Talent Spotlight: Kelly Lozoya

What’s your background? How did you end up getting at Booz Allen Hamilton as a Junior Software Developer?
I graduated with a BA in Communication and a minor in Spanish from the College of Charleston. My passion for language learning drove me to work internationally in Central America and Europe before I settled into working as an immigration paralegal. My pursuit of challenge and growth has led me to a whole new branch of language learning- computer language! From March to June 2022, I was a part of the Harbor Entrepreneur Center’s JRS Coding School and am now working as a Junior Software Developer for Booz Allen Hamilton.

How did you end up in CHS?
As a Greenville, SC native, attending CofC felt like a no-brainer. Although I did leave Charleston for several years after graduating, I always knew I wanted to come back to the beach, charming downtown streets and outstanding restaurant scene!

Fill in the Blank. “Only in CHS can you _____”
.. bounce from strolling through the Marion Square farmer’s market to kayaking and crabbing to the best meal of your life all in one day.

What are the biggest benefits to working in CHS?
A huge draw is the quality of life. There is just so much good here! Charleston has amazing beaches, endless places to explore/outdoor fun, outstanding food, a cool and eclectic community, world famous festivals, a beautiful downtown you never get tired of… and the list goes on! Getting to live and work here while casually enjoying all of these perks? Yes, please.

What’s the best networking or collaboration event in CHS?
DIG South is the best collaboration and networking event in Charleston that I’ve gotten to be a part of. You’ve got tech gurus and entrepreneurs colliding over the course of two days. The opportunity to learn and connect is like no other!

Are there any mentoring, shadowing, or professional development opportunities you recommend for junior staff?
Yes! Charleston Women in Tech is an amazing all-volunteer organization that holds networking events and professional development opportunities throughout the year. It is a great way to find a mentor- whether it’s mentorship that forms organically through the events they hold or through their mentorship matching program

Where do you envision (program, company, etc.) going in the future?
Over the next few years, I hope to become a senior software engineer and eventually, a tech lead.

What have been your biggest challenges to date? Any of those barriers surprising?A lack of self–confidence in this field has been a challenge as I’ve made this career transition. It’s an obstacle that I had expected, especially coming into tech from a non–traditional route–  but is real and difficult challenge nonetheless. I am thankful to mentors and peers for helping me shake out the “What ifs?” and the “Am I good enough?” to help me get where I am and to keep going.

Any advice for new grads seeking to work in your industry?
Network. Ask questions. Be curious. Be open. Don’t give up!

What are you passionate about outside of work? What keeps you balanced?
Outside of work, being active and outdoors is what keeps me balanced (read: sane). I jump at any chance to head to the beach or to be on the water. I am also a Peloton lover and have just started taking salsa dancing classes.

Describe your ideal, quintessential Charleston day.
It would start with a walk downtown. I like to park at Colonial Lake and grab a coffee while I get lost in the winding south of Broad neighborhoods. After that, I’d head to Folly for a few hours for reading, walking and (attempting to) surf. Once sufficiently crisp, I’d grab a drink at Lowlife and stop on the way home to pick up fresh shrimp for dinner.

Questions about working in Charleston? Connect.

• Find job openings in the Charleston region
• View careers at Booz Allen Hamilton
• Connect with Kelly on LinkedIn