 person team. I later worked as a technical recruiter on Google’s Tech Student Engagement team. In my roles, I saw how important it is to take on the right work experience early on in your career. I spoke with many professionals from diverse backgrounds and realized that this is an area of improvement for many people. Specifically, those in the tech industry because your knowledge base is your most valuable asset. In 2014, I had this crazy idea to start my own company focusing on connecting early career underrepresented tech talent to workforce opportunities to both accelerate careers, and support the high demand for employees in this sector. It’s been awesome! Recently, I pitched my business to a panel of entrepreneurship experts at the Banner Biz Magazine’s Pitch in the City Event – Sponsored by Northeastern University – and won! I love the work that I am doing and I wouldn’t trade it for the world because I believe that when one of us succeeds we all succeed!
What’s one thing we should know about you? I am a sucker for a cheap flight out of the country. I love to travel!
How can people connect with you? On LinkedIn, twitter @MissJames126 or @_TechConnect_
And there you have it folks… #followthelite!