Every year, International Women’s Day is a powerful opportunity to focus minds on continuing issues of gender inequity in the workplace, particularly in technology related roles. It gives us an opportunity to sense-check the progress we’re making, celebrate those working hard to engineer change, and renew our commitments to keep going.
However, there are 364 other days in the year during which the stories of women making their mark in tech are really written. Tech For Good asked an international cross-section of successful women-in-tech for a reflection on their own stories, and their advice for those that may follow their example.
Daisy Leak
Director of Production, Magnopus
After initially coming to LA to do TV and comedy, YouTube started to become a popular platform. It opened up new opportunities for people to create and consume entertainment and it made me think “wow, maybe there are other ways to influence the entertainment industry.”
I grew up playing video games and my mom was interested in tech throughout my childhood, so I had some early influences that stayed with me and I remember thinking that tech could have a greater impact on the entertainment industry than I had initially considered.
After initially coming to LA to do TV and comedy, YouTube started to become a popular platform. It opened up new opportunities for people to create and consume entertainment and it made me think “wow, maybe there are other ways to influence the entertainment industry.”
I grew up playing video games and my mom was interested in tech throughout my childhood, so I had some early influences that stayed with me and I remember thinking that tech could have a greater impact on the entertainment industry than I had initially considered.
While working on TV shows and creating YouTube content during the day, I got a night shift at Disney working on their games customer support team answering questions from kids. This part-time job became my passion. I came to the realisation that by combining technology and entertainment, it’s possible to transform the very nature of entertainment itself. I went on to spend eight years as a producer at The Walt Disney Company working on social games and interactive.
One thing I’ve noticed as a female coming into a predominantly male industry is that sometimes you need to adapt the way you communicate. I’m not saying change who you are but learn to communicate effectively with the audiences that dominate the landscape. It’s not about compromising your identity or playing by their rules, it’s about understanding how to communicate your perspective so you are heard.
Gradually the tech space is being filled with different faces, different gender identities, races, ethnicities, etc. It’s better than it was, for sure. But I think there’s still a lot of room to grow and improve. I don’t think I’ve experienced barriers because I don’t see barriers as something that stops me – they are something to navigate on my way to achieving my goals.
As a female in tech and entertainment, you have to be tenacious at all times, you simply cannot afford to be passive. Your knowledge, your perspective, and your points of view matter and you are the only person that can truly ensure that is the case. I recognise that not all women in tech have had the same experience as me. Many have faced more significant barriers and obstacles than I have due to gender bias and discrimination. So I believe it’s also our responsibility to foster communities that support addressing the unfair barriers affecting women and underrepresented groups in this field.
Diversity in the tech industry brings fresh perspectives and new ideas to the table. Women often approach problem-solving and innovation differently from men, and their unique viewpoints will lead to more creative solutions and products in the marketplace.
The metaverse/3D internet/future web – whatever we want to call it – is and will continue to be a significant economic and social force. As women (and other diverse groups) we need to ensure it’s diverse, accessible, and inclusive for everyone. We can’t wait for an invitation, we need to actively step in to shape the future.
Carmen Duran-Wolburg
Vertical Partnerships Director, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise
Technology was always an interest of mine, but it wasn’t something I was entirely focused on. Growing up, the tech industry was projected as a very male-dominated space and there didn’t seem to be room to enter that world.
I ended up studying international business and marketing, never intending for it to lead me to tech. Although the representation of women in tech rose by less than one percent in 2022, achieving a role in the tech industry made me realise how attitudes are changing to evolve past these gender biases.
Technology was always an interest of mine, but it wasn’t something I was entirely focused on. Growing up, the tech industry was projected as a very male-dominated space and there didn’t seem to be room to enter that world.
I ended up studying international business and marketing, never intending for it to lead me to tech. Although the representation of women in tech rose by less than one percent in 2022, achieving a role in the tech industry made me realise how attitudes are changing to evolve past these gender biases.
There are many routes to tech, and you don’t have to take the most obvious one. I have found myself on the business and marketing track, but there are verticals to correlate with many other sectors and skillsets, for example, science, education, fashion, conservation, and health.
Find your passion and follow it. Careers in technology can be exciting: the landscape is constantly evolving with important new discoveries around every corner. Delving into the tech industry allows you the chance to be part of innovation and you can see the effects and changes tech has around the world. You never stop learning!
It’s also crucial to have good role models. Women in tech are being given a voice and we want to share our knowledge and experience with you. There are internships and mentoring programmes specifically aimed at young women entering the tech space which can provide a great learning environment for nurturing the skills to take you further in tech.
I have been fortunate at ALE in that mentoring and development has been a strong focus throughout my career here and I have been able to glean learnings and support from experts in their field who have created the structures and processes that have helped me get to where I am today. For me, mentoring is one of the key areas where technology companies can really offer the best possible support to women in tech.
Joy U Kordts
Senior Content Designer, Personio
Believe it or not, my journey to a career in tech actually started out with me working as a chef in Los Angeles (my hometown) and San Francisco. But when I relocated to Germany in 2012, I realised that the long and unsociable hours that chefs work were not going to allow me to prioritise my partner, my family, and my health.
I pivoted into translation, building on the skills a lifetime of code-switching and interpreting for my first-generation immigrant parents had endowed me with.
Believe it or not, my journey to a career in tech actually started out with me working as a chef in Los Angeles (my hometown) and San Francisco. But when I relocated to Germany in 2012, I realised that the long and unsociable hours that chefs work were not going to allow me to prioritise my partner, my family, and my health.
I pivoted into translation, building on the skills a lifetime of code-switching and interpreting for my first-generation immigrant parents had endowed me with.
This role led to me getting a job as a copyeditor at a tech company in Düsseldorf, where I first learned about UX— more through the process of intellectual osmosis than anything at first!
This is when everything changed for me. I was fascinated by UX, and before long this led me to becoming the company’s first UX writer. Before I knew it, I had built a UX writing sub-team around me. Five years later, I started my second role as a UX writer/content designer, this time as a senior, at Personio.
An inevitability in life as a womxn is that, every now and then, you’ll run into people who expect less of you than your male counterparts. Of course it can hurt – especially if those people are people who care about you, like family, or people you respect and look to for answers and validation.
This is especially important to remember if you’re entering the world of tech, where it’s tempting to look at yourself through the eyes of the people around you, who you might feel are so much smarter and wiser than you are because of their experience. But you know what you can be. Don’t let others’ expectations stop you.
Never, ever, forget: you alone determine how capable you are. Another person’s opinion and expectation of you, no matter what it is and who they are, is just a powerless thought if your actions disprove them.
Laura Barrowcliff
Head of Strategy and Customer Insight, GBG
In school, I wanted to be a teacher, but I think that was because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and people said I would be good at it. I kept my options open and after A-levels, I did a degree in English Language at Liverpool University. I got a job straight out of Uni at an advertising agency, and there I completed a CIM diploma in marketing. Unfortunately, that agency went into liquidation, which led me to apply for a marketing role at GBG on a 10-month fixed-term contract, and here I am 12 years later!
In school, I wanted to be a teacher, but I think that was because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and people said I would be good at it. I kept my options open and after A-levels, I did a degree in English Language at Liverpool University. I got a job straight out of Uni at an advertising agency, and there I completed a CIM diploma in marketing. Unfortunately, that agency went into liquidation, which led me to apply for a marketing role at GBG on a 10-month fixed-term contract, and here I am 12 years later!
During my time at GBG I’ve worked hard, been ambitious and made sure I was open to good opportunities as they have arisen. I spent several years in the product team, which gave me a rounded experience of the business and developed my skills in stakeholder management, technical knowledge, and product and commercial strategy.
GBG is a great place for developing people and as the company has grown, I’ve been able to take opportunities to grow as well, with great support from the leadership team. While at the company I’ve been able to add to my learning with a professional diploma in management from Coventry University, and a certificate in Executive Strategy from the SAID Business School.
I went to an all-girls high school and honestly, I don’t remember technology roles being discussed as an option for us. How wrong they were!
There are huge opportunities for women in technology and the technology sector is so vast and expansive that even if you don’t think you are technically minded (whatever that means), then there are opportunities to use many different types of skills and experiences.
We all use technology in our day-to-day lives and that technology should be built by a diverse workforce that is representative of the population. Currently, the technology sector is predominantly male, and you can make a difference in making technology work for women and future generations by considering a career in the sector.
Sarah Ennett
Smart Island Manger, Digital Isle of Man
When I was at high school in the late 80s/early 90s, it was assumed that the only route was university and there was no conversation about what topics you actually enjoyed and were naturally good at. I grew up with computers and was programming in BASIC at home for fun. I don’t remember having IT lessons at school or being made aware of career options in tech. All I knew in high school was that I wanted to do something that would allow me to progress.
When I was at high school in the late 80s/early 90s, it was assumed that the only route was university and there was no conversation about what topics you actually enjoyed and were naturally good at. I grew up with computers and was programming in BASIC at home for fun. I don’t remember having IT lessons at school or being made aware of career options in tech. All I knew in high school was that I wanted to do something that would allow me to progress.
I ended up on a university course that really didn’t suit me, so I dropped out and starting temping. That was the making of me, especially at a time where computers weren’t prevalent in office environments. I was a fast learner and able to use spreadsheet and database packages. My confidence grew and I enjoyed being part of an organisation and trying to help it be more efficient in its operation.
I am based on the Isle of Man, which is a brilliant location for women interested in tech, thanks to the wide range of career options and thriving tech sector. I’ve spent the majority of my career in the telecommunications sector to date, and the industry on the island is really exciting to work in. Given the fast-paced evolution of technical change it’s meant there is no time to get bored and you are used to learning new things continually.
Ignore stereotypical ideas of what a technology career may look like and who can succeed in the sector, and really think about the changing world of work where nearly every career requires you to have good digital literacy.
Make sure you explore all the options available to you, there are so many routes to an exciting tech career and I love the fact that apprenticeships and T-Levels are gaining attention. Some people suit a more academic route and others suit a more hands-on or business-focussed approach, while some people either need or want to start earning at 16 or 18; we are all different.
Technology allows us to be more creative, to problem solve, to collaborate, to sift through lots of information quickly, to communicate and so much more, and the tools for doing all this are changing all the time. Our increasing usage of tech means that it’s a great sector to be involved in, and you develop an in-demand set of skills for those creating tools, installing or maintaining them, connecting them, being a power user or trainer.
I currently work as Smart Island Manager at Digital Isle of Man, and it’s a dream role. I’m in the thick of evaluating new Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and how they can help make our island a more secure, vibrant, and sustainable place. It’s inspiring to work with tech that has so many different possible outcomes, from saving energy, making us healthier, reducing carbon emissions and so much more.
No two days are the same and I have the privilege to meet and speak to people from all walks of life who want to make a difference.
Rachael Greaves
CEO and Founder, Castlepoint Systems
I didn’t do a STEM degree, and I went on to found an Artificial Intelligence company.
There are many pathways into a technology career, and the transferable skills from almost any higher education are as valuable as the hard skills of coding and engineering. AI is about seeing patterns, thinking ahead, and finding solutions to problems. I used these skills, which I gained in my Arts degree, to become an analyst, and then an auditor.
I didn’t do a STEM degree, and I went on to found an Artificial Intelligence company.
There are many pathways into a technology career, and the transferable skills from almost any higher education are as valuable as the hard skills of coding and engineering. AI is about seeing patterns, thinking ahead, and finding solutions to problems. I used these skills, which I gained in my Arts degree, to become an analyst, and then an auditor.
There are many pathways into a technology career, and the transferable skills from almost any higher education are as valuable as the hard skills of coding and engineering. AI is about seeing patterns, thinking ahead, and finding solutions to problems. I used these skills, which I gained in my Arts degree, to become an analyst, and then an auditor.
I designed the Castlepoint solution after about a decade of auditing (and failing) million- and billion-dollar programs, and recognising that everyone was failing in their security, privacy, and compliance obligations for the same reasons. They had too much data, in too many systems, with too many applicable rules – and absolutely no way to understand and map that across the enterprise.
This was causing catastrophic impacts on real people. We have seen vulnerable people dispossessed, unlawfully deported, and even killed because of failures of information control. I developed our solution with the goal of stopping this from happening again.
Since we released it, we have found evidence of child abuse that was otherwise hidden. We have enabled Indigenous Data Sovereignty. We have responded to hacks and helped to prevent them. Those are the kind of outcomes that you will achieve, guided by your own vision and mission, using the skills you learn in whatever discipline you find most engaging and rewarding.
Laurène Armer
Launch Systems Safety Engineer, Gravitilab Aerospace Services
Growing up, I always loved science and space. My career goal at high school was to become an astrophysicist because I would contribute to space discovery. After some reflection, I realised that this job would lead me to a research career as opposed to a practical engineering job. I then decided to study engineering and discovered it could bring me not only technical knowledge but also leadership, communication, enthusiasm and critical reasoning skills.
Growing up, I always loved science and space. My career goal at high school was to become an astrophysicist because I would contribute to space discovery. After some reflection, I realised that this job would lead me to a research career as opposed to a practical engineering job. I then decided to study engineering and discovered it could bring me not only technical knowledge but also leadership, communication, enthusiasm and critical reasoning skills.
Being an engineering student was certainly the most exciting part of my life so far! I was able to grow so much personally and it gave me the confidence to follow my engineering career in one of the most fascinating sectors of all: the space sector!
If I have one recommendation to give to young girls who are hesitating in their career path, the journey can’t be defined right from the start; you will find your way because of your perseverance. So follow your dream no matter what it is!
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics have no gender. The skills you can develop in those disciplines are so broad, you will always have the choice of working in various industries, for example cosmetics, agrifood, transportation. Studying in STEM will open up lots of career opportunities you can’t even imagine right now.
Here I am, talking to you as an enthusiastic space engineer, and I would have never imagined myself in this role if you had asked me at your age!
Helen Hawthorn
Head of Solution Engineering EMEA, Zoom
It’s been a long career, there are so many different paths to take now within technology! When I started in this industry, I was a novelty, especially when they found out I actually knew what I was talking about. I never felt blocked at any stage, it was when going into management that I actually found the difference.
I do see many more women coming into the industry, but this seems to be focused on the sales side. I would love to see a bigger drive in articulating some of the unknown jobs that women excel in, for instance, my background in Solution Engineering.
It’s been a long career, there are so many different paths to take now within technology! When I started in this industry, I was a novelty, especially when they found out I actually knew what I was talking about. I never felt blocked at any stage, it was when going into management that I actually found the difference.
I do see many more women coming into the industry, but this seems to be focused on the sales side. I would love to see a bigger drive in articulating some of the unknown jobs that women excel in, for instance, my background in Solution Engineering.
One girl I remember as I explained what I did said, so you are like a shopper for IT! Although maybe a little simplistic, it stuck with her and made her want to go look into how it could happen for her.
It has been an amazing plus for me to be working in the industry I have. As a woman, I was able to work from home when pregnant and during the early years of my child’s upbringing. This allowed me to be able to drop my child at school every day and pick her up. The ability not to miss out on concerts and sports days is not something that I take lightly.
It is amazing that the technology that I help place into businesses is the same one that has enabled me to not only work effectively but also still go into a management position. I do not believe without this I would have been able to.
I feel that women bring a very different mindset when speaking to customers and how technology will affect their business, not only from a financial perspective but also the day-to-day lives of their employees. We find it easier to place ourselves in the shoes of the very people that technology normally helps; to enable the table to become bigger and include people from different backgrounds to be part of decision-making processes.
I still find the biggest barrier is the ‘old boys club’, which is inevitable as they have been in this industry for so long. The only way to break that down is to keep feeding the funnel. The more we get girls involved earlier the more leaders we will have in future generations.
There are many things that women face that mean working in a more remote way, and being able to juggle working at different hours, helps. As a leader, I drive the thought process that 9-5 is not the way we work. I try to help drive people to work at their best, which could mean starting earlier or working later – it is their output that I am interested in.
Of course, in sales we still need to be mindful of our customers, but generally, I have found that giving people the right tools and treating them as adults drive the right output and a bond with a company that makes that possible.
