Marla Schuchman

Tell us your story.

I had been using AOL and Netscape on my parents' computers since about age 9. I used to complain that my dad's modem was slow (9600) compared to my mom's 28.8. When I bought my first computer (one that would live in MY room) with gift money when I was 13, I spent a lot of time talking to strangers in chat rooms, posting on message boards, visiting music websites and of course, updating my AOL profile.

Before we had internet access, I used to play with MS Paint in Windows 3.0 and create "graphic designs". At first, I thought I wanted to be a graphic designer. Then in college I realized I'd like to be the person deciding what the graphic designer would design, so I focused on Marketing careers. After a really poor internship at a failing ad agency, I found a job as a copywriter for a startup. And thus, my current career trajectory was born.

I fell in love with the startup world, and with the parallel tech world. When I knew that first startup wasn't going anywhere fast, I took another job and began some side consulting. At the time, I was an American living in Tel Aviv, and having native English proved useful for companies whose main markets were Europe or the US. Eventually I got my Masters in Management, focusing on Technology and Entrepreneurship.

My last job in Israel was for a Hi-Tech company operating in the digital security space. When I returned to the US, I decided it was time to go off on my own full time. Currently, I consult startups and other businesses as they prepare to launch new ventures. In particular, I focus on Social Entrepreneurship, Clean/Green Tech, and Civic-Government solutions.

What do you most want other women and young girls to know about being a woman in our digital culture?

There are women role models everywhere, you just might have to look harder to find them. And - gasp! - men can be role models too! Your mentor might not be in the same industry or field as you, but that doesn't mean he/she can't support you. Your coach might be younger than you, and maybe that's enough to light a fire that says to you, "gee, I should get on it!" Find someone or many someones who see where you're going and can remind you how to get there if you get lost.