WorkFair '24: Women in tech - breaking barriers and building futures

During the WorkFair 2024 virtual event hosted by myGwork, a dynamic panel discussion titled “Women in Tech: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures” featured five influential leaders in the tech industry. In the webinar, in partnership with LexisNexis, they shared valuable insights on navigating careers in technology, emphasizing empowerment, diversity, and advocacy.

Marta Dymarczyk, Process Automation Manager at JTI, stressed the importance of workplace culture and authenticity: “Find a place that you want to work in. I look for places who will accept me fully because I have very clearly set boundaries. I will not work with a company that does not allow me to be myself, as only by being 100% truly yourself, can you live up to your potential and utilize your natural abilities.”

Nicky Tozer, EMEA Senior Vice President at Oracle, offered practical advice for those entering the tech field: “If you want to get into tech, broaden your horizons as to how and where your entry point might be. And in terms of advancement, be good at your job. It doesn't matter where you come from or what your culture is or your background. You've still got to do a good job and work hard at it and make yourself the best you can be by surrounding yourself with all the support you have in that organization. Network/employee resource groups are an amazing way to do that.”

Priyanka Deva, Director of Technology Innovation and Collaboration at MSD, recounted a journey in tech, overcoming gender stereotypes: “I can recollect how people around me just told me that this is not a career for a woman or a girl because it is so demanding and you will have very late nights working and it is going to be just too demanding for you, so look for something else. But I said, no, because I have started studying this and I really like this. I want to pursue that and took my first job in tech.”

Lilian Ortiz Costa, Software Engineer at RS Group, encouraged women to embrace their unique perspectives: “You need to trust in your unique perspective and speak up even when it feels uncomfortable. Share your insights and your ideas as they are viable. Don't ever think otherwise as the tech industry needs diverse voices to truly innovate. So don't be afraid to advocate for your contributions as they are what actually makes technology stronger and more inclusive.”

Lilinette Pattuinan from WTW touched upon the strengths of gender diversity in teams: “Because women are naturally more open to showcasing vulnerability and to admitting that they don't know everything, they are more adaptable when it comes to learning, and more flexible in their ways of working and in their mindset. So, when you combine that with the males in the team, it just makes for a more creative and innovative work environment because they're forced to be more inclusive. And it results in better problem solving and better decision making.”

This insightful discussion illuminated the paths women can take in the tech industry, despite the hurdles that may present themselves, celebrating the importance of authenticity, networking, and self-advocacy as essential tools for breaking barriers and building successful futures.

Watch the full webinar here: