Intelligent Build.tech Issue 14 | Page 69

CLOCKING OUT
Chrissay Brinkmann , PreSales Engineer , Leaseweb USA
“ As a woman in STEM , I ’ ve faced the challenge of feeling the need to demonstrate my value and expertise alongside my male counterparts , something I think other women in my field can relate to . Thankfully , I believe that women have made immense progress in the past 15 years , with more and more women joining the tech industry without having to face the same difficulties that many other women , including myself , experienced at the start of their careers .
Everyone approaches situations uniquely and from my experience , gender parity in STEM provides diverse perspectives , enhances efficiency and facilitates creative solutions . A word of advice to girls and women interested in engineering : there are a multitude of programmes to help you find your niche so do your research and remember , a career in STEM puts you at the forefront of technology .”
Prerana Singhal , Founding Engineer , Traceable AI
“ Occupations like engineering and tech are no longer considered jobs specifically for men . I am very glad to see that women ’ s interests in STEM are now being fostered instead of being deterred by what was considered a ‘ societal norm ’ for women . While there is still a long way to go , strides have been made in ensuring that women have a place in the engineering field . Now we must continue to pave the way for the new generation of female engineers . Young girls need to see more examples of female engineers , they need to see their accomplishments be celebrated , and they need to know that this line of work can be so much fun .”
Soujanya Namburi , Software Engineer , Traceable AI
Young girls can be inspired to pursue careers in engineering by introducing them to STEM opportunities early on , fostering their interests through mentorship programmes or clubs , and showcasing diverse role models in the field . For existing female engineers , employers can foster an environment where women feel comfortable leading by prioritising respect and inclusivity . They can do this by implementing equal pay initiatives and being transparent with promotion processes to ensure fairness and opportunity for all employees . Additionally , they can implement a culture of zero tolerance for discrimination and open communication . These things will help create a supportive atmosphere where women can thrive in leadership roles without fear .”
Chen Webber-Kentor , Group Product Manager , Zerto
“ Now in its 11th year , International Women in Engineering Day serves as a reminder of the hard work and contributions that women engineers make every day but also to call attention to the gender gap in the engineering industry . Globally , women hold less than 30 % of science , technology , engineering and math ( STEM ) jobs , but in my role as group product manager at Zerto , I have the pleasure of working with a diverse and talented team of engineers . As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day , I reaffirm my belief that gender parity in STEM provides diverse perspectives and unique problem-solving approaches that lead to more innovative and balanced solutions .
My passion for engineering lies in its challenging nature and the creative possibilities it offers , and I actively encourage more girls and women to pursue this exciting field . Achieving gender equality in STEM requires a proactive approach : setting clear objectives , crafting opportunities , and imparting the significance of diversity and inclusion to all employees . Additionally , fostering an inclusive culture , where women have equal opportunities for career advancement , is key for an organisation ’ s success .”
Deepika Gajaria , VP of GTM and Strategy , Securin
“ The STEM field has historically faced challenges in embracing new perspectives and voices . However , you possess the qualities necessary to thrive in this field if you have a passion for problem-solving , a curious mindset , a desire to make an impact , and a willingness to learn and network .
Within my own journey , the experiences and qualities I collected throughout my career have provided me with valuable insights that the technology industry and my organisation values . Because of this , I am passionate about enabling more women and individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue their dreams in STEM .
Those willing to learn , build connections , ask questions , and tackle problems independently have significant opportunities to contribute meaningfully , no matter their background .” �
www . intelligentbuild . tech 69