Learn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner
“Having a disability can complicate life, but it also brings unique strengths,” Chanci reflects. “I’ve learned to navigate more obstacles and unpredictability than most, which has honed skills essential for software development. Individuals with disabilities often think about risks and contingency plans. In IT, designing systems that anticipate failure is crucial, and that’s a mindset I’ve developed throughout my life.”
In recent times, the technology sector has increasingly prioritized diverse hiring practices. Chanci believes that employing individuals with disabilities is not only the right choice but also one of the most effective strategies for cultivating strong and efficient teams. “Numerous studies indicate that diverse workforces are more innovative, agile, and adept at problem-solving,” she states. “When a person with a disability joins a company, they contribute not just technical skills, but also fresh perspectives and innovative ways to identify and solve problems.”
Research consistently demonstrates that people with disabilities excel in addressing complex challenges, experience greater job satisfaction, and tend to stay longer in their roles. Additionally, diverse companies often yield superior financial results, making investments in training and development worthwhile.
The Impact of Technology
Originally from Tunisia, Chanci has always had a passion for technology and mathematics. “The transformative power of technology struck me when I received my first electric wheelchair at age six,” she recalls. “It revolutionized my ability to engage with the world.”
Chanci’s parents insisted she attend traditional schools, overcoming initial resistance from school administrators. She later graduated as valedictorian from her undergraduate physics, math, and engineering program in Tunisia and earned a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Georgia Tech. However, upon entering the workforce as an electrical engineer, she realized that practical applications of control theory often rely on heuristics and empirical testing, with mathematical tools typically reserved for PhDs and research institutions. This epiphany directed her toward data science and cloud computing.
“I wanted to work in a domain where I could engage with cutting-edge mathematical research and leverage advanced tools to address real-world problems. The IT sector offers more flexibility, accommodates diverse needs, and is generally more accessible,” she explains. “At that time, I had limited knowledge of computer science, so I needed to quickly learn about IT, security, performance, networking—everything.”
Upon shifting her focus to IT, Chanci became captivated by the vast potential of cloud technology. In one of her initial projects, she automated grape harvest predictions for a French winery using robotic monitoring, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
“It felt like magic,” she enthuses. “We employed computer vision to estimate annual crop yields by analyzing data from a robot roaming the vineyard, capturing footage of the vines. A machine learning algorithm identified grape clusters, allowing us to determine staffing needs and storage requirements for the harvest. Historically, this process was done manually with about 80% accuracy, but our new system achieved 96% accuracy with significantly less effort. The cloud enables this kind of power to be accessible anywhere, fundamentally altering our approach to computing.”
AWS Certifications as a Catalyst for Career Advancement
Recognizing the need to further her career in cloud technology, Chanci understood the importance of expanding her knowledge base. “The cloud’s capabilities amazed me, but I was also daunted by the extensive knowledge required to fully leverage its potential,” she admits.
She began her AWS journey with a preparation course for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate exam. “With my technical background, I felt confident enough to pursue the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate certification directly, bypassing the foundational AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner,” she states. “This certification not only provided me with AWS-specific knowledge but also fundamental skills essential for anyone in IT.”
Chanci believes that preparing for AWS Certification sharpened her focus on particular knowledge areas, accelerating her learning process. “It enabled me to acquire skills much more swiftly than if I had navigated the IT landscape alone,” she notes. “AWS Skill Builder was invaluable for getting started, especially the exam prep courses, which help familiarize you with the exam format and ensure you’re ready for the big day.”
Her hard work paid off significantly. “After earning all three AWS Associate Certifications, along with the AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty, and AWS Certified Security – Specialty, I was able to more than double my salary,” she reveals. “This technology has truly provided me the opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
Learning from Setbacks
While achieving her 12th and final AWS Certification was a major victory, Chanci acknowledges that her journey wasn’t always smooth. She feels it’s important to share the challenges she faced. When she attempted the AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty exam in August 2022, she didn’t pass. “It’s a testament to the exam’s difficulty,” she remarks. “These tests are genuinely challenging and meaningful.”
To her surprise, a LinkedIn post about her exam failure garnered more engagement than any of her previous posts. “That honesty resonated with people,” she explains. “Social media often showcases only the best moments, but my failure illustrated that I was pushing my limits and not merely seeking easy wins.”
Giving Back
In May 2022, Chanci secured a position with AWS as a Data Lab Solutions Architect. While her primary role involves optimizing cloud deployments for clients, she devotes time to harnessing cloud technology to develop innovative solutions for individuals with disabilities.
“I spend 80% of my time as a cloud engineer for our clients. However, our leadership encourages us to dedicate the remaining time to advancing cloud technologies,” she explains. “Recently, I’ve been developing a solution that utilizes AWS’s AI services alongside the large language models in Amazon SageMaker Jumpstart to assist those with visual impairments.”
For more insights, check out this excellent resource on the Amazon Flex onboarding process. Additionally, looking for more engaging content? This post from Career Contessa offers great recommendations.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that companies like Monster and CareerBuilder are merging, further emphasizing the evolving landscape of talent acquisition; you can read more about it here.
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