Karla Connolly

What do you love most about your profession? Why did you choose this career?

Finance might not seem like STEM at first, but when you work in a tech incubator, you're right at the heart of it. I love being surrounded by tech innovators; people who are building the future, not fearing it. While the news often focuses on what's going wrong, working in tech brings a sense of optimism and momentum. Every day, I get to support founders solving real problems with bold ideas. I chose accounting because I enjoy solving problems, working with data, and creating structure. I chose to bring those skills to a tech incubator because I wanted my work to contribute to something bigger. By leading financial strategy for an organization that supports early-stage tech startups, I play a behind-the-scenes role in helping the STEM ecosystem thrive.

Why do we need more women in STEM and Skilled Trades?

As a mother of two girls, I want them to grow up knowing they can be part of shaping the future, not just watching it happen. More women in STEM means a world where their ideas, skills, and leadership are expected, not exceptional. The world’s biggest challenges need the best ideas...and we can’t get there without women at the table. More women in STEM and skilled trades means more diverse thinking, better solutions, and stronger teams. It also means breaking down outdated barriers and showing the next generation that talent isn’t defined by gender. When women see themselves in these roles, they’re more likely to step into them...that’s how real change happens.

What was the best advice you have been given?

Don't wait to be ready...just start! That’s especially true in the world of tech startups, where progress matters more than perfection (something I tell my team all the time). The best ideas don’t come fully formed; they grow through testing, learning, and iterating. I’ve learned that taking action, even when things aren’t perfect (as one would assume an accountant would prefer), is often the most powerful step forward!

In what ways are you able to be creative and innovative in your role?

Rigorously ask questions! Creativity in my role comes from finding smarter ways to use resources and designing systems that help our team run more efficiently. Innovation isn’t always about inventing something new; sometimes it’s about asking better questions to challenge old processes. Make stuff better!

What do you do when you feel stuck?

I change my environment...literally. A hike, or picking up an instrument. I also ask myself, “What’s the actual problem here?” Nine times out of ten, it’s not as complicated as it feels. And if that doesn’t work? I talk it out with someone on the team. A fresh perspective (or a good laugh) can do wonders.

Who is your role model? What is it about this person that inspires you?

Taylor Swift, even though her music has never really been my jam. What impresses me is how she captured my attention anyway. For a long time, I didn’t pay much attention to her. But then I took a closer look and thought, wait a second... she’s actually incredibly talented...and ridiculously resilient. She’s faced criticism, reinvention, massive pressure, and still just keeps going! She’s strategic, creative, and in full control of her own story. Honestly, she’s probably every young girl’s idol right now. And if you’re not a fan yet… give it time. Haha.

What is your favorite book? Why is it your favorite?

Execution by Larry Bossidy. It’s not flashy, but it’s real (and slightly dry at times). The book reminds me that great ideas mean nothing without disciplined follow-through. As someone who works on financial strategy and operations, I see firsthand how success isn’t just about vision, it’s about aligning people, processes, and accountability to actually get things done. This book puts the spotlight where it belongs: on execution as a leadership skill.