About Kaylaa aka Inspired Beacon

Why Do I Write?

More than anything else, my efforts as a writer are intended to provide information and inspiration to those who enjoy them. The fast-paced world of technology has provided a vast array of useful innovations and tools, but many find these inventions unfamiliar and overwhelming. My goal is to help change that. I want people to understand that the growing world of technology isn’t diminishing human interaction or removing the human element, but instead is facilitating communication and interaction. As challenging as these new innovations may seem initially, their value ultimately outweighs their unfamiliarity. All it takes is an experienced mind to help you, and I’m glad to offer my experience for your benefit.

My Roots

Originally from Jamaica, I was raised as an only child by a mother whose resilience, hard work, and independence defined my early life. Embracing both the role of caregiver and daughter during her final years, we navigated a complex tapestry of emotions. It was during this powerful time of joy and madness that we explored more acutely our love for each other, or at least something close to love. The loss of my mother, now a decade and counting, continues to resonate with me, coloring moments of joy with shades of sadness. Yet, this very loss, as much as it distanced me from my creative and entrepreneurial pursuits for a time, eventually guided me back, acting as a beacon that rekindled my passion for writing and innovation.

This journey through grief and resurgence has not only molded my character but also deepened my understanding of life’s fragile beauty. It’s this perspective—a blend of loss, love, and rediscovery—that fuels my desire to create, inspire, help and connect in all my endeavors. Whether through the realms of technology, real estate, design or the written word, I strive to infuse my work with the essence of these experiences, aiming to touch lives and offer solace and inspiration in the way only shared humanity can.

Educational trajectory

As an engineer with a foundation in STEM, my early academic pursuits were deeply rooted in computer science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. However, recognizing the rapid evolution of technology and its increasing impact on every facet of business and society, I returned to Southern New Hampshire University to embrace a broader spectrum of studies. My curriculum now encompasses advanced topics in technology, business management, communication, and Artificial Intelligence, aligning with my expanding professional role and interests.

While my initial goal leaned towards earning a PhD in Business and Engineering Psychology, my career’s trajectory has continued to evolve. As I delve deeper into my technical leadership, specializing in architecture, computer information systems, and particularly AI/LLM within data infrastructure and the utility sector, as well as my business pursuits, my academic objectives have evolved too. This shift reflects my commitment to staying at the cutting edge of technology and leadership, ensuring that I can contribute meaningfully to advancements in the field and mentor peers as we work together to innovate and inspire what comes next.

Employment background

With over 15 years of experience in technology, my career has continually evolved, reflecting a deep engagement with the latest in IoT solutions and innovations. Currently, I serve on the Smart Grid Digital Solutions & Innovations leadership team as a Principal Solutions Architect at The AES Corporation, an industry leader in the energy market. This role allows me to leverage my expertise in architecture and system design to drive meaningful advancements in energy solutions, emphasizing sustainability and technological innovation.

Previous life

Before laying my roots in Raleigh, I resided in New York for several years, soaking in the vibrant energy of the Big Apple. However, I aspired to find a balance—a city offering a high quality of life, affordability, entrepreneurial spirit, progressive values, and robust tech and education sectors. After extensive research, Raleigh, North Carolina, emerged as the perfect match, boasting all these attributes wrapped in a community-oriented atmosphere.

The move was a leap of faith, stepping into a new city without a familiar network, save for the real estate contacts. Yet, this decision unfolded beautifully, leading to lasting friendships, an everlasting bound with my cat Silk as it was just the two of us at first, and then meeting my husband. Following that, I have embraced the paradoxical yet joyous journey of married life and learned that what you put in, you get out, if you work harder at it. This chapter of my life reinforces my belief in the adage “no guts, no glory,” as I continue to try to live with courage and conviction.

Current Life

Fast forward to today, my journey continues with my family and though we’ve said a heartfelt goodbye to our beloved cat Silk. In her memory, I’ve welcomed two delightful kitties, Cinnamon and Tux, whose antics and unique personalities fill our home with happiness and laughter. Tux, with his kangaroo-like leaps, and Cinnamon, the chatty explorer, have become my worthwhile distractions and loving companions. Though my thoughts of Silk are never too far off, as they both mirror a piece of her, she remains a unique kitty and will never be forgotten.

By Day: I immerse myself in my engineering day job, contributing to innovations that inspire me daily.

By Nights and Weekends: My entrepreneurial spirit takes the helm as I nurture my real estate and vacation rental side hustle, focusing on creating welcoming and memorable getaways for my guests.

Spare Time/None at all:  Channeling my experiences into writing my debut book on creating and managing successful vacation rentals. The process of editing and preparing for its launch is like learning to scale a mountain, still I enjoy the fear and the thrill, as I create new milestones in my multifaceted and challenging journey.

Goals

As I navigate through the ever-evolving landscape of technology and entrepreneurship, I’ve come to understand that setting and revisiting goals is fundamental to growth. My aspirations span across several key areas:

1. Educational Pursuits: My foundation in technology continues to fuel my thirst for knowledge. However, as the boundaries between disciplines blur, I find myself drawn to the intersection of technology with business strategy and psychological insights. This integrated approach not only enriches my professional capabilities but also enhances my interpersonal interactions, offering a comprehensive understanding of the human elements driving technological adoption and innovation.
2. Social Entrepreneurial Success: The digital revolution has ushered in a new era of connectivity, fundamentally altering our lives and work. This transformation presents unparalleled opportunities for entrepreneurial ventures that bridge the gap between technology and social impact. My aim is to leverage my technical savvy to foster initiatives that not only succeed commercially but also contribute positively to society. Continuing to empower myself and others to navigate and excel in this digital age is a cornerstone of my mission.
3. Growth as a Writer: Writing remains a profound passion of mine, serving as both a sanctuary and a platform for expression. It allows me to dissect and share my thoughts while offering support and inspiration to others. Writing has offered me a creative outlet and voice, but more importantly, a chance to connect with and help others beyond the confines of direct interaction, while learning and growing myself. 

I’ll never pretend to have the answers to every question or the solutions to every problem, but I have over a decade of experience as a tech professional. Knowledge of technology is what I live and breathe, and my purpose in writing this blog is to inform and encourage you and others to make use of the resources that are readily (and often freely!) available. Admittedly, these resources can seem unwieldy and challenging for many newer users, but with the proper guide, you’ll find that any path can be traversed.

I stand ready and eager to offer guidance for anyone beginning their self-growth journey or desiring to improve their tech awareness.

Other Places I hang out

In addition to my Blog. You can find and connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter  🙂

“All you can change is yourself, but sometimes that changes everything!”— Gary W. Goldstein

Updated 3/7/2024 [Originally written and published May 17, 2015 10:21 pm]