From rebuilding vintage computers to mentoring the next generation of coders, Tracey Treat’s journey has been anything but linear – and that’s the way she likes it! A Technovation alumna, mentor, recent computer science graduate, and artist, Tracey has proven that there are many ways to thrive in STEM and that persistence often matters more than perfection.
Finding Her Way: Early Passion, Setbacks, and Persistence
When Tracey graduated from high school in 2018, she was determined to pursue Computer Science, despite her teachers suggesting she choose something “less math focused” – she preferred working on her own projects over doing homework, and that showed in her grades! However, she had loved computers since she started programming at eight years old, so the choice felt only natural.
But the road wasn’t easy. Calculus classes took multiple attempts, and her GPA wasn’t initially high enough for her intended major. She pivoted to studying Art, her second passion, and tried to find her footing. Then the pandemic hit.
Reigniting the Spark Through Hands-On Learning
During lockdown, Tracey landed her first ever job as a student IT worker at the University of Minnesota’s College of Science and Engineering. That role rekindled her love for computing and opened the door to a Software Engineering certificate during a gap year. With new focus and maturity, she later transferred to Metro State University, where she successfully earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
One of Tracey’s proudest projects came in 2020 when she decided to build her own PC from scratch. “I was worried I would break something,” she admitted, “but everything worked!”
That first project sparked a love for restoring old machines. She fixed up her grandparents’ 20-year-old computer, and gave new life to another laptop, while even restoring her childhood MacBook. For Tracey, these projects are more than just technical exercises, they’re creative outlets, blending her artistic curiosity with her technical expertise.
Technovation’s Lasting Impact: Confidence, Community, and Leadership
Tracey’s Technovation journey began in 2014, when she attended Minnesota’s very first Appapalooza showcase. Inspired, she joined a team the next year, even if it meant driving miles to another school to find a coach. She continued competing through ninth and tenth grade and mentored all throughout high school and college.
The experience was transformative. In 2016, at just 16 years old, she delivered a talk at DevOpsDays, a conference that connected her with lifelong friends, mentors, and professional opportunities. “That confidence came directly from my Technovation experience,” she said.
Lessons Learned—and Advice for the Next Generation
Through Technovation and beyond, Tracey has learned that teamwork and mindset make all the difference.
- On collaboration: “Working on a team isn’t always smooth sailing. But checking in, listening, and resolving conflicts is key—and those skills are vital in the workplace.”
- On perfectionism: “No one submits a ‘perfect’ project. What matters is presenting with confidence. Even if you’ve only built a prototype, own it. Enthusiasm can take you farther than you think.”
- On STEM myths: “Success in tech doesn’t have to mean becoming a software engineer at Google or moving to the Bay Area. There are so many meaningful careers in tech. For me, DevOps and IT always felt like home—and I’ve found a strong community right here in the Twin Cities.”
While winning regionals in 2015 was a highlight in Tracey’s memory, her favorites are from mentoring. “There’s something extra special about helping a team go from ideation to a tangible product. Plus, I just really love teaching.”
To students nervous about presenting their Technovation projects, Tracey offers this advice, “You’ve already done the hard work—think of your presentation as a victory lap. Practice until you feel comfortable, and remember that the judges and audience are there to cheer you on. We’re all celebrating what you’ve accomplished.”
Tracey Treat’s journey shows that there’s no single path to success in STEM. Whether she’s restoring old computers, mentoring students, or exploring the intersections of tech and art, Tracey continues to embody resilience, curiosity, and community spirit. And through it all, she carries forward the lessons and the confidence she gained from Technovation.
✨ Inspired by Tracey’s journey?
Technovation Girls Minnesota is open to all girls ages 8–18 who want to turn their ideas into impact. Whether you are new to coding or already exploring tech, this program gives you the chance to build apps, solve real-world problems, and gain lifelong mentors and teammates.