We spoke with Director of Customer Success, Jaime Swindle, about her experience in technology, as well as how the industry is performing for women in tech. Here are highlights from our conversation with Jaime: 

Tell us about yourself and your journey to Kopius.

I’ve been with Kopius almost 7 years, since the early days when we used to be called Valence. I was part of the 8ninths acquisition where we were brought on for our augmented and virtual reality for enterprise expertise. Along my journey in tech, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of emerging technologies from responsive web innovations, to AR/VR, to Internet of Things, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to shift from Technical Project Manager, to Delivery Director, to Sales Account Manager, and ultimately to a Director in our Kopius Solutions & Pre-sales team, where I get to develop custom solution accelerators and lead scoping of incoming project-based work.

How did you first become interested in technology?

While my career didn’t start in tech (I actually started out in Arts & Entertainment journalism), I’ve always been interested in storytelling and how technology can be leveraged to enhance the experience beyond simple text on a page. Whether it’s adding in parallax scrolling and spatial sound functionality to a website, immersing users in a custom 3D environment for training, or visualizing data in novel ways to showcase previously unseen viewpoints, I enjoy bringing my bucket of emerging technology options to the table to solve unique business challenges.

What emerging technology trends are you most excited about, and how do you see them impacting our lives?

I’m very interested in how Generative AI will morph into custom business applications tailored for various industries. Considering all the permutations of industry, use cases, and amount of data sources available, I think there are a lot of opportunities to streamline operations for mundane tasks while leaving real employees with the ability to do meaningful work that truly requires human ingenuity.

Do you have a favorite project you’d like to share with us?

I’ve enjoyed many projects over the years, but I have to say my favorite was developing a 4D immersive virtual reality experience for the Space Needle to show how the new (at the time) renovations would look once construction was complete. Our team designed a short, gamified experience that took you from the base of the Space Needle, up the iconic elevator ride, onto the rotating glass floor interior, and out onto the refreshed outdoor viewing deck with new all-glass partitions and benches curated for the perfect selfie experience. To create the digital VR experience, we leveraged architectural 3D models of the building from designers Olson Kundig and paired them with 360° drone photography filmed from the Space Needle itself. To make the experience as realistic as possible, we hand-crafted a 4D haptic stage that you physically had to walk around in order to progress the experience. Along that journey we developed stations where you get to feel the rumbling of the glass floor rotation beneath your feet, the sensation of wind blowing around you, and the tactile experience of sliding back to sit on a to-scale replica of an observation deck glass bench.

Any advice for women interested in working in the technology sector?

Don’t be afraid to take roles that may appear to be outside your current skill set. The experience you gain across roles is key to creating a well-rounded perspective and adds great value to your career journey. For example: while that stint in Sales or Marketing may not sound like it aligns with a technology career trajectory, it can absolutely make you a better Product Owner or Solution Developer because it helps you better understand the business rationale for technology implementations and figure out what common pain points these businesses are looking to solve. When you have a good handle on both the business and technology sides of the house, you become a powerful advocate for innovation that opens doors to new opportunities.

Anything else you’d like to share about your journey into the tech sector, your experience with tech, or how working in tech has impacted you?

It’s been fun seeing technology trends come and go over the years. Seeing that wave of change has helped me grow creatively and professionally and I apply that experience to just about everything I do.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are excited to present a special interview with one of the many incredible women at Kopius. Our first guest is the accomplished Director of Marketing, Tina Burns. Read on for an empowering and engaging dialogue. 

From Curiosity to Kopius: Tina’s Journey

“My journey to Kopius was a blend of passion, the opportunity to apply data-driven marketing strategies, and the chance to drive measurable impact,” Tina explains. “I’ve always been driven by problem-solving, innovation, and a passion for leveraging insights to optimize campaigns, and Kopius’s commitment to cutting-edge solutions resonated with my desire to lead marketing initiatives that deliver results. I was looking for a place where I could contribute meaningfully by driving strategic growth and achieving tangible outcomes, and I found it here.”

The Spark of Interest: A Lifelong Fascination

Tina’s interest in technology began in her childhood. “I was always drawn to figuring out solutions and understanding how systems worked,” she recalls. “Even simple things, like how a radio transmits sound, sparked my imagination. This inherent drive to solve problems and understand processes naturally led me to technology.”

The Excitement of Emerging Trends

When asked about emerging technology trends, Tina’s eyes lit up. “I’m particularly excited about AI advancements and their practical applications. The potential to automate mundane tasks, personalize experiences, and even solve complex global challenges is truly remarkable. I believe AI will fundamentally reshape how we live and work, making our lives more efficient and connected.”

A Project Close to the Heart

We asked Tina to tell us about her most memorable project. “One project that truly stands out for me is ‘Bridging the Digital Divide,’ an initiative focused on creating accessible digital resources for senior citizens, particularly those from immigrant backgrounds. This project was born from a deeply personal experience. My own mother, who immigrated to the US, faced significant challenges navigating the digital world, especially with the language barrier adding another layer of complexity. Simple tasks like video calls to stay connected with family overseas, online banking, or even accessing essential information became daunting obstacles.”

“I realized that many seniors, particularly those who immigrated later in life, were left behind in our increasingly digital society. They often lack the technical skills and language proficiency to utilize basic technology effectively. I partnered with a local community center that serves a diverse senior population, focusing on creating multilingual, simplified tutorials and user-friendly interfaces. We used readily available tools and platforms, tailoring them to the specific needs of this demographic. This included providing instructions in multiple languages and using visual aids.”

“We also created workshops where we could provide one-to-one support and answer questions in their native languages. Seeing the joy and independence it brought them was incredibly rewarding. My mother was thrilled to easily video call her siblings and manage her finances online. It reinforced my belief that technology, when used thoughtfully and with cultural sensitivity, can empower even the most vulnerable in our communities. It can also bridge the gaps that language and cultural differences create.”

Advice for Aspiring Women in Tech

Tina offered valuable advice for women interested in entering the technology sector: “Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside your comfort zone. Always stay curious and adaptable because technology is constantly evolving. Build a strong support network and find mentors. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your abilities. Your unique perspective is invaluable. Remember, your voice matters. You don’t have to feel small or intimidated. You bring a unique set of skills and insights essential to innovation. It’s not just about getting a foot in the door; it’s about shaping technology’s future and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented at every level. Don’t just participate; lead.“

A Journey of Growth and Impact

Working in tech marketing has been a journey of strategic growth for Tina. “Using data to inform our strategy, build strong brand narratives, and connect with our audience deeper has helped me better understand the intersection of technology and human behavior. A career in technology has empowered me to solve problems creatively and contribute to the growth of a company that is shaping the future. Collaboration and diversity of perspectives have been reinforced as important for innovation.”

Tina Burns’s story exemplifies the passion, dedication, and innovation that women bring to the technology industry. Our team at Kopius is proud to have her as part of our team, and we look forward to her continued contributions.