I'm excited to share some incredible news with Esri Community! Recently, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the "GIS Chat" podcast, hosted by the dynamic GIS technician, Jazzmen Wilson. We had a fantastic, laid-back conversation about my journey from working in education to discovering the world of UX design and ultimately landing a job at Esri. We also explored the socio-economic problems that are near and dear to my heart, and how I see GIS being a solution to fixing those problems.
You can listen to the "GIS Chat" podcast on various platforms, ensuring you can tune in from your preferred place. These include:
Meet Jazzmen Wilson: The Host of "GIS Chat"
First, let me introduce you to the talented host of "GIS Chat" Jazzmen Wilson. Jazzmen is a GIS professional with a passion for making geospatial information accessible and engaging to a broad audience. Her podcast is known for its relaxed and fun approach to discussing all things GIS, and it's the perfect platform for professionals to share their unique journeys and insights.
Jazzmen spent most of her life growing up in Riverside, California until she moved in 2015 to attend Arizona State University where she graduated with a B.S in Geographic Information Science. Jazzmen pursued GIS because of her combined passions in sketching and painting and the love of Information Technology and computers.
After graduating from ASU, Jazzmen interned with Freeport McMoran as a GIS analyst, and then contracted with the Salt River Project as a GIS technician for a year before being hired full-time as a mid-level GIS technician.
Jazzmen's Journey to the Podcast
"For a few years I have been wanting to create a podcast. Whether it be with friends or solo, I wanted to create a podcast where honest conversations were being had. It is a creative outlet for me.
I was interviewing GIS professionals as part of a yearlong assignment for a mentor/mentee program where I had to interview GIS professionals and learn about their backgrounds and lives, and how they started their career. I had done interviews with professionals in other industries before, so this assignment did not intimidate me.
I mentioned to my family how badly I would love to start a podcast, and then a family member asked me, “Oh I thought you were doing that already with all these interviews you were doing with these people.” This statement was a revelation! The number of people I was able to schedule on my own to talk to me for an interview surpassed the goal number for the year and I was really enjoying it for fun on the side. I found talking to people just became easy for me.
That’s when "GIS Chat" podcast was born. I realized I was already doing a podcast; it just was not recording. I also realized that there was a need for it since a lot of people within the industry mentioned to me how there was a lack of knowledge around what GIS is and how many industries it intercepts with.
I started booking people by simply putting myself out there and I was willing to be rejected. Because I have been okay with rejection, it has helped me meet and talk to some amazing people in the industry.
One of those amazing people I have met is Justine Leach. Justine and I met through LinkedIn when I messaged her and inquired if she would like to be on my podcast and she said yes!
The purpose of the podcast is to be very informal yet informative, but intentionally honest, for people to express their views openly. The show is all about talking to real people in the GIS industry, that includes their likes and their dislikes of the industry. I feel like this has potential to be a part of something big in the GIS community and I’m excited for what’s more to come. Justine has been a big supporter of the GIS Chat Podcast and I am so happy we met!"
What We Talked About
During the podcast, Jazzmen and I dove into my career transition from working in the education section in South LA, career switching to the UX industry, and subsequently, accepting a role at Esri. We discussed how my background in education equipped me with essential skills that seamlessly transitioned into UX design, such as empathy, communication, and problem-solving.
We also delved into the socio-economic problems that are close to my heart, including issues like education, gender and racial inequity, and access to critical resources. It was a moment to emphasize the significant role that GIS professionals and UX designers can play in addressing these challenges and creating positive change. This journey allowed me to see that someone doesn't need to be a GIS professional in the traditional sense in order to create an impact in the GIS community.
When and Where to Tune In
Now, the moment you've been waiting for! The podcast episode is set to launch on November 7, 2023. Mark your calendars and set your reminders because you won't want to miss this engaging conversation filled with insights and valuable takeaways.
You can listen to the "GIS Chat" podcast on various platforms, ensuring you can tune in from your preferred place. These include:
Thank you for being a part of the podcast audience with me and Jazzmen on "GIS Chat" and I hope our discussion inspires and informs you!
