EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
CHANCHAN MAO , DEVELOPER ADVOCATE , ALLUXIO
SAADIA KHAN , VP OF ENGINEERING AND DEVOPS , HAMMERSPACE
To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day is to celebrate ourselves and the growing representation of women as the tech industry evolves . I am always so in awe every time I attend tech events and conferences and I see a woman on stage confidently speaking on her area of expertise .
Growing up as a little girl in the heart of Silicon Valley , it ’ s easy to be underestimated and overshadowed by the lack of gender diversity . Perhaps the most valuable lesson I ’ ve learned , as cliche as it sounds , is that we can do it ! Our intelligence , our passion , and our innovative minds are beyond gender labels ; our opportunities for growth and leadership should also be . We all have incredible potential to achieve outstanding careers in tech , and we are not allowing gender stereotypes to hinder our success .
I have devoted my career as an engineer to advancing technology and innovation , consistently breaking new ground with my team and defying stereotypes . Throughout my journey , I have achieved notable successes with several patents , contributed to open-source software communities , and engaged in standardization efforts . My commitment to innovation and progress underscores my belief that International Women in Engineering Day ( INWED ) is not just a celebration but a crucial societal event showcasing women ’ s invaluable contributions to engineering .
Despite the distinct hurdles many have encountered in building careers and advancing into leadership in the high-tech space – we can ignite the curiosity of the next generation of women to explore the diverse opportunities available in the STEM fields .
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 programs to help you find your niche so do your research and remember , a career in STEM puts you at the forefront of technology .
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