Why I Choose Indiana #IndyTech

Many people ask me, “Why do you want to live in Indiana? How can you imagine leaving the paradise of the Sunshine State?!”. Yes, I am a born a raised Floridian and proud of it. I’ve had the luxury of growing up on the beach, spending every day in the warm Florida suns, and playing outside as a child without pounds and pounds of extra layers. Florida has been good to me, and I will always have Florida to call home.

In 2017, I joined TriNet, allowing me to combine my love for people and technology; I had my heart set on participating in the building of a new market in the tech industry. I wanted to focus on an area that would challenge me to explore unfamiliar places and cultures, meet new people, and embrace my vision and passion for building a tight nit ecosystem of customers, support, and partners.

Then, I got my assignment, Indiana.

In all honesty, I was shocked and a little discouraged, but I was also uneducated on what was in store for me. I wondered, “What is tech in Indiana like? How am I going to do this?” It wasn’t long into my research of the state and the business community that I knew I hit a gold mine.  The economy and technological innovation has been rapidly growing year-over-year, expedited when Salesforce added their location and acquired ExactTarget for over $2 billion. 

Ecosystem innovators and tech community developers like TechPoint are taking the country by storm with programs educating people on talent, professional growth, and funding collaboration with venture capitalists and equity partners to support scaling companies.  They also create a sense of healthy competitive spirit by recognizing individuals and business owners with their best-in-class award ceremonies.  

I had the pleasure of sponsoring the Tech 25 Awards in 2017 and was blown away by the culture of the technology community. There is a keen sense of support and respect amongst professionals creating a feeling of “we’re building this together”. The atmosphere is that of pride in what they do and excitement for growth, while maintaining a humble attitude based on strong principles tied to growing up in the Midwest. Needless to say, the people are a delight to interact with; it’s refreshing.

Indiana also has something to offer my family. As a mother of two young daughters, I am excited to raise them in a place where education and family is such a strong part of the state’s culture. With some of country’s best colleges in our backyard, I also have the opportunity to raise my children in a state committed to diversifying an industry with programs like TechGirlz, Indy Women in Tech, and Girls Who Code. 

I am excited for what 2018 has to offer. With a formidable team by my side, and business partners Rashad Lightsey and Will Thompson who are equally excited about my vision and our market expansion, I am here to stay. Indy is on the map, and while I like to believe that I chose Indiana, I am pretty sure INDY CHOSE ME.  

Erika Maita has a passion for people, company culture, and innovative technology. She joined TriNet to ensure the Indiana Technology Ecosystem can focus on product development, sustainability, and national market penetration. TriNet provides their customers with an outsourced HR infrastructure consisting of payroll, medical, and retirement benefits while ensuring full compliance and minimal risk at a state and federal perspective. She can be reached at (317)526-8302 or [email protected]