1. As a Women in Tech Global Awards 2025 winner, what does this recognition mean for your company, and how does it reflect your mission and impact in the tech industry?
For Semrush, this recognition validates the tremendous effort our team has put into building an inclusive environment from the ground up. We have moved from having zero formal processes to a fully established ecosystem where it’s not just about the numbers, but about creating a space where diversity thrives and differences are genuinely celebrated. Seeing these efforts receive external recognition is truly gratifying for the entire organization.
This award reflects our mission to drive real, consistent impact. We observe this success through the shift in mindsets following our training sessions and the cultural changes reflected in our data. It confirms that by making inclusion part of our daily rituals, we are not only transforming our own culture but contributing to a more inclusive future for the tech industry.
2. From your company's perspective, what has been the most rewarding part of operating in the tech industry, and how has it shaped your growth or strategic direction?
Operating in the tech industry is fast-paced and exciting due to the high competition, but it is the freedom, creativity, and unique cultural aspects that allow us to truly thrive.
This culture has transformed our strategic direction by giving us the freedom to drive diverse projects, including DEI, that prioritize people over rigid processes. It empowers our teams to look beyond standard scopes and experiment with initiatives that truly matter.
That said, we recognize that challenges exist everywhere, especially for women in technical roles who are still underrepresented. While we are seeing improvements, we are far from the finish line. Semrush is committed to providing a welcoming and liberating environment—a place where women in tech can grow, develop, and feel free to be themselves.
3. Could you share a defining moment, breakthrough, or key achievement in your company’s tech journey that has been especially impactful or meaningful?
The very project that earned us this award, our DEI training program, has become one of the most meaningful achievements in our company’s journey. The success here goes deeper than metrics like satisfaction scores or hiring improvements, even though those results are excellent. It is really about witnessing a shift in human perspective across the organization.
One of the most rewarding moments for us is when team members come out of these sessions saying, 'I never looked at it from that angle,' realizing that bias and discrimination affect everyone, whether they are part of a minority group or the majority. Those moments of realization change views, even if just a little. A particularly moving memory for our team occurred during a feedback session when a male colleague shared that he was going to apologize to his wife for his past ignorance, admitting he had never understood the female experience from that perspective before. That kind of personal impact is what matters most.
4. What essential advice, practical tips, or commitments would you offer to support women in tech—especially those building careers or leadership paths within your organization or ecosystem?
Our advice is to be authentically you. We encourage women not to let society dictate their paths, but to trust their instincts, follow what brings them joy, and chart their own courses. We recognize that the road won’t always be smooth; it can be thorny at times, but it is full of exciting events.
On a practical level, our biggest recommendation is: never settle. We believe women should not settle for a lower salary, smaller roles, or fewer projects than they deserve. We see every woman in tech as a professional who is enough just as she is, and we are committed to supporting that value.
5. Who would you encourage to join the WomenTech Network, and what makes it a great fit for them?
We would recommend the WomenTech Network to anyone looking for a community that turns ambition into action. Whether for those just starting their journey or for experienced leaders, this network gives the visibility and mentorship needed to navigate the industry.
It is the perfect place for people who want to be part of the solution—connecting with like-minded individuals who are reshaping the future of technology to be more inclusive for everyone.