How did you become a Woman in Technology?

My interest in tech sparked very early at school, it simply engaged me more than any other subjects. I had my career path set out a lot earlier than my friends. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in tech and art, so I went on to study graphic design at college then university.

After university, I got a job in Digital Marketing. I knew my career would land me within marketing team, so I wanted to understand how they worked, and the principles of digital marketing. I had the opportunity to learn about website design, email marketing, social media, SEO & SEM.

In my next few roles, I focused my attention back onto website & graphic design. I had the chance to design for small local companies and large enterprises like Tesco & Amazon.

I then discovered the best step in my career progression, studying UX Design. This really developed my tech knowledge to another level, in fact… Another planet! I feel so proud & grateful to be a UX Professional.

I currently work as a Digital Designer for a software company called Compleat. I take lead of Compleat’s Design, finding solutions to improve our user experience and design. I absolutely love my job and I feel so grateful to have landed a career as a woman in tech.

What is your WHY?

Tech is the most engaging and interesting career in my opinion. The potential for development is huge.

Becoming a UX Designer has really opened my eyes to technology. I feel I’ve finally found my happy place. I feel I can really change experiences and make a big difference.

The satisfaction I get from completing a project and seeing my work live is amazing. Sometimes I have to pinch myself in case I’m dreaming.

I found a job in tech, where I can also be creative. No day is ever the same. I never get bored. I couldn’t ask for more and I love breaking the stigma for women in tech.

What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make to pursue your Dream?

Definitely choosing to delay buying a house so I could pay for UX Design training.

There was so many different UX design courses, but the one I chose took a considerable amount of my savings to do. It was a hard decision at the time, as I knew it would push back our plans to move house a little bit. But in the end, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

What’s your favorite quote (your own, or from someone else)?

I can’t choose between these two, both are powerful in their own ways.

Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. – Steve Jobs

Learn the rules like a pro. So you can break them like an artist. – Pablo Picasso

You may reach out to Alex on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-carnall/

How did you become a Woman in Technology?

From my bachelor’s degree I was attracted towards technology. I continuously updated my skill set with new edge technologies. I am working as an AI Researcher in healthcare sector. My specialization is in early edge detection in breast cancer. I want to contribute in women welfare and awareness. As well as working as a UAE Ambassadors of women in code and data science community to encourage and guide women in STEM field.

What is your WHY?

Empowered women who is working for increasing percentage of girls/women in stem area. Recently successfully shifted career from manufacturing domain with 5 years of experience to Artificial Intelligence. A strong women who always believe in her dreams and try to complete it. Ethical applicant of Technology which going to bring breast cancer awareness among all people.

What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make to pursue your Dream?

I have sacrificed my family time to purse my dream. I think taking risk of changing career with no experience in this pandemic era is my biggest decision ever. I was jobless for a certain time period, still to purse my dream I updated my skill set rather than making excuses and today I can proudly say I completed it.

What’s your favorite quote (your own, or from someone else)?

“If You Are Working On Something That You Really Care About, You Don’t Have To Be Pushed. The Vision Pulls You.” – Steve Jobs
Never give up.

You may reach out to Pooja on LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/pooja-tope-puranik-25b762a5

How did you become a Woman in Technology?

First Interest sparked back when I was in highschool. I never owned a computer up until that point but it never crossed my mind that I want to build a career in it. It was shortly after foundation year at University when the only option I had left was Physics and Computer Science and I said why NOT?
And yes, Why not? I went for it, Programming and Electronics to Automation made me fall inlove with Technology but finding job after Grad school was not walk in the park.

For 2yrs I did not let the short falls of HR who did not see potential in me break me down instead I push back harder, qualifying for a Chinese Government Scholarship for Masters Degree Program in Information & Communication Engineering and the rest is now history.

I give credit to my highschool for introducing me to Computers as that little window of Opportunity gave birth to an Interest which I now embrace as my Profession and am very passionate about.

What is your WHY?

11yrs ago when I first signed up for Physics Major and Computer Science minor Degree Program and you ask me WHY? I would have said this was my last resort.

Today, I love the thrill it gives. Technology is core of what we do today. It is always changing and that’s the most exciting part of it, Everyday is learning something new. I love working in a Challenging environment and using Technology as an enabler to improve everyday life.

Today as a Network Solutions Architects, the satisfaction I get from clients after serving them. Knowing am helping clients improve and bring more value into their Business is Priceless.

What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make to pursue your Dream?

Taking up the Chinese Government Scholarship for the almost 3yrs Study Program in China knowing that am leaving everything, my Family, behind with slim possibility of home visits during the 3yrs.

Traveling to China was my first Overseas Travel, no friends, no family, my Mandarin level is zero. From Papua New Guinea, I had to transit through Singapore to Beijing then to a local flight to Harbin.

It’s common understanding that, China is a difficult place to live and study because of the Language Barrier.

I took it up as a Challenge, Learnt to live among Chinese People, to eat like them, learn their way of life, their life Principles and NEVER for once saw them different for 3yrs while Studying.

With one mission ~ To Achieve my DREAM of being an ICT Professional.

What’s your favorite quote (your own, or from someone else)?

I always say;
✔Just because it’s Difficult doesn’t mean it can’t be Achieved.
✔We all will face down times in life, but Choosing NOT to stay down is the defining moment.
✔In ICT Learning everyday is KEY, What’s relevant today might not be 5yrs from now. Be prepared to be a Student all over again.

You may reach out to Flare on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flare-namaliu-79852a65/

How did you become a Woman in Technology?

As an 8 year old girl I got inspired to make a positive impact on society while reading an astronomy and science book. By recognized talent and studying hard I obtained my master and PHD in industrial engineering. After that, I started focusing on enabling organizations to make smart decisions using data. It took some courage, being so far away from my native country Iran, but last year I jointly established a new company specialized in business digitalization and artificial intelligence in the Netherlands. And like always in tech, I teamed up with (four) male business partners. So much female talent in the world. Let’s unlock this. This is why I’ve been enthusiastic to join the Women in Tech community, to find out how talented women run their business and hopefully together inspire young women to get into tech!

What is your WHY?

Having a positive influence on people around me always has been a huge driver for me. Even the slightest positive impact makes me happy. I’ve been blessed with talent, good health and higher education in life, so I’d like give something in return as my gratefulness to society.
To achieve a positive influence that truly will make an impact for the good, I am on a quest to discover new science, and therefore I am including new places, new people and new attitudes in my journey. Just to keep an open mindset in how people think, act and make decisions.

What is the most difficult decision you’ve had to make to pursue your Dream?

Leaving or staying has been always dilemma for me! Two years ago I decided to move to the Netherlands, while I actually had a good personal and professional life in Iran. I asked my husband to accompany me, knowing it would not be easy for him to leave his business. But my love supported me in opening a new chapter in our lives! Moving to the Netherlands has been a big step towards fulfilling my dream of working in an international environment, the dream of meeting and befriending people of different nationalities, religions and attitudes. Towards my dream to lead a successful business and make a worthwhile difference.

What’s your favorite quote (your own, or from someone else)?

My own Qoute: “With Intelligent effort you can achieve treasure”

You may reach out to Shokoufeh on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shokoufeh-abrishami-76817078/