Erica Lockheimer

Mentor Erica Lockheimer, Head of Engineering at LinkedIn Learning, delivered the commencement speech at her alma mater, the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San Jose State University. Erica shared memories from her years at SJSU and the importance of the friendships she forged while there. According to Erica, many of these relationships have lasted over two decades and were instrumental in her success in college as well as her career.
Erica also advised the class of 2018 to never stop learning. While SJSU provides students with a wealth of knowledge, remaining curious and hardworking is crucial to innovation. Last, Erica implored the graduates to pay it forward and make the tech industry one that is accessible to women and people of color. She noted that women make up only 20% of the tech field in the U.S. and said, “You have the opportunity to create something that is vibrant and represents the diversity of our society. You can do it better than we did.”