Jacqueline Catala, 55: A Woman in Tech and in Love

At 55, Jacqueline Catala has hair like a superhero and embodies a spirit unbounded by the constraints of tradition or geography. Bicoastal and brimming with vitality, she lives with her husband in a world where the only constants are innovation and change. From a dream high-rise apartment in LA to a peaceful existence in St. Petersburg, Florida, her life’s trajectory has been anything but predictable. 

Join us as Jacqueline delves into her dynamic career in tech, a field in which she started a business called Forge Technology Advisors to deliver cutting-edge technology with strategic insight to help companies navigate and thrive in the digital age. Her late-blooming love story is poignant, and how she navigates the rapid currents of technological advancements and personal evolution—all without the ties of kids, pets, or even a single houseplant—is inspiring. Jacqueline also shares insights on staying relevant in a fast-paced industry, the joys of discovering one’s “female side” later in life, and why she feels more alive and in love than ever.

How old are you?
I’m 55, and I always have to go back and count because I’m like, What the hell is it now?

And where do you live?
We’re currently bicoastal. I live part-time in LA and part-time in St. Petersburg, Florida. My husband and I don’t have kids, pets, plants, or a mortgage, which keeps us mobile. We moved to Florida during COVID-19, but, for context, our policy is that we have no kids, pets, plants, or mortgage. Therefore, we’re very, very, very mobile. We like to immerse ourselves in the location and the culture like we live there, even for only two weeks. But we take our time around. We act like we belong there and like to experience other people. And, you know, LA has a very different culture than New York or Florida.

Why did you end up leaving LA?
It was like the Bermuda Triangle. We got engaged and moved into this dream apartment in downtown LA—a high-rise overlooking Staples Center, with views of the Hollywood sign and the entire city from the 30th floor. It was an expensive place with two pools and a beautiful gym—the whole deal. We were set for this vibrant downtown lifestyle, but, two weeks later, lockdown happened. We unpacked, and then everything shut down.

There were no restaurants, no concerts—nothing. All those amenities we’d been excited about vanished overnight. Business exploded because everyone needed tech solutions to work from home, and I was under constant pressure. And then the city itself felt like it was unraveling. I’d watch people marching around our building every day, the National Guard set up camp across the street, and we had military vehicles, armed guards, and riots outside.

It became so overwhelming that I cried every night. Finally, after four months of chaos, my fiancé said, “We need to get you somewhere peaceful—let’s go to Florida.” He was in full rescue mode and by 7:30 that night, he was packing the car and convincing me to go. We took what we could fit, drove 24 hours straight, and left LA behind.

What drew you to the tech field?
My passion for tech was ignited during my college days as a physics major, and it has only grown since. I transitioned from telecom engineering to tech consulting, where I found the perfect balance between business acumen and technical knowledge. In February, I co-founded Forge Technology Advisors, a consulting business that helps companies navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cutting-edge technology, from cybersecurity to AI.

What’s it like to be a woman in such a male-dominated field?
I never focused on being a “woman in tech”. I was usually one of only a few women from college onward, so I became comfortable in that space. My skills have always been valued, and now, as a business owner, I’ve received a lot of encouragement, even from male peers who want to see more women succeed in tech. It’s been a journey, but I’ve found that my gender has never been a barrier to my success in this field.

I never considered myself a “woman in tech”—that wasn’t even a conversation topic when I was younger. I’m 55, and back then, there were very few women in fields like physics, which I studied. In my program, it was just me and one other woman; everyone else was a man. But I never felt out of place. I was always comfortable around men and very focused on the work.

Interestingly, I only found my “female side” later in life, learning to appreciate the social and more “girly” conversations I’d missed back then. Now, I can talk about things like nails or my blue hair streak for hours, and I enjoy that side of myself, too. I guess I see myself as having multiple sides, both technical and personal, that I enjoy flexing.

While the tech industry still has a long way to go in terms of gender diversity, I am optimistic about the future. Starting Forge Technology Advisors this February has given me a fresh perspective on the industry. I choose to focus on the work and building a successful business, rather than dwelling on any preconceived notions about women in tech.

How do you feel about the rapid changes in tech?
Technology moves fast, and that’s exciting but challenging. We must constantly learn new things to stay ahead, especially with developments like AI. It’s rewarding but can feel like being in school nonstop, which is both thrilling and exhausting.

Speaking of AI, what excites or concerns you most about its development?
AI is astonishing in how it can enhance business functions, like automating customer service through advanced contact centers. But, on a societal level, I worry about its potential to replace human jobs. It’s fantastic, but I wonder about the long-term impacts on employment and how it will change the workforce.

What advice would Jacqueline Catala give young people or anyone looking to break into tech?
Skip college for traditional degrees and go to a tech trade school instead. Those programs are more affordable, shorter, and highly specialized, allowing people to work in tech without the time and debt that often come with a traditional college degree.

Do you think there’s ageism in tech?
It does exist, especially in job searches, but running my own business means I haven’t experienced it directly. Our age and experience often work in our favor as consultants, as our clients rely on our depth of knowledge.

What’s been the biggest challenge so far in your career?
Starting my own business at 55. I’d spent years consulting, but launching Forge Technology Advisors meant shifting to an owner mindset—handling operations, marketing, and managing people. It’s a big transition, but I’m enjoying the challenge.

You got married at 50. What made you decide to marry later in life?
I’d never met someone I wanted to marry until my husband, Todd. We clicked, and he gave me a sense of strength and partnership I hadn’t found before. We married during COVID at a courthouse—no big wedding, just us. We’ve seen an outstanding balance together. And we had never been married before. I have a gorgeous husband. Neither of us have children from any prior relationships. We are madly in love like teenagers. It’s kind of ridiculous. I feel like a 14-year-old girl sometimes. 

How do you unwind and go offline?
My husband and I love exploring new places. We’re always drawn to unique architecture and cultural experiences, from local restaurants to historic sites. I love to hold his hand and walk around or snuggle up next to him in a restaurant booth. We take time to immerse ourselves rather than rushing around. I was solo for so long, and I’m really enjoying being part of a couple.

What are you listening to?
Classical, French pop music, 90s rock, Disney songs (I’ve loved the Sleeping Beauty song since I was a kid).

So, I have to ask about the blue streak in your hair. Has it been there for a while, or did you try it on a whim?
I started it a few years ago during COVID, primarily out of boredom. I originally had plain brown hair but wanted to experiment. My inspiration was an X-Men character with a gray stripe in her hair, which she got because her powers were so intense. I loved the idea of embodying that kind of power, but when I initially went for gray, my husband wasn’t a fan; so, I tried different colors and landed on blue. It just felt right, and, eventually, it became my signature. People missed the blue streak even when I returned to brown for a bit, so I brought it back. To keep it up, it’s a salon process—they bleach the section and then apply the blue.

Brilliant. What are three nonnegotiables for Jacqueline Catala?
First, constantly improve yourself personally and professionally. Always spend time working on yourself. Most of my limitations seem self-imposed—I fix them with self-improvement. This will always be part of my life.

Two is my biohacking. I’m on top of the latest cutting-edge procedures to encourage old bodies to feel better. Fifty-five does NOT feel like 25. I don’t want to be slowed down. So, using hormone replacement, supplements, red light therapy, and whatever I can find that has medical studies behind it to keep me up and running I participate in. 

Three is to get enough sleep.

And my bonus nonnegotiable? My husband. I never, never, never want to lose him. He’s a treasure beyond belief. Every day, I can’t believe my luck. 

Is there any place on the radar for you and your love to land next?
Paris. My father is French, and I have dual citizenship. I can speak French decently enough. My husband loves Paris, so we want to live there for a while. I’d love to go live in Portugal or Poland.

No plants, no pets, but Portugal, Poland, and Paris.
That’s right, that’s right!

Is there anything in the world that would make you have a plant or a pet?
Oh, you know what? We do have a Lego bonsai tree. 

Perfect! Thanks so much, Jacqueline. You’re truly inspiring!

Connect with Jacqueline:
LinkedIn
FORGE

All images are by Ray Katchatorian.