The technology industry is one of the most dynamic and innovative sectors in the world, but it is also one of the most male-dominated. According to a recent report, only 36.7% of positions sent interview requests to female candidates in 2021. However, there are some women who are breaking the barriers and inspiring others with their success and impact in tech. In this article, we will introduce three of them and their stories.
Sonal Shah: From Finance To Tech
Sonal Shah had a successful career in finance for 20 years, but she felt that something was missing. She wanted to pursue her passion for technology and make a difference in the world. She decided to reskill herself by getting a master’s degree in computing and information technology. As a result, she landed a vice president role at Barclays, where she leads a team of software engineers and data scientists.
But Sonal’s journey did not stop there. She also founded She Chose Tech, a platform that empowers other women who want to enter or advance in the tech industry. She offers coaching and tips on how to navigate the corporate landscape as a minority. She says, “There are not enough women in the room, and this is why I set up She Chose Tech, a service where I speak and share my journey about diversity in tech.”
Danielle Dodoo: From Arts To Networks
Danielle Dodoo had a bachelor’s degree in arts, but she was attracted by the higher entry-level pay and opportunities in tech. She enrolled in a course in New York that trained her to become a network and systems administrator. However, she soon realized that it was not an easy path. She recalls, “I did know that I was doing something that even I perceived to be a great challenge and I knew that every step I took from then on had to be intentional if I was to succeed.”
Danielle did not give up. She worked hard to learn the skills and gain the experience she needed to excel in her role. She also sought mentors and allies who supported her along the way. Today, she is a senior director of IT infrastructure at Warner Music Group, where she oversees the global network operations and security. She is also an advocate for women in tech and mentors young girls who aspire to join the field.
Risa Yoshida: From Japan To Silicon Valley
Risa Yoshida grew up in Japan, where she studied computer science and mathematics at Kyoto University. She was fascinated by artificial intelligence and wanted to pursue a career in research. She applied for a PhD program at Stanford University, where she was accepted with a full scholarship. She moved to Silicon Valley, where she faced many challenges as a foreigner and a woman in tech.
Risa did not let these obstacles stop her from achieving her goals. She completed her PhD with distinction and published several papers on machine learning and natural language processing. She also joined Google as a research scientist, where she works on cutting-edge projects such as Google Assistant and Google Translate. She says, “I love working on problems that can have a positive impact on people’s lives through technology.”
These are just three examples of women who are empowering tech with their inspiring stories of success and impact. They show that it is possible to overcome the barriers and stereotypes that exist in the industry and create value for themselves and others. They also demonstrate that diversity is not only a moral imperative, but also a source of innovation and excellence.
