At Center 615, we’re proud to be an HQ for businesses that not only build successful careers but also reshape what inclusivity looks like in practice.
One of those members is Repped in Tech®, a research-driven professional development company founded by Dr. Teresa “Dr. T” Vasquez. Grounded in evidence-based practices, lived experience, and community care, Repped in Tech® supports people who learn and lead differently, helping them build meaningful, long-term careers in technology where they can thrive and succeed in authenticity.
We sat down with Dr. T to learn more about the mission behind Repped in Tech®, the work they’re doing in the tech community, and what it’s like to call Center 615 home.
How Long Have You Been at Center 615?
We’ve been at Center 615 since June of last year, so we’re still pretty new here. For this chapter of Repped in Tech®, it’s been a great launchpad for our family business and the work we’re doing with neurodivergent technologists.
What Drew You to Working in Tech & Career Development in the First Place?
I did not grow up dreaming about tech. I was actually floundering in HR when a VP of Information Technology pulled me aside and asked if I wanted to be his assistant.
He quickly figured out I was smart as hell, so he let me start troubleshooting and testing software. Then I was training users at 22–23 years old while extremely pregnant. One day, he told me, “You’re too smart for this job,” and offered to let me leave work twice a week after lunch to go to college so I didn’t have to pay for childcare.
I finished my associate’s at Nashville State, went on a full ride to MTSU, got my degree, and came back like he told me to. He hired me again, and from there I kept going: master’s, doctorate, research in neurodiversity and tech.
That is how I fell in love with technology: one leader who saw me drowning, handed me a shot, and backed it up with real support.
What Is Your Favorite Thing About What You Do?
We are a family-run company, so my favorite thing is that we get to help people together.
We support neurodivergent technologists, and my favorite part is holding people lovingly accountable. Information is cute, but accountability is where transformation happens. I like being the person who says, “Here’s the pattern, here’s the impact, now what are you going to do with it?” because I want the same thing reflected back to me.
What Have Been some of Your Biggest Challenges in Business and Life?
In business, the biggest challenge is balancing passion and philanthropy. When you grow up without much, it is hard to say, “No, this has a price.” Our work is brilliant, evidence-based, and life-changing, and learning to charge appropriately for that has been a real growth edge.
In life, getting laid off in 2016 was a major turning point. I had over a decade in tech, a doctorate, years of research in neurodiversity and technology, and still ended up on food stamps. That was the moment I realized the “traditional route” was no longer built for me. I had to bet on myself harder than I ever had so I could take care of my family. That leap is why our life looks completely different now.
Where Do You Do Your Best Work/What Is Your Ideal Work Setup?
Give me:
- A door I can close
- Natural light
- A big whiteboard
- Strong Wi-Fi
I need space where my nervous system is calm, I can pace, sketch ideas on the wall, then sit and focus.
What’s Your Favorite Amenity That Center 615 Offers?
Room rentals and the flexibility of the space. Being able to grab a room that fits what I need that day keeps our whole operation running smoother.
Do You Have a Favorite Meeting Room at Center 615?
Yes—our office!
What Do You Think About the Weekly Ginger Shots?
Those ginger shots are the highlight of my Wednesday. They burn a little, in the best way, and feel like a tiny reset button in the middle of the week. I hate when I miss them.
What Are Some of Your Favorite Places to Cisit in East Nashville and the Surrounding Area?
There’s a church up the street where they’ve hosted the Edgar Allan Poe speakeasy the last couple of years. I love that space. You can feel how old it is, but it still holds its charm. It has that very specific, slightly dramatic vibe that makes my little gothic heart happy.
Be a Part of Center 615
Looking for a workspace that feels like home for the services you provide? Center 615 is more than a shared office space; it’s a professional community fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth. From private offices to flexible coworking options and eight on-site meeting rooms, our East Nashville campus offers a full list of amenities to help streamline operations, and the opportunity to connect with a wide variety of entrepreneurs, consultants, wellness practitioners, legal professionals, and extraordinary organizations like Repped in Tech®.
If you’re ready for an office or coworking setup that supports the way you work, Center 615 could be just the answer. Schedule a tour today.
