Heya all,    Thanks for being here and welcome to Women Rock – a voice for diversity in tech!  I’m Alicia, founder of Women Rock, co-founder of SR2, founder of Technology Volunteers organiser of Codebar (phewwww) I’m a positive vibe advocate, lover of constant learning, mushrooms and anything pickled, dislikes pigeons, bad manners and baked beans! Outside of all of that, I’m probably best known for my handstand ability and my almost 10-year tenure as a Tech recruiter in the UK, born and bred in Bristol!    Over the last 10 years I have been a huge supporter of diversity in Tech but always felt I could do so much more, Women Rock is the start of my more. In the early part of my career, it was rare that I spoke or represented women in the industry. Technology wasn’t offered to me as a career when I was leaving school, and my family or friends weren’t interested in Tech so probably naively I didn’t know women were in tech and that makes me sad and we all know we still have so much more to do but not just for women, we’re talking about diversity as a whole.    I love to build relationships every day and in starting this blog, being supported by our awesome Women Rock ambassadors and some of the best companies who are committed to talking about and improving ED&I across our industry I really hope we can make the world a better place!  Women Rock isn’t just for women, we have, and will, continue to hear stories from folk from ethnic minorities, folk who have physical and hidden disabilities. We have incredible stories from trans and gender-diverse peeps and we have spoken to many allies who are committed to live, work and support diversity in their workplace, careers and lives.    Included are conversations about successes, people's struggles, frustrations and commitment from their perspective. We have seen so much improvement when it comes to ED&I but I just don’t think we are sharing and shouting about it enough so that others can follow suit.  I want to create an incredible community and Women Rock to be the place to go to that celebrates diversity.   I’ll leave you with my favourite quote ‘’No matter where you are in life, inspire and empower the women around you. Success is never reached alone. And wisdom and wealth are sweeter shared.’’  Be kind, get enough sleep and don’t change for anyone.  Smiles,  Alicia x 

When was the last time you did something for the first time? Christine Curtius is no stranger to breaking new ground. As the Co-Founder and former CEO of an EV charging startup in Germany, she set out to revolutionize the industry—making EV charging more sustainable and convenient through autonomous technology. In this conversation, Christine takes us through her journey as a female founder in the EV and energy sector, from turning an idea into a fully funded startup to securing government grants. Now, she’s paying it forward, supporting founders and startups across North Rhine-Westphalia. We also dive into her leadership style, the power of diverse teams, and why the language in your job ads could be the key to attracting more women into the industry.   What book would you recommend for our Women Rock bookshelf?  The Cafe At The Edge Of The World What is your favourite song? "mit dir" Joy Denalane and Max Herre. Interviewed By Milo Johnson

“Be proactive and utilise your network” Ying Liu is a Machine Learning Engineer with a Ph.D. in Physics and over four years of industry experience. She is currently the Head of AI at TG0 and one of the founding Directors of the Women Coding Community in London. Her inspiration to support women in tech came after attending AI meet-ups, where she noticed the lack of female representation. Determined to make a difference, Ying began sharing her knowledge and creating opportunities to encourage more women to enter the field. In this blog, Ying talks about her journey and offers advice on how women can successfully transition into tech. Hi Ying, thank you for getting involved with Women Rock! Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to pursue a tech career, specifically in the field of machine learning and AI? I entered the field of machine learning relatively late after transitioning from a PhD in physics. At this time, I had limited coding experience but during my PhD I learned Python so I could develop custom software for simulations. It was during this time I became aware of machine learning's growing popularity in physics through conferences and discussions with peers. In 2018 I attended an event at the Alan Turing Institute discussing AI's impact on life, where a speaker emphasised the rapid evolution of machine learning and the importance of joining the field quickly before being left behind. Motivated by this, I began learning machine learning through online platforms like Coursera and eventually transitioned into the field part-time, marking the beginning of my career in ML. What challenges have you faced in your career to date? Finding that ‘first job’ is hard, especially as I was looking for one that offered the balance between engineering and research which was made even more challenging as I don’t come from the typical computer science or mathematics background. It meant that I had to learn a lot on the job, including basic concepts like computing time and memory management, which are fundamental in computer science and would come more naturally to those who followed a traditional career path. It was during this period I observed that AI meetup events are predominantly attended by men, which motivated me to begin promoting and encouraging more women to get involved in the field. Do you feel that people with a computer science background have an advantage over people who don’t when transitioning into more industry-focused roles? Definitely. There is a noticeable difference in the first few years of work between those with a computer science background and those from a purely academic route. That being said, after a few years of work experience, the difference becomes negligible and having a strong scientific background has its advantages within the field of ML. What is your proudest professional achievement? My proudest achievement was publishing two papers as a first author. The papers focused on visual learning, specifically addressing challenges in gesture recognition with limited data and on low-power devices like microcontrollers. I developed an algorithm to sit on top of legacy AI models, allowing for efficient tuning towards new datasets without extensive retraining. These algorithms have been used and continue to be used in a commercial setting. What advice would you give to young women or women in general who are looking to transition into tech? Tech is a very competitive field so you need to do as much as you can to stand out. Interview panels understand that people entering the field for the first time won’t have much commercial experience to discuss so you should invest time working on personal projects and publishing them on GitHub. It’s also important that your coding skills are as sharp as possible. Again, the bar won’t be as high as it would be for experienced people, but participating in coding challenges is a great way to hone your skills and demonstrates during an interview that you’re eager to learn and develop.  It’s all about differentiating yourself from other people and going the extra mile. Do you think people coming from university or PhD backgrounds should take up a research role or a research engineer role and then try to transition to become a machine learning engineer? Maybe. In my experience, I have found that it's easier for PhD graduates to become machine learning engineers than researchers. Machine learning research roles are harder to come by as fewer companies hire them. There’s a higher demand for machine learning engineers as the title can carry a range of responsibilities and the number of engineers in a business grows as they scale which often isn’t the case for researchers. Moving on to the work you’re doing to help increase diversity in tech. Can you tell us a little more about the Women Coding Community and how your role with the organisation came about? Initially I started volunteering at the London chapter of Women Who Code but unfortunately due to funding issues, the organisation closed. Without wanting to lose the community completely, I and a few other members decided to start the Women Coding Community and things took off quickly, within a few weeks we had a brand new website! Women Coding Community runs various programs including a range of workshops to help people improve their public speaking and interview confidence as well as ones focused on more technical subjects like front and backend development, machine learning etc. We even run book clubs, writing clubs and LeetCode competitions. The workshops are run by both directors and leaders within the organisation. We have people specialising in certain technologies, and programming languages so they host events that are relevant to their area of expertise. How often are the events and how do people get involved? We aim to do three events a week, which is a lot. Most of the events we run are virtual, but we aim to do an in-person event once a month. We currently have a few thousand active members but of course, not every event is relevant to everyone. For more information on upcoming events and how to get involved, please visit our website - https://womencodingcommunity.com/ - we’re always looking for new members, speakers, volunteers, and sponsors. What book would you recommend for our Women Rock bookshelf?  The book I would recommend is Deep Learning by Ian Goodfellow.  What is your favourite song? My current favourite song is Freddie Freeloader by Jon Hendricks Any final words of wisdom to close off the interview? It’s important to be as proactive as possible when looking to make a career change into tech. You can achieve anything you want with hard work and patience. Another piece of advice is to seek internal referrals. These are arguably the most effective ways to break into or transition into a career in tech. Applying directly is a numbers game and it’s hard to stand out. Having people within a business advocate for you is much more powerful. Interviewed By Jamie Forgan

“It's our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.” Meet Joinna… A Data Engineer at Rockpool Digital. Joinna grew up in the Philippines, moved to sunny England (I still can’t quite work out why) and has built a promising career so far! After realising the insurance industry was not quite right for her (and after watching a fair few coding videos on YouTube), Joinna found her passion in tech and has not looked back since. Joinna is a big advocate for diversity in tech and covers some really important topics in her blog—enjoy the read! Hi Joinna, thank you for getting involved with Women Rock! Let’s start by telling us a little about yourself and what a day in your life looks like. I was born and raised in the Philippines, spending my early years on a farm with my grandmother. I've always had a deep love for animals, and one of my aspirations is to someday run my own animal sanctuary where I can rescue and care for them! In 2011, I left the Philippines and moved to the UK with my parents. Adjusting to the drastic change from tropical warmth to grey skies wasn’t easy and when I tell you as soon as I got off that National Express coach in SWINDON? out of all places, my jaw dropped, and I don't mean that in a good way. I sometimes wish my dad had brought me here during the summer to minimise the impact! I work as a Data Engineer at Rockpool Digital. When I’m not working, I tend to spend a lot of time with my family, animals, nature, and friends! How, and why, did you get into Data Engineering? What inspired you? After college, I embarked on a Degree Apprenticeship in Insurance through an Insurance Brokerage, juggling full-time work with studying for my degree over three years. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—many tears were shed! Once I finished, I thought I’d finally have some freedom, but the universe had other plans, keeping me home for the next year. When COVID hit, I was working from home full-time, and like many others, I found myself in a creative, idea-filled phase. Since I felt unfulfilled with the role I was doing then, I decided to do some research and see what else is out there, and that is when I stumbled upon the magical world of Data Science and AI. I learned that you needed to know how to code to start. Throughout my research, I mainly saw Python and SQL as the common language, so I decided to watch YouTube tutorials and learn how to code independently. I was so scared to start, but I just pushed myself to do it. I told myself; I've got nothing to lose. I persisted and did further research on qualifications I could get, and then I saw the MSc Data Science course at UWE. The great thing about this is that they welcomed anyone with a non-technical background, so I was able to use my insurance degree to apply, and I got in! I graduated with a Distinction and during my time at UWE, I met some of the most incredibly talented, creative, and ambitious people, and I know they are out there achieving great things. During my dissertation, I started applying for jobs as I didn’t want to be unemployed after graduation, your girl took a very proactive approach. As much as I loved charts and Excel, I preferred doing a more technical-focused role, leading me to apply for data engineering roles. This effort paid off when I secured a position as a Junior Data Engineer at Elemis, which has been a fantastic career start, especially with such a supportive team. Is it no secret that, currently, women and people from diverse backgrounds still face challenges. What challenges do you think are faced in the tech industry, and how do you think these challenges should be combated? I believe there aren't enough women in leadership roles within the tech industry. During my time at Elemis, I truly admired that their IT department had several women in head positions. According to Forbes, in 1984, 35% of tech leaders were women. By 2022, that number had fallen to 32%, and in 2023, it went down again to 28%. The way that it is decreasing is quite concerning if you ask me. This could be due to a lot of factors, and here are some of the things I could think of: Promotion Gap: Implement clear, transparent promotion criteria and actively sponsor women for leadership roles. Retention Gap: Create supportive environments with flexible work policies and career development opportunities. Workplace Culture Gap: Foster inclusivity through diversity training and zero tolerance for discrimination. Mentorship Gap: Establishing structured mentorship and sponsorship programs tailored for women is crucial to fostering their growth and success, particularly in the early stages of their careers. These programs offer guidance, support, and opportunities for advancement that are often hard to come by. I find this essential as it can help build confidence, develop key skills, and create a pathway to leadership. It ensures that women have the resources and advocates they need to overcome barriers and thrive in their professional journeys. Representation Gap: We need more representation, and it looks like SR2 is already 2 steps ahead by creating Women Rock as a platform for women to share their voices, but it would be great to see more of this! Work-life Balance Gap: Encourage work-life balance with flexible hours, remote options, and parental leave policies. What strategies do you think companies can use to attract diverse talent when recruiting? We will start to see an increase in emerging young and highly diverse talents, so it's essential to cater to their needs and adopt a forward-thinking mindset. To engage and retain these emerging professionals, we should create events that are not only interactive but also enjoyable, helping to foster a sense of community and connection within the company. I find that designing an office environment that is both dynamic and functional is essential. An inspiring workspace, like what we see at Gymshark HQ (I am going to need some companies to take notes! ), can significantly enhance employee productivity and overall satisfaction. Investing in such an environment can make the workplace more appealing and conducive to innovative thinking. In addition to a well-designed office, it’s important to offer flexible work arrangements. Providing options for remote work, flexible hours, or a hybrid model can cater to diverse lifestyles and preferences, making it easier for employees to balance their professional and personal lives. This flexibility can also help in attracting and retaining top talent by aligning with their expectations for modern work environments. Most importantly, make sure you offer great packages and compensation. What am I supposed to do with a fruit basket that gets emptied by Wednesday? Ultimately, to attract and retain young talent, consider offering competitive salaries, comprehensive health and wellness programs, generous paid time off, professional development opportunities, student loan assistance, work-life balance initiatives, employee discounts and perks, innovative office spaces, social and team-building activities, and the latest technology and equipment. As a woman in technology, what would you say is the best and worst thing you’ve encountered within the industry over the years, and what did this teach you? The best part of working in the tech industry so far is being a part of such an amazing and funny team. Since I started, the support from senior members has been incredible, especially when I’ve doubted my skills or struggled with Imposter Syndrome. My manager has been incredibly supportive, pushing me to challenge myself and speak up. Most importantly, the whole team is so encouraging and constantly reminds me that I am more than capable. On top of that, they get me—tolerating my TikTok references, even if they don’t always get them. I’ve never felt so comfortable being myself at work, and this team will be hard to beat. By the time this gets released, I’ll probably have moved on from the company, but to Paul, Shawn, John, and Jasper, I’m going to miss you guys so much. Thanks for making work fun! Moving on to one of the most frustrating work experiences I’ve encountered is when colleagues bypass direct communication with the team and go straight to the CIO. This approach creates unnecessary tension and could be easily resolved by open dialogue. I feel this is an area where we can improve—addressing concerns directly with each other would lead to smoother collaboration and avoid misunderstandings. The key lesson from this experience is the importance of open communication. Instead of escalating issues to higher management without first addressing them with the team, fostering a culture of direct dialogue can build trust and resolve problems more efficiently. It emphasises the value of transparency and collaboration, which can lead to a more cohesive and supportive working environment. What are your proudest moments/achievements, both professionally, and personally? My proudest moment in my life is being the first woman in my family to complete a master’s degree. This was such a girl boss move from me, and I will never shut up about it. But this is just the beginning—I have more goals to reach and aspire to set a powerful example not just for the women in my family but for women everywhere. If you could go back to your 16-year-old self, what advice would you give to her? All I can say is to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges, setbacks, or heartaches you encounter. It may feel like the world is falling apart, but it isn’t. Keep being brave, strong, and ambitious. These experiences will help shape who you are, so embrace them and allow yourself to simply be. It’s going to be fine. Who is someone in your life that inspires you? Someone from my personal life would be my mother, she is such an incredible and talented woman. In her early 20s she left her home country to work and earn money to support me and our family. The thought of moving to a different country solely to financially provide for someone else seemed unimaginable. I truly admire her courage—crossing the ocean leaving everything that she knows behind, facing an unfamiliar language, and taking on a physically demanding job. I'll always be grateful for her. Another person who inspires me is Malala Yousafzai. She stood up for the right of girls to receive an education in Pakistan, despite the threat posed by the Taliban. Even after surviving an assassination attempt in 2012 when she was just 15 years old, she remained steadfast in her mission. Her activism brought international attention to the importance of education for girls in marginalised communities. She inspires me because I see her as a symbol of hope. Malala represents the power of young people, especially young women, to drive change and make a positive impact. After reading "I Am Malala," I feel incredibly inspired. It has strengthened my motivation to return to the Philippines, share my knowledge and teach girls from unprivileged backgrounds how to code. It's all a matter of timing! What is your favourite song? Good question! I have a lot haha, but Baile Inolvidable and DtMF by Bad Bunny are currently being rinsed on repeat! You know what put the whole album in there. What book would you recommend for our Women Rock bookshelf?  Tuesdays with Morrie is such a beautiful book! I hold it very close to my heart. Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote? “It's our responsibility to do everything within our power to create a planet that provides a home not just for us, but for all life on Earth.” - David Attenborough. Interviewed by Adam Townsend

"Stay curious and keep learning." Meet Neha, Senior Data Scientist. In this inspiring interview with Finlay, she shares her journey into data science, the hurdles she’s overcome as a woman in tech, and her vision for fostering diversity in the industry. Neha opens up about the valuable lessons she’s learned, offering insights for aspiring tech professionals and emphasising the need for inclusive environments to support underrepresented talent in the tech space. A lifelong advocate for continuous learning, she believes that determination and curiosity are key to success: “With the right mindset, anyone can carve their path in this dynamic field.” Her passion for growth shines through as she actively pursues opportunities to expand her knowledge—whether through online courses, workshops, or industry conferences. This interview is packed with inspiration, whether you're just starting your tech journey or looking for ways to diversify your team and create meaningful change in the industry. Hey Neha, thanks so much for being part of Women Rock! We'd love to hear about your story so far. Can you tell us about yourself and your journey into the field of data science and what inspired you to pursue a career in this area? My journey into data science began while writing my thesis in Cambridge. Surrounded by a vibrant academic community, I attended numerous open sessions at the university, captivated by discussions on the transformative power of data. These conversations, combined with my own need to analyse data from my research, ignited a curiosity that would shape my future. Eager to dive deeper into this emerging field, I committed the following year to learning about data science through online courses and classroom instruction. I immersed myself in statistics and programming languages like Python and R, discovering the joy of working with data and uncovering patterns that could lead to meaningful insights. I pursued a few internships to bridge the gap between theory and practice, gaining hands-on experience in applying my newfound skills in real-world contexts. After moving to Germany, I joined Blue Yonder, marking a significant turning point in my career. Here, I’ve spent the past five years working alongside some of the best minds in the industry. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities to learn, and I’m constantly inspired by the impact that data can have on decision-making and innovation. Transitioning to data science was not without its challenges, especially coming from a non-computer science background. However, my passion and perseverance have propelled me forward. I believe that with determination and a willingness to learn, anyone can carve their own path in this dynamic field. Data science is not just a career for me; it’s a journey of discovery and endless possibilities. What is your role and responsibilities in your current company? As a Senior Data Scientist at my current company, I play a pivotal role in developing and maintaining our state-of-the-art products, which are utilised by over 50 Global customers.  Data Analysis and Interpretation: I analyse complex datasets to extract meaningful insights that drive product enhancements and inform strategic decision-making. This involves leveraging statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to identify trends and patterns. Model Development: Design, develop, and validate predictive models that enhance our product offerings. By applying advanced analytics, I help optimise customer operations and improve overall performance. Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: I work closely with product managers, software engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure that our data-driven solutions align with business goals and customer needs. This collaboration is crucial for translating technical findings into actionable product features. Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: As a senior member of the team, I mentor junior data scientists and contribute to their professional development. I also share insights and best practices to foster a culture of continuous learning within the team. Performance Monitoring: Develop metrics and dashboards to monitor the performance of products in real-time. This helps ensure that we deliver reliable and impactful solutions to our customers. Customer Engagement: Engaging with customers to understand their needs and challenges is essential. I gather feedback and insights that inform our product development processes, ensuring that we are responsive to the evolving demands of our client base. Through these responsibilities, I contribute to the company's mission of delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that empower our customers to achieve their operational goals. Each project presents an opportunity to leverage the power of data, making a tangible impact on businesses around the globe. What specific areas of data science and machine learning are you most passionate about, and how have you developed your expertise in those areas? I am particularly passionate about data modelling and creating robust data pipelines, as I believe these areas are crucial for developing features that enhance the responsiveness of our products. Effective data modelling allows us to structure data in a way that maximizes its usability, while well-designed data pipelines ensure that our systems can efficiently process and integrate data for future feature development. My interest in these areas has deepened through hands-on experience. I’ve learned that success in data science doesn’t happen overnight; it requires patience and dedication. I’ve invested time in collaborating with experts in the field, which has been invaluable. Working alongside seasoned professionals has not only helped me grasp the foundational concepts but also exposed me to best practices in feature engineering and data pipeline architecture. To further develop my expertise, I continually seek out learning opportunities, whether through online courses, workshops, or industry conferences. Engaging with the data science community has also allowed me to stay updated on emerging trends and technologies, ensuring that I can apply the latest techniques in my work. Ultimately, my goal is to harness the power of data to create innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients. By focusing on data modelling and pipeline development, I aim to lay the groundwork for future enhancements that will elevate our products and deliver exceptional value. As a female data scientist, have you faced any unique challenges or obstacles in your career? How have you navigated and overcome them? Throughout my career as a data scientist, I’ve faced various challenges, but I prefer to view my journey through a lens of resilience and support rather than gender bias. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside cooperative colleagues who were always willing to share their knowledge and help me grasp complex concepts. Their support played a significant role in my development. One of the key challenges I encountered was balancing work with family responsibilities, especially as someone transitioning from a non-computer science background. Juggling the demands of home life and raising kids while learning coding and data science skills was certainly challenging. However, I approached this balance with determination and a commitment to my goals. By creating a structured schedule and leveraging the support of my colleagues, I managed to navigate these hurdles. I focused on continuous learning and sought out resources that fit into my lifestyle, making the most of both my professional and personal commitments. Ultimately, perseverance and a strong support network helped me succeed. I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and excited about the opportunities ahead, and I believe that everyone’s journey is unique, and shaped by their own challenges and triumphs. In your opinion, what are some key steps organisations can take to promote and increase diversity in the tech industry, specifically within data science and machine learning roles? Here are key steps organisations can take: Inclusive Hiring Practices: Implementing hiring practices that actively seek to reduce bais.  Outreach and Partnerships: Building relationships with women’s organisations, universities, and community programs can enhance recruitment efforts. Engaging with initiatives that focus on empowering women in STEM can create a wider pipeline of female talent ready to enter data science and machine learning fields. Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: Establishing mentorship programs specifically for women can provide the guidance and support they need to navigate their careers. Pairing junior women with experienced female leaders can help foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. Flexible Work Policies: Offering flexible work arrangements, such as flexible hours, can significantly support women who are caregivers, making it easier for them to thrive in their roles. Career Support Programs: Implementing “back to work” initiatives are essential for women who have taken career breaks, whether due to family responsibilities or relocation with spouses. Career re-entry workshops and training programs tailored for these women can help them refresh their skills and confidently re-enter the workforce. Creating an Inclusive Culture: Fostering a culture that values diverse voices is critical. This can be achieved through diversity training focused on gender equity, encouraging open discussions about the challenges women face, and creating forums for women to share their experiences and insights. Tracking and Accountability: Setting measurable diversity goals related to female representation in tech roles and regularly reporting on progress is vital. These are my personal views and is nothing to do with any organization. What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in the tech industry? Here’s some basic advice for those looking to enter the tech industry: Start with the Basics: Build a strong foundation in core concepts. Whether it's programming, data analysis, or machine learning, understanding the fundamentals will serve you well. Online courses and tutorials can be great resources. Embrace Continuous Learning: The tech field is always evolving. Stay curious and keep learning. Follow industry trends, read relevant articles, and consider pursuing certifications that align with your interests. Hands-On Experience: Practical experience is invaluable. Work on personal projects, contribute to open-source initiatives or take on internships. These experiences not only enhance your skills but also help build a portfolio that showcases your work. Network Actively: Connect with others in the industry. Attend meetups, webinars, and conferences to meet professionals and peers. Networking can lead to mentorship opportunities and potential job openings. Don’t Fear Failure: Mistakes are part of the learning process. Embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Resilience is key in the tech industry. Find a Mentor: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and insights based on their own experiences. A mentor can help you navigate your career path and offer valuable advice. Cultivate Soft Skills: While technical skills are crucial, soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are equally important. Being able to collaborate effectively with others can set you apart. Stay Diverse in Your Learning: Explore different areas of tech. Whether it’s data science, software development, cybersecurity, or UX design, gaining exposure to various fields can help you find your passion. Focus on Impact: Consider how you can make a difference through technology. Whether it’s developing solutions that improve lives or contributing to social good, having a purpose can motivate you in your career. Be Patient and Persistent: Breaking into the tech industry can take time, and the path may not be linear. Stay focused on your goals, be persistent, and keep pushing forward. Entering the tech industry can be a rewarding journey, and with dedication and the right mindset, you can thrive and make a meaningful impact. What is your favourite song? My favourite song is Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin What book would you recommend for our Women Rock bookshelf?  The Fountainhead Ayn Rand Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote? “Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new centre of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.” -Oprah Winfrey Interviewed by Finaly Bright

“There’s no such thing as a stupid question” Meet Helen, a Senior Software Engineer at Sopheon with over 25 years of experience in the web industry Beya recently caught up with her to discuss how her role has evolved over the years, climbing the ladder as a woman in tech, her challenges, and her advice for women looking to start their own tech journey. Helen is a remarkable woman who has navigated her career across diverse roles, from Client Service Management to Software Engineering. With six years as both a Senior Software Engineer and Team Lead, she has been an invaluable asset to her team, driving collaboration and product growth. She’s also an active tech community member, regularly attending meetups and participating in various community initiatives. Helen is a wonderful individual, and we’re excited to share her story with you! Hey Helen, thanks so much for being part of Women Rock! We'd love to hear about your story so far, and how you got into the world of tech. I attended a classic Bootcamp in Central London in the late '90s and have worked in the industry ever since. Starting as an HTML coder, I progressed to roles like Client Services Manager, Project Manager, and Software Engineer. I've built hundreds of websites, created custom themes in WordPress and Drupal, and advised and managed clients. My work has recently focused on “Product”, modern JavaScript, React, Agile methodologies, and the software development lifecycle. With 25 years as a developer, how has your journey been as a woman in tech? and how have you found climbing the career ladder throughout this time? Before having children, I navigated a significant gap between programming languages like PHP and ASP and basic HTML. There were very few women in the programming space, so I decided to take a more client-facing route whilst continuing to code both at work and freelance. After returning from maternity leave in 2007 and again in 2009, I found it challenging to be taken seriously as a part-timer working three days a week. I managed on very low pay for 10 years while also caring for my children. I believe part-time workers who balance caregiving responsibilities are taken more seriously now, though I may be wrong. Six years ago, I made the deliberate decision to return to coding full-time, and I’ve loved every minute of it. I'm grateful to everyone who has supported me along the way, especially the late Tim Marsh, to whom I owe so much. I strive to carry forward his kindness, inclusivity, and remarkable intellect. What advice would you give to Women wanting to start a career in tech? Start coding and building things The vast majority of people in tech are friendly and helpful, it’s a wonderful community, try going to some meetups There are no stupid questions Do you believe a University Degree is essential for individuals wanting to get into the tech world? No, although there are more companies asking for a computing degree. I have never been asked or needed any qualifications. How have you found the female/ men diversity split in varying workplaces across your career? The general statistic for 2024, is that only 13% of females work in specifically the php sector. Recently, we successfully built and recruited a team consisting of 75% female JavaScript and PHP engineers, which is quite rare. I have never been interviewed by a woman, but I have had the opportunity to recruit engineers myself. We weren’t practising positive discrimination—just hiring the best candidates. In most teams I've worked with, there have been significantly fewer women. The 13% figure sounds about right. What is your proudest achievement in tech? Successfully moving back to full-time coding in my mid-40s and being promoted to a Senior Software Engineer. Have you faced any challenges or barriers as a Woman in Tech in your career? I don’t know if it’s being a woman or working part-time but yes. You mentioned when we previously spoke that diversity is something you are passionate about, therefore, what do you think can be done to help attract a more diverse mix of people in tech? Ensure there is more diversity within the hiring team and give opportunities to people who may not look or sound like the rest of the team. Create an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome. What is the next step for you in your career? Stay in a dev role, or move into a team leader role. I love watching and encouraging others to develop and grow and would like to use my people skills again. What do you do outside work to relax? Walk my dog, spend time with friends and family, pottery and yoga. Who have been the most influential people in your life? For life in general my wonderful family and friends and in my professional life; my friend and colleague (Tim) who sadly passed away. If there is a song that would describe you, which song would this be? I don’t have a song, but my favourite animals and probably what describes me best are Goats. What book would you recommend? It's a tricky one. Although it's incredibly traumatic, it is by a woman, so "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara made me cry more than once. Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote? “There’s no such thing as a stupid question” Interviewed by Beya Durante

"I wanted to make an impact. I wanted to ensure we could have fun at work and be respected." Meet Sara, an Engineering Enablement Specialist at Cognigy. In this inspiring conversation with Esther, Sara discusses diversity, the importance of hiring beyond just ticking a box, and her remarkable journey from clinical psychology to the tech world. With a background in psychology and a knack for technology, Sara brings a unique and powerful blend of skills to the table. Her passion for understanding people and team dynamics has led her to a career in tech, where she’s making a tangible impact on communication, collaboration, and performance. She's been a driving force behind creating work environments that foster respect and enjoyment. When she’s not elevating teams and boosting morale, Sara is busy exploring the world—collecting incredible stories and diverse experiences along the way. She’s always eager to share her wisdom, whether it’s about career, culture, or life, so don’t hesitate to reach out. We ended the interview with a few personal questions: What is your favourite song?  "Here Comes the Sun" – The Beatles What book would you recommend?  "Give and Take" by Adam Grant Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote? “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek” – Joseph Campbell Her energy throughout this interview is contagious! Get ready to walk away inspired and with a list of insightful learnings.Dive into the full interview below. Interviewed by Esther Bareham

"Empowering others to reach their best while navigating challenges along the way." Meet Hannah, Engineering Manager at Mobile.de and a true inspiration. Cameron Daniel recently caught up with her to discuss her journey into tech, her experiences as a woman in the field, and her advice on improving ED&I within the tech industry. After noticing a significant gap in Engineering Managers with a solid background in Mobile Applications Development, She was inspired to step into the role, determined to bridge that gap and bring a fresh perspective to leadership. Hannah is dedicated to fostering growth in the tech community. Whether through mentoring, technical writing, or speaking at conferences, she’s making her mark. She’s also incredibly proud to hold the title of Google Developer Expert for Android – a recognition of her expertise and impact in the field. Hey Hannah, thanks so much for being part of Women Rock! We'd love to hear a bit about you. I’m an engineering manager at Mobile.de in Berlin and previously an Associate Engineering Manager at Taxfix. My career has generally been centred on software development, recently focusing on building dynamic and user-friendly mobile applications for Android and sometimes iOS. I’m also a Google Developer Expert for Android which is a title that greatly highlights my expertise in this domain. Beyond my professional work, I’m deeply committed to fostering growth in the tech community, through mentoring, technical writing, or speaking at tech conferences. Outside work, I enjoy baking, hosting friends for meals and reading books to unwind. Can you tell us about your journey into the tech industry and what initially inspired you to pursue a career in engineering? I started coding during my teenage years in high school, although I didn’t see it as a career path. However, soon after graduating with an Actuarial Science Degree, I realised that my passion was in programming. I pursued certificate courses in computer programming while working in roles that allowed me to apply my tech skills. I took up roles in Web Development, DevOps and Mobile Development. The tech community was incredibly supportive, and finding mentors and collaborators was crucial to my early growth. What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in tech, and how have you overcome them? As a woman in tech, one of the challenges has been navigating an industry that traditionally has fewer women, which can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation. The isolation can intensify the imposter syndrome that affects us all from time to time. However, I’ve overcome this by actively seeking out and contributing to communities that support women in tech. Mentorship has played a huge role in my journey, both as a mentee and a mentor, helping me build resilience and confidence in my abilities at the same time inspiring and motivating other women in tech. What has been your proudest achievement in your career so far, and what impact do you believe it has had on your team or the industry? One of my proudest achievements has been earning the title of ‘Google Developer Expert for Android.’ This recognition not only validates my expertise but also allows me to give back to the community by mentoring others and sharing my knowledge. It’s rewarding to see the impact this has had, particularly in inspiring others to pursue their own paths in technology globally. I get to interact with Software Developers, CTOs and Directors of tech companies through the networking community provided through the GDE program. Why did you want to go into leadership? I initially envisioned my career path leading to a Principal Engineer role, but as I progressed in my work, I began to notice a significant gap—there weren’t many Engineering Managers with a solid background in mobile applications development. This intrigued me and inspired me to step into the role of an Engineering Manager, determined to bridge that gap. In my role at Taxfix, I worked with several EMs who had this knowledge of mobile applications development and it was a nice relief to collaborate closely with them. Embracing leadership has enabled me to make a broader impact, guiding teams and ensuring that mobile engineering continues to be a vital and influential part of our tech ecosystem What motivates you most about your job? What motivates me most is seeing the tangible results of our work, particularly in mobile application development. The process of creating something from scratch, testing it, and then watching users interact with it is incredibly fulfilling. I also find great satisfaction in mentoring others and helping them grow in their careers. In my role as an Engineering Manager, I don’t get to code as much but this same satisfaction is felt when I sit through demo meetings with my team as they build MVPs and enhance features on existing products. It never gets old for me. What are the most important things for you as a leader? For me, the most important aspects of being a leader are fostering a collaborative environment, encouraging continuous learning, and being a reliable source of support for my team. It’s about empowering others to achieve their best while also guiding them through challenges. I always remind them they are the experts in the room, I am only an enabler of their expertise. What is the biggest change you want to see in the tech industry? I want to see a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. While there has been progress, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that people from all backgrounds feel welcomed and valued in this field. I can see there’s some growth over the years and leading by example is one way to encourage others that it is possible to make an impact globally. How do you think companies can improve the approach to ED&I? Companies can improve their approach to ED&I by moving beyond mere policy creation and actively cultivating environments where every individual truly feels they belong. One powerful strategy is to implement targeted hiring initiatives, such as focusing on women in STEM from local universities or specifically recruiting women in EMEA. This kind of deliberate action from hiring managers is what will drive meaningful, visible change in the tech ecosystem, creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the richness of different perspectives and experiences. Can you share some advice for young women who are considering a career in tech or who are currently working their way up in the industry? My advice to young women in tech is to build a strong network, seek out mentors, and never stop learning. Stay updated on industry trends, but also focus on mastering the fundamentals. Remember, your journey is unique—embrace the challenges and celebrate the wins. How do you find the transition when relocating to a different country and new work environment? Relocating to a new country and work environment was both exciting and challenging. It required adaptability and openness to new experiences. The support from my colleagues and the broader community made the transition smoother, and it’s been rewarding to see how this move has inspired others back at home. What's the biggest challenge you've faced working in a new cultural environment, and how did you navigate it? The biggest challenge was adapting to the varied work cultures and communication styles. I approached this by carefully observing, asking thoughtful questions, and being receptive to feedback. Building strong relationships and gaining a deep understanding of the new environment allowed me to integrate effectively and maintain a high level of performance. And lastly what book would you recommend for our Women Rock bookshelf?  Career Rehab: Rebuild Your Personal Brand and Rethink the Way You Work by Kanika TolverInterviewed by Cameron Daniel

"Be yourself and bring your whole self to work." ✨ That’s just one of the many gems from Kyle's incredible conversation with Joana, a Data Science and AI Managing Consultant at IBM Consulting. With a PhD in Computer Science and AI, Joana's journey started in Portugal before moving to Belgium in 2018 to kick off her career as a research engineer in the industry. Joana is deeply passionate about getting more women into tech. With 6 years of experience in AI, she’s eager to give back, sharing her views on the challenges women face in tech, the misconceptions, and her ideas on how we can improve. This interview not only delivers valuable insights but also leaves us with plenty of food for thought around the barriers in tech, the evolving role of AI, and actionable steps we can all take to drive positive change in the industry.