BLERDNATION™

Websites

•   www.edriafleming.com/
•   about.me/edriafleming
•   www.geekegurl.com/

Favorites (hover / click to see name)

• music

  • The Temptations
  • Tony Bennett
  • Tupac
  • Mary J. Blige
  • Drake

• movies

  • Underworld - Entire Series
  • Fifth Element
  • Color Purple
  • Breakfast at Tiffany's
  • Usual Suspects

• I am BlerdNation because...

  I am BlerdNation because my whole life has been about encouraging good deeds and making a positive impact within the community which I live in. Technology is my BlerdNation area. A little about my story since the age of 11 years old my computer has been my outlet! It's 23 years later and technology is still the most important part of my life. In high school I joined the computer club and learned html. That was my first exposure to code. Since high school I have been set on learning new programming languages in our ever growing technical world. Technology was what helped me connect with others across the world at a young age. It made me look outside my environment and was the driving force for me. My passion right now is to help other entrepreneurs thrive and be successful in their business.

• Who is your blerd role model? Why?

  My role models have always been Oprah Winfrey & Whoopi Goldberg. These two women proved there's no barrier they couldn't break.

• How do you stay connected to other blerds?

  I stay connected with others through technology. I attend conferences and take classes. I believe in continued learning and building partnerships.

• What’s your most awkward blerd moment?

  Prior to the ending of the Oprah Winfrey show I was given the opportunity to attend an episode in February of 2011. As Oprah was coming out I got to shake her hand. As I was shaking her hand I just started crying. DOH! Awkward. I couldn't speak. She teared up as well. I think she understood how much the moment meant to me. I'm looking forward to my awkward moment with Whoopi one day! lol. I promise not to cry and to be able to speak coherently.

• What’s your favorite word/phrase?

  My favorite saying is: I'm a geek... It is what it was.

• What are your goals/passions?

  My goals/passion has always been to change the face of technology. What I mean by this is I want to change the face of those who are on the developing end of new technologies. People of color are accustomed to being the "end users" as opposed to the developers. With advancement in technologies there is nothing that prevents someone from obtaining knowledge and accessing resources to develop these skill sets.

• What are you listening to, watching, or reading that impacts you or that is giving you a different perspective?

  I am always on the net reading about the new technologies that are coming out or new trends in technology. I am fascinated how the internet is influencing TV and music. I love webisodes including the "Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae.

• Are there any famous, or not-so-famous, people that you think would be a great addition to BlerdNation?

  All champions and need to know women ...

  1. Tonya Sims - Entrepreneur | Software Engineer; Twitter: @tonyasims; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scoutdriveu ; Website: http://www.scoutdriveu.com/

  2. Sonia Gaillard - Entrepreneur | Inventor | Teacher | Small Business Advocate; Twitter: @soniamgaillard

  3. Crystal Whalon - Author | Entrepreneur; Twitter: @crystalwhalon; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwdesignfirm ; Website: www.CrystalWhalon.com

• What advice would you give to other blerds?

  The advice I would give to a blerd or any individual in technology is:

  1) Be fearless.

  2) Trust your instincts.

  3) Never stay in any situation where you feel uncomfortable.

  4) Don't dismiss your talents - even if it's something small. If you were given a talent only you can fufill your dreams with that talent.

  5) Be driven by passion, not money.