<p>Heya all,&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Thanks for being here and welcome to Women Rock &ndash; a voice for diversity in tech!&nbsp;</p>
<p>I&rsquo;m Alicia, founder of Women Rock, co-founder of SR2, founder of Technology Volunteers organiser of Codebar (phewwww) I&rsquo;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&rsquo;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!&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>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&rsquo;t offered to me as a career when I was leaving school, and my family or friends weren&rsquo;t interested in Tech so probably naively I didn&rsquo;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&rsquo;re talking about diversity as a whole.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>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&amp;I across our industry I really hope we can make the world a better place!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Women Rock isn&rsquo;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.&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>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&amp;I but I just don&rsquo;t think we are sharing and shouting about it enough so that others can follow suit.&nbsp; I want to create an incredible community and Women Rock to be the place to go to that celebrates diversity.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I&rsquo;ll leave you with my favourite quote &lsquo;&rsquo;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.&rsquo;&rsquo;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Be kind, get enough sleep and don&rsquo;t change for anyone.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Smiles,&nbsp;</p>
<p>Alicia x&nbsp;</p>

A letter from Alicia

<p><em>"Stay curious and keep learning."</em></p>
<p>Meet <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehakalla/">Neha</a>, Senior Data Scientist. In this inspiring interview with <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/finlaybright/">Finlay</a>, she shares her journey into data science, the hurdles she&rsquo;s overcome as a woman in tech, and her vision for fostering diversity in the industry.</p>
<p>Neha opens up about the valuable lessons she&rsquo;s learned, offering insights for aspiring tech professionals and emphasising the need for inclusive environments to support underrepresented talent in the tech space.</p>
<p>A lifelong advocate for continuous learning, she believes that determination and curiosity are key to success: <em>&ldquo;With the right mindset, anyone can carve their path in this dynamic field.&rdquo;</em> Her passion for growth shines through as she actively pursues opportunities to expand her knowledge&mdash;whether through online courses, workshops, or industry conferences.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">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?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">After moving to Germany, I joined Blue Yonder, marking a significant turning point in my career. Here, I&rsquo;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&rsquo;m constantly inspired by the impact that data can have on decision-making and innovation.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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&rsquo;s a journey of discovery and endless possibilities.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">What is your role and responsibilities in your current company?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">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.&nbsp;</p>
<ol style="margin-top: 0cm;" start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Data Analysis and Interpretation:</strong> 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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Model Development: </strong>Design, develop, and validate predictive models that enhance our product offerings. By applying advanced analytics, I help optimise customer operations and improve overall performance.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Collaboration with Cross-Functional Teams: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Performance Monitoring: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Customer Engagement:</strong> 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.<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;"></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal">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.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">What specific areas of data science and machine learning are you most passionate about, and how have you developed your expertise in those areas?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My interest in these areas has deepened through hands-on experience. I&rsquo;ve learned that success in data science doesn&rsquo;t happen overnight; it requires patience and dedication. I&rsquo;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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">As a female data scientist, have you faced any unique challenges or obstacles in your career? How have you navigated and overcome them?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Throughout my career as a data scientist, I&rsquo;ve faced various challenges, but I prefer to view my journey through a lens of resilience and support rather than gender bias. I&rsquo;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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">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.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Ultimately, perseverance and a strong support network helped me succeed. I&rsquo;m proud of the progress I&rsquo;ve made and excited about the opportunities ahead, and I believe that everyone&rsquo;s journey is unique, and shaped by their own challenges and triumphs.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">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?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here are key steps organisations can take:</p>
<ol style="margin-top: 0cm;" start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Inclusive Hiring Practices:</strong> Implementing hiring practices that actively seek to reduce bais.&nbsp;</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Outreach and Partnerships:</strong> Building relationships with women&rsquo;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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Mentorship and Sponsorship </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Flexible Work Policies: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Career Support Programs: </strong>Implementing &ldquo;back to work&rdquo; 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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Creating an Inclusive Culture: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Tracking and Accountability: </strong>Setting measurable diversity goals related to female representation in tech roles and regularly reporting on progress is vital.</li>
</ol>
<p>These are my personal views and is nothing to do with any organization.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal">What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in the tech industry?</h2>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here&rsquo;s some basic advice for those looking to enter the tech industry:</p>
<ol style="margin-top: 0cm;" start="1" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Start with the Basics: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Embrace Continuous Learning: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Hands-On Experience: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Network Actively: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Don&rsquo;t Fear Failure: </strong>Mistakes are part of the learning process. Embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for growth. Resilience is key in the tech industry.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;">F<strong>ind a Mentor: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Cultivate Soft Skills: </strong>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.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Stay Diverse in Your Learning: </strong>Explore different areas of tech. Whether it&rsquo;s data science, software development, cybersecurity, or UX design, gaining exposure to various fields can help you find your passion.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Focus on Impact:</strong> Consider how you can make a difference through technology. Whether it&rsquo;s developing solutions that improve lives or contributing to social good, having a purpose can motivate you in your career.</li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 36.0pt;"><strong>Be Patient and Persistent:</strong> 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.</li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal">Entering the tech industry can be a rewarding journey, and with dedication and the right mindset, you can thrive and make a meaningful impact.</p>
<h2 class="MsoNormal"><span class="s1">What is your favourite song?</span></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">My favourite song is Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin</span></p>
<h2><span class="s1">What book would you recommend for our Women Rock bookshelf?&nbsp;</span></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">The Fountainhead Ayn Rand</span></p>
<h2><span class="s1">Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote?</span></h2>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">&ldquo;Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new centre of gravity. Don&rsquo;t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.&rdquo; </span><span class="s1">-Oprah Winfrey</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Interviewed by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/finlaybright/">Finaly Bright</a></p>

Dr. Neha Kalla 

<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no such thing as a stupid question&rdquo;</p>
<p>Meet <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenvarley/">Helen</a>, a Senior Software Engineer at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/sopheon/">Sopheon</a> with over 25 years of experience in the web industry <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/beya-durante-8543b92b3/">Beya</a> 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.</p>
<p>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&rsquo;s also an active tech community member, regularly attending meetups and participating in various community initiatives.</p>
<p>Helen is a wonderful individual, and we&rsquo;re excited to share her story with you!</p>
<h2>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.</h2>
<p>I attended a classic Bootcamp in Central London in the late '90s and have worked in the industry ever since.</p>
<p>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 &ldquo;Product&rdquo;, modern JavaScript, React, Agile methodologies, and the software development lifecycle.</p>
<h2>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?</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Six years ago, I made the deliberate decision to return to coding full-time, and I&rsquo;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.</p>
<h2>What advice would you give to Women wanting to start a career in tech?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Start coding and building things</li>
<li>The vast majority of people in tech are friendly and helpful, it&rsquo;s a wonderful community, try going to some meetups</li>
<li>There are no stupid questions</li>
</ul>
<h2>Do you believe a University Degree is essential for individuals wanting to get into the tech world?</h2>
<p>No, although there are more companies asking for a computing degree. I have never been asked or needed any qualifications.</p>
<h2>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.</h2>
<p>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&rsquo;t practising positive discrimination&mdash;just hiring the best candidates.</p>
<p>In most teams I've worked with, there have been significantly fewer women. The 13% figure sounds about right.</p>
<h2>What is your proudest achievement in tech?</h2>
<p>Successfully moving back to full-time coding in my mid-40s and being promoted to a Senior Software Engineer.</p>
<h2>Have you faced any challenges or barriers as a Woman in Tech in your career?</h2>
<p>I don&rsquo;t know if it&rsquo;s being a woman or working part-time but yes.</p>
<h2>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?</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>What is the next step for you in your career?</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>What do you do outside work to relax?</h2>
<p>Walk my dog, spend time with friends and family, pottery and yoga.</p>
<h2>Who have been the most influential people in your life?</h2>
<p>For life in general my wonderful family and friends and in my professional life; my friend and colleague (Tim) who sadly passed away.</p>
<h2>If there is a song that would describe you, which song would this be?</h2>
<p>I don&rsquo;t have a song, but my favourite animals and probably what describes me best are Goats.</p>
<h2>What book would you recommend?</h2>
<p>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.</p>
<h2>Finally, could you leave us with your favourite quote?</h2>
<p>&ldquo;There&rsquo;s no such thing as a stupid question&rdquo;</p>
<p>Interviewed by <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/beya-durante-8543b92b3/">Beya Durante</a></p>

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A letter from Alicia

LATEST WOMENROCK

A letter from Alicia

Dr. Neha Kalla

Helen Varley l Sopheon

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