November 20, 2024
Lynda Grindstaff ‘95, a Computer Science alumnus, has navigated a challenging landscape in her career trajectory, where she faced skepticism and roadblocks based on her status as a working mother. A manager once told her that having children would effectively end her chance of becoming a vice president, while another expressed reluctance to promote her over fears she might leave the workforce to focus on family. In yet another instance, a manager blocked a promotion under the misguided assumption that the demands of motherhood would hinder her professional performance.
Despite encountering these gender-based hurdles throughout her extensive career in the technology and cybersecurity sectors, Grindstaff has chosen not to dwell on resentment or revenge; rather, she channels her experiences into fostering positive change.
Grindstaff actively invests her skills and expertise, drawing upon her personal experience with gender discrimination, to contribute to organizations dedicated to empowering women in the STEM field. This includes her involvement with her alma mater, where she serves on the Industrial Advisory Board for Sacramento State’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.
“I wanted to stay involved at Sac State and give back because … CSUS provided me with essential tools for my career,” Grindstaff explained passionately. “If there’s any way I could assist other students, I felt it was imperative to do so.”
Her fascination with technology was first sparked when her father, an IBM employee, introduced her to a PCjr, an early model of personal computer produced in the mid-80s. She quickly engaged in self-directed learning, teaching herself how to program in BASIC. This passion blossomed further when, as a high school student, she participated in an Expanding Your Horizons career event for girls, where a woman from the burgeoning tech industry inspired her with a compelling presentation.
“I was captivated, thinking, ‘This is going to be significant in the future,’” she recalled. “So, I decided to pursue a major in computer science, which was still a relatively new field at that time.”
Encouraged by her mother to keep her college expenses manageable, Grindstaff chose to attend Sacramento State, balancing her Computer Science courses with a nearly full-time job. As one of only two women in her class, she found solidarity and mentorship through then-Computer Science Chair Anne-Louise Radimsky, one of the few female faculty members in the discipline. Grindstaff also became an active member of the Society of Women Engineers, an organization she continues to support as a life member, while securing a coveted internship at Intel.
Upon graduating, Intel hired her immediately, validating her confidence and preparedness for the industry.
“Sac State equips its students superbly, providing various tools for professional success,” she noted. “You never quite know which tool you’ll need at different stages in your career journey.”
Lynda Grindstaff’s connection to Sacramento State is reinforced not only through her role on the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Industrial Advisory Board but also through her son Andrew, who is set to graduate this December. (Sacramento State/Andrea Price)
With nearly two decades of experience at Intel, Grindstaff ascended to the role of senior director of security innovation before taking on a vice president position in engineering at McAfee, where she served nearly seven years. Her extensive and impressive resume in a crucial field led her to a pivotal decision in 2023: she opted to step away from the corporate world.
“Life is too brief,” Grindstaff reflected. “I wanted to pursue my passions and manage my time as I saw fit, particularly by helping women access opportunities they might otherwise overlook.”
Aware that women are often underrepresented in boardrooms, she actively seeks membership on corporate boards. Currently, she serves on the board of directors for OFGBancorp, a diversified financial holding company based in Puerto Rico, and Women’s Empowerment, a nonprofit organization committed to aiding women and children facing homelessness. Additionally, she holds advisory positions with How Women Lead, a fellowship program designed for female leaders, is a founding limited partner for How Women Invest, and offers strategic advice to the Sacramento startup accelerator Growth Factory.
Her active engagement is driven, in part, by the barriers she encountered as a woman in a male-dominated field, where she observed, “men are often promoted or even hired based on potential, while women typically have to demonstrate their capabilities before gaining the same recognition.”
Grindstaff dedicates a considerable amount of her time to educating others about unconscious bias, which can perpetuate the types of discrimination she has experienced firsthand.
“Everyone harbors biases, both positive and negative, which is natural. The key lies in recognizing them and striving to mitigate their influence on your decision-making processes,” Grindstaff emphasized.
As a member of the College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Industrial Advisory Board, Grindstaff offers valuable guidance and insights to the dean, interacts with students, faculty, and staff during college events, and contributes thoughtfully to philanthropic initiatives.
Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Dean Kevan Shafizadeh remarked on Grindstaff’s impact, describing her as a “wonderful” addition to the advisory board. He noted her role in recruiting additional members, participating in industry panels, and championing broader representation within the college and STEM disciplines at large.
“She has injected energy and fresh perspectives into the ongoing opportunities and challenges faced by the college,” he stated. “Her generosity with her time in providing strategic advice has made her an invaluable member of the advisory board.”
For those interested in learning more about the ECS Advisory Board or considering participation, visit the college’s webpage or reach out to Shafizadeh via email.
How has Lynda Grindstaff’s educational experience at Sacramento State influenced her advocacy work for women in STEM?
**Interview with Lynda Grindstaff, Computer Science Alumnus and Advocate for Women in STEM**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Lynda. You’ve had an impressive career in tech and cybersecurity, overcoming many hurdles along the way. Can you share some of the challenges you faced as a working mother in this field?
**Lynda Grindstaff:** Thank you for having me! Yes, my journey has certainly been challenging. Early in my career, I encountered significant skepticism due to my status as a working mother. For instance, a manager once told me that having children would effectively end my chances of becoming a VP. Such comments were not uncommon—another manager hesitated to promote me, fearing I would leave the workforce to focus on my family. These experiences were frustrating but ultimately motivated me to push for change.
**Interviewer:** It’s remarkable how you turned these obstacles into opportunities for advocacy. What inspired you to contribute specifically to organizations that empower women in STEM?
**Lynda Grindstaff:** A lot of my motivation comes from my personal experiences with gender discrimination and the realization that many women still face similar struggles. I believe that it’s crucial to give back, especially to young women in fields where representation is still lacking. Serving on the Industrial Advisory Board for Sacramento State’s College of Engineering and Computer Science allows me to support students and help them navigate their own journeys. The tools I gained at Sac State were essential for my career, and I want to ensure that others can access similar opportunities.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of your time at Sacramento State, what role did that experience play in shaping your career?
**Lynda Grindstaff:** It was foundational. During my studies, I was one of only two women in my computer science class. It was a bit daunting, but I found great mentorship from Anne-Louise Radimsky, the then-chair of the Computer Science Department. Additionally, my involvement in the Society of Women Engineers provided invaluable support and networking opportunities. Sac State equipped me with not just technical skills but also a sense of community that was incredibly important.
**Interviewer:** After nearly two decades at Intel and a leadership role at McAfee, you made the decision to step away from the corporate world. What prompted that choice?
**Lynda Grindstaff:** Life is too brief, and I realized I wanted to pursue not just my career goals but my passions outside of corporate life. I wanted to manage my time on my terms and focus on helping women access the opportunities they deserve. This shift has allowed me to serve on corporate boards, such as OFGBancorp, and engage with nonprofit organizations like Women’s Empowerment.
**Interviewer:** You’re clearly committed to women’s leadership and empowerment. What advice would you give to young women pursuing careers in STEM?
**Lynda Grindstaff:** Don’t let anyone define your limits. Seek mentorship, build a supportive network, and always be persistent. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and encourage you. Lastly, remember that your unique perspectives are valuable in this field, so embrace your individuality.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Lynda, for sharing your inspiring journey and insights. Your dedication to fostering change and empowering young women in STEM is commendable.
**Lynda Grindstaff:** Thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences! I hope to encourage more women to enter and thrive in STEM fields.