Reflecting on My Journey
As a Women in Tech Global Awards 2024 winner, what does this recognition mean to you, and how does it reflect your journey and impact in tech?
Receiving the award from Women in Tech was both a complete surprise and a great honor. Having spent more years in the tech industry than I care to count, I've always aspired to be someone who earns the respect and appreciation from those in our industry. This recognition is a wonderful validation that I have achieved that goal. While I believe most of us do this work not for accolades, but because we are passionate about it, there's no denying how meaningful it is when recognition like this comes our way. I am deeply grateful for this acknowledgment, which reinforces that the work my team and I do truly matters.
Tech Industry's Most Rewarding Aspects
In your experience, what is the most rewarding aspect of working in the tech industry, and how has it influenced your career path?
Most certainly, the most rewarding part of being in the tech industry is the very clear and measurable impact my team has on our company's ability to achieve our goals. Watching Akamai grow from a startup to a 4 billion dollar company and seeing the impact IT has had on our evolution is incredibly fulfilling. I also feel fortunate to work in an industry that is so fast-moving. It forces us all to stay on our toes, learn new things, and continuously challenge ourselves. It is never boring in tech!
My Tech Career Milestone
Could you share a defining moment or a key achievement in your tech career that has been particularly impactful or meaningful to you?
Having been at the same company for 25 years, it is hard to point to one defining moment or key achievement. My career's successes and failures are really the sum total of the 25 years I have been here. With that said, the real defining moment of my tech career was quite simply the decision to come to Akamai. I was not looking for a job when a former colleague reached out to me about a position at this new startup called Akamai. In fact I was doing really well at the job I was in: I'd just been promoted, had a strong team, and solidified a reputation for getting things done.
I went to the interview at Akamai purely to appease my friend who couldn't say enough about this incredible company that was going to change the world. I interviewed for several hours at Akamai and left there feeling the energy and the enthusiasm from everyone. I was torn. It was exciting but also a big risk. Leaving a well-established company and a job where I was making an impact and had a bright future to go to a start-up where I would be starting all over was scary. But I took the leap and never looked back. It was, by far, the best decision I have ever made in my career.
Empowering Women in Tech: Real Stories, Career Advice, and Tips
From your experience, what essential advice and practical tips would you offer to aspiring women in tech to establish a successful career?
I know this is not the most profound answer, but the best way to establish a career is to work hard, be reliable, be a person who knows how to compromise, and work to help achieve goals as a team. There is no easy button or magic formula. It is about putting in the effort, building strong relationships, and taking on the challenging work no one else has the courage to do. After that, my advice is to be yourself. In my experience, women often feel pressure to act more like the person they think looks and sounds like what others expect to see. The qualities that make you uniquely you are the reason you will be successful. Never compromise yourself for others; be who you are. Being the best version of yourself will ultimately give you the most confidence.
Who would you recommend to join the WomenTech Network, and why?
Without a doubt! I would recommend anyone who is passionate about technology and committed to advancing their career to join the Women Tech Network. Community plays a crucial role in career growth- it's not just about expanding your professional network, but about creating a space for support, mentorship or even just a pep talk. Being able to connect with others who understand your challenges, goals, and aspirations is invaluable. A trusted community provides not only guidance and advice but also the encouragement and motivation we all need along the way. There is no better environment to cultivate such connections than within a group of exceptional women who are united by their love for technology and their commitment to empower one another.
