French Toast Every Time

Tech Expert Irma Olguin Wants to Change Lives Through Education

Irma Olguin is the president of the software company Edit LLC and a self-described professional geek. Before joining a Zócalo/The California Wellness Foundation panel discussion on Fresno, California, and its struggle with homelessness, inequality, and unemployment—“Can Fresno Win the War on Poverty?”—she talked in the Zócalo Green Room about her path to geekdom, the need in Fresno for better writing instruction, and the joy of finding shapes in the clouds.

Q:

What’s your favorite dinosaur?


A:

T. rex, of course. That’s everyone’s favorite, right?


Q:

You’re a big fan of Friends. Who’s your favorite character?


A:

Phoebe. She’s the fun one.


Q:

Is there such thing as too much technology?


A:

Sure. Sometimes you just need to go outside and find shapes in the clouds.


Q:

What about your upbringing made you want to become a professional geek?


A:

It was a total accident. I didn’t touch a computer until I went to college. But my brother said I wasn’t smart enough, so I said, “Let’s see about that.”


Q:

What’s the coolest technological idea you’ve come up with?


A:

It has nothing to do with technology. It’s giving people the chance to change their lives through technology. Like when you’re in a rural school, and you expose kids to new possibilities.


Q:

What’s something you’re afraid of but shouldn’t be?


A:

Cockroaches.


Q:

Do you have any pets?


A:

My dog, Bruce. He’s a mutt.


Q:

You have a degree from the University of Toledo, in Ohio. If someone only has an hour to spend in Toledo, what should they do?


A:

Everybody will tell you to go to the zoo, but I say go eat.


Q:

What’s one skill that needs to be taught better to kids in Fresno?


A:

How to write.


Q:

Pancakes or French toast?


A:

French toast every time.


*Photo by Roe Borunda.