The Only Woman in the Room

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Advancing Women in Tech: Paying it Forward

Hello and greetings from Seattle! As someone with over 27 years of experience in technology, it's my pleasure to share with you some of my insights and strategies for overcoming professional challenges in this thriving industry. As an immigrant woman leading a developer relations initiative for the Oracle Database team, my journey has certainly been unique. But the lessons learned along the way are universally applicable, regardless of your background or current role within the tech industry.

Reality of Women in Tech

Let's start by reviewing some eye-opening statistics. Though women account for 50% of the worldwide population, we hold a mere 25% of engineering roles globally, and even worse, only 20% in the US. According to a 2027 projection, female software engineers only make 96 cents for every dollar that a male software engineer makes.

Additionally, only 18% of computer science degrees earned in the United States are by womenm, and the numbers are even more disheartening for minority women. Hispanic, black, multiracial, Latinx, Pacific Islander, and Indigenous ethnic groups comprise only about 6% of all tech jobs. Among the Fortune 500 companies, only 41 women have held CEO positions in 2021, and women in tech positions are frequently laid off or overlooked for promotion.

Despite these harsh realities, businesses with gender diversity are statistically proven to perform better. For instance, companies with diverse leadership, where at least 30% of executives are women, achieve 25% higher profitability than poorly diversified organizations. So, if workplaces with gender diversity are better, how can we foster this inclusivity?

Overcoming Barriers

Here are some strategies I've learned from my experiences and research:

  • Combatting Imposter Syndrome: Many of us struggle with self-doubt, often manifested as "Imposter Syndrome". To combat this, you need to learn to silence the fear, breathe, and reassure yourself that your perceived inadequacy is not reflective of your actual ability.
  • Addressing Micro-aggressions: Micro-aggressions are subtle, indirect, or unintentional discrimination against marginalized groups - often women in tech. Responding tactfully in each instance can help foster a more inclusive workplace.
  • Speaking up: This can be daunting, especially when you're the only woman in the room. However, it’s crucial to assert your presence and ideas.
  • Building Alliances: Cultivating supportive relationships at work can help accelerate your career and provide backup when setbacks arise.
  • Watching Actions: People will show you their true colors through actions, not words. Note how people’s actions align (or don't align) with their words and values.
  • Avoiding Negative Competition: Women should support and uplift each other, not tear each other down.

Conclusion

In closing, remember that promoting diversity and inclusivity should be everyone's responsibility. Whether you're just starting your career in tech or have been in the industry for years, implementing these steps can help create a more welcoming and diverse work environment.

I hope these insights and tips will inspire you to stand tall, be bold, and influence positive change in your career and life. Lastly, do join me for my 'Meet and Greet' session later today, I look forward to answering your questions and discussing these topics in more depth. Make sure to connect with me on LinkedIn!


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