By now, we all know the stats. While women account for almost half of our country’s workforce, they make up just one-third of global tech firms.
There has been slow growth across the industry, though. The number of women on tech teams 10 years ago totaled just 14%.
Still, women in tech have to navigate formidable challenges as they build their careers in a male-dominated environment. We talked with three Boston women who have found not only supportive companies that empower women but have also discovered important touchpoints for community, networking and mentorship.
How have these factors combined to influence their work and their teams? Keep reading to find out.
Funnel’s data hub platform helps marketers automate their data collection for reporting and analysis.
What source of community have you created or sought out as a woman in tech?
I believe the most important community women in any industry can have is an empowered one. I aim to create this and seek it out daily through positivity and affirmation. As a woman in tech, it’s easy to feel like you have a lot to prove.
As a woman in tech, it’s easy to feel like you have a lot to prove.”
Encouraging one another to share an idea in a meeting, pushing back on a negotiation or joining others for an after-work drink goes a long way towards contributing to an inclusive and empowered community.
How have you benefited from mentorship and networking opportunities?
For a data-driven industry, enablement is not exactly easy to measure. We’re also in somewhat of a new field, especially in tech sales. I’ve had the pleasure and opportunity to establish networks with enablement professionals who are customers of the same tools as us. It’s been incredibly valuable to bounce ideas off one another, learn ways to better leverage our solutions and feel like we’re not alone in the challenges we face.
What are the benefits of fostering a community of women in tech, and how does it contribute to individual and collective success?
The advantages are endless. Collectively fostering communities of women in tech improves how we problem-solve and helps alleviate stigmas about who can work in tech. Personally, I have higher job satisfaction. The women I work with at Funnel are badass — they’re smart and hilarious and they genuinely make coming into the office more enjoyable.
Geode Capital Management is a privately owned, global investment management firm primarily providing its services to investment companies.
What source of community have you created or sought out as a woman in tech?
We have centralized teams that are women-led, and I’ve made sure to network with these women. I make it a common part of my week to touch base with them. We are a small company, so joining the welcoming inner community of women at my workplace felt easy. We have an employee resource group called the Women's Exchange, and we often sponsor events to strengthen our community. This comes through participation in the Women in Technology conference, traveling to women-led events and interacting with other women-led organizations. I think all women in tech have a strong sense of comradery and community both at Geode and beyond. We recognize the importance of our community; It’s second nature to make sure that we create a welcoming environment for women of all levels.
How have you benefited from mentorship and networking opportunities? Provide an example of an impactful professional relationship you’ve built.
At Geode, we have a mentorship program where anyone can request to be paired with a mentor. During my first year, I was paired with the head of HR. Not only did we get to share our experiences working in male-dominated industries, but we both learned about each other's respective fields. She even introduced me to the Boston Chapter of Tomorrow's Women Today, and that has allowed me to further my networking opportunities tremendously. The experience showed me not only how we support tech at our company, but how we can use our tech resources to support the entire firm. As a woman in tech, I would encourage learning from women inside and outside of your industry. We can all benefit from diverse mentorship, and I found it incredibly impactful.
What are the benefits of fostering a community of women in tech, and how does it contribute to individual and collective success?
We learn skills and mechanisms to support ourselves in industries where women are few and far between. When we’re surrounded by a community, we can celebrate triumphs, support each other through failure and speak up more easily. When we have community, we have the resources and a network we can rely on when things seem overwhelming.
It has felt extremely rewarding to be a part of the collective success of the Women in Tech network at my company, and I know that the help and advice I’ve received there has been one reason I’ve been able to thrive.
I’ve also had the chance to learn from veterans and changemakers in the industry while contributing to new ideas. When you learn how to support yourself and others, you can go further than you thought possible.
When you learn how to support yourself and others, you can go further than you thought possible.”
Agero is an industry leader in the combined roadside assistance, connected vehicle services and claims management market.
What source of community have you created or sought out as a woman in tech?
As a woman UX design leader, I’ve had my fair share of obstacles and learning opportunities, but I always approach problems with a positive attitude. Fostering strong relationships and connections has empowered me to approach challenges this way. This is why I feel so grateful and excited to co-lead Agero’s Women Who Lead employee resource group. This group works to build a community of dynamic women who support and celebrate each other's accomplishments and goals, promote leadership and push for personal and professional growth and development.
How have you benefited from mentorship and networking opportunities? Provide an example of an impactful professional relationship you’ve built.
Mentors have incredible value. They can be an advocate, a sounding board and someone to share best practices with. The most valuable relationships seem to develop in times when I’m not specifically seeking them out. For me, mentorships are their strongest when they are developed organically rather than forced or assigned. I’ve been lucky enough to have had many wonderful relationships over the years.
A few years ago, I worked on a project with another woman leader. This peer truly believed in my work and helped others see the value that my work brings to the organization. Through that relationship, I gained more confidence, learned to take chances on others and allowed them to learn and grow. I also learned how to say yes to opportunities that I wasn’t sure about. Through these inspiring professional relationships, I found my voice and feel empowered to drive my team’s work forward.
What are the benefits of fostering a community of women in tech, and how does it contribute to individual and collective success?
We take the time in Women Who Lead to share stories and celebrate our unique backgrounds. We also swap experiences and thoughts on meaningful topics. We’ve all had different professional and personal experiences that have shaped who we are, and learning from each other can help inspire us to grow and learn in new ways.
Learning from each other can help inspire us to grow and learn in new ways.”
Community and collaboration are how I personally find success in tech. Asking for feedback and showing eagerness to learn from others has helped me stay on top of changing technologies and grow my UX design career.
