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This is the third article in our five-part series celebrating Women in STEAM sectors. When we envision careers in technology, our minds often jump to the familiar roles of help desk technicians, software engineers, or cybersecurity experts, but this field is far more diverse.
For Harlem native Toni Robinson, a STEAM career wasn’t part of her early aspirations. Growing up and attending Roberto Clemente Performing Arts Middle School, I.S. 195, her focus was on dance. However, her mother encouraged her to keep all options open, recognizing technology’s growing importance and suggesting fields like engineering. This advice resonated when Toni considered high school, leading her to include Chelsea Vocational High School in her top choices, despite not being her first pick. This seemingly small decision would unexpectedly launch her electronics career.
At Chelsea High School, Toni was one of only two girls in Electronics and felt like a fish out of water. Initially, she wanted to join the other girls in the Business major, but her experience in shop class took an unexpected turn. She began to excel, consistently outperforming her male counterparts. This success sparked a realization of her aptitude. She recognized the advantage of her meticulous approach, problem-solving skills, and steady hands. As Toni puts it, “Electronics was a door I didn’t expect to enter, but when I came across that threshold, there was no stopping me!”
Technology became her focus, and her dedication paid off. Upon graduation, she secured an apprenticeship with the New York City Transit Authority (MTA), a program designed to recruit young talent in various trades. Though initially apprehensive, Toni recognized the immense opportunity and worked diligently while simultaneously pursuing Electromechanical Engineering at CUNY’s New York City College of Technology. These were demanding years, but she was fueled by determination. After her three-year apprenticeship, she became a full-time Revenue Equipment Maintainer. In a department of over 250, only five were women. Her role involved maintaining and repairing electronic equipment in train stations across New York City, contributing to technological advancements like the shift from tokens to MetroCards.
After 18 years, Toni advanced to an Electronics Specialist role at the MTA’s Central Electronics shop, repairing equipment for buses, trains, and communication systems. After five years in that position, she joined NJ Transit as a Principal Technical Specialist, overseeing vehicle monitoring for private contract carrier bus fleets.
Throughout her journey, Toni’s entrepreneurial spirit blossomed. She founded Stilettos & Screwdrivers LLC, an electronics mobile repair company that has evolved into a firm helping tech professionals advance their careers while advocating for women of color in the industry.
Toni’s mission is to encourage women that they belong and can thrive in technology. She enthusiastically says, “It’s fun getting your hands dirty.” Her story proves that a mother’s guidance, hard work, and determination can create unexpected and fulfilling career paths.
