GirlGeek of the Week
October 2000

Ami Flentje

In 1987, Ami Flentje was a senior in high school taking her first computer class. She was the only girl in the class and one of the few GirlGeeks in the entire school. But she learned to program in DOS on an Apple IIE and launched a lifelong love for technology that would take her everywhere from data entry to high stakes publishing.

In all of those tech jobs she found herself the only female in each company. Undeterred, she took to the Web, expanding her knowledge and broadening horizons. She is nearing MCSE certification, while starting up her own firm, Big River Technology and Consulting.

When did you first discover your love and/or obsession with computers and technology?

My senior year of high school, 1987.

How do you earn a living?

I recently opened my own computer sales and service corporation, Big River Technology and Consulting LLC.

Do you consider yourself a Geek?

um...hang on a sec while I accessorize my pocket protector. Sometimes, I do feel very geeky.

What is your favorite Website?

For fun: comedy central/southpark, midifarm, joecartoon

For work: girlgeeks, bhs

What do you do when you are not working?

I hang out with my business partner/best friend, take walks, ride bicycles, play with my two white cats (both have one blue eye and one gold eye) and study for more certification tests.

What's your motto?

School is NEVER out for the PRO!

Who is the person you most admire?

So many people have had an influence on my life, I just couldn't name them all.

When and where were you the happiest?

Right here, right now.