GirlGeek of the Week
February 2001

Kelly Markham

Kelly Markham was a computer lab assistant in 7th grade and then nominated class computer wizard in 8th grade. Unfortunately, she did not promote her bad, GirlGeek self in those days. "I was definitely doing it to get out of music class," says Kelly.

In college, Kelly designed and redesigned websites and built and re-built her computer, over and over again just for the geeky fun of it.

Nowadays, geek is the in-crowd and Kelly is the head cheerleader. She is the webmaster for i-Street.com, a Chicago new media company. She maintains all aspects of the site, including: featured content, interactive web applications, citywide newsletters, webcasts, etc. She spends her time actively promoting Chicago's high-tech scene and learning new technologies.

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

The love and obsession part didn't kick-in until college. It had to be that Friday night I stayed home to call tech support because I was experiencing withdrawal.

How do you earn a living?

I am the webmaster/online content manager for i-Street.com. I am the one who uploads those breaking stories in the wee-hours of the morning.

Do you consider yourself a Geek?

Ahem, head cheerleader would be the correct term (see above).

What is your favorite Website?

Wdvl.com
Computerarts.co.uk
LaunchChicago.com

What do you do when you are not working?

Freelance websites, attend techie events, and buy Marlon Brando movies on ebay.

What's your motto?

Live hard, die young and leave a good-looking website!

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Woody Allen, except in 'Chicago' in lieu of 'Manhattan.'

Who is the person you most admire?

Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis, you just can't do any better than that.

When and where were you the happiest?

7th Grade Computer Lab, innocent and un-commercialized

If you could have one super power what would it be?

I want to hang out with Virtual Jay Leno.