As more and more women enter STEM fields, the influx of diversity in experience and thought is expanding innovation in tech. With an estimated less than 30% of all tech positions held by women, we still have a way to go before we can claim victory over the gender gap. In this week’s episode, we are joined by two amazing women hailing from OPSWAT, a global leader in Critical Infrastructure Protection solutions, to share their stories of triumph and success entering and maintaining thriving careers in technology.
We welcome Laura Ellis, VP of Products, Secure Access. With over 30 years of accomplishments in technology, Laura shares her methods to success when fewer opportunities existed for women, and Kira Parisi, Quality Assurance Engineer, with three years in the tech industry, her upbringing in a technology-driven world opened a clear path into engineering. Both women discuss their shared challenges while highlighting the importance of young women accessing alternative educational routes and exploring the growing networks for women and girls entering tech.
Resources Mentioned:
Girls Who Code - girlswhocode.com
OPSWAT Academy - opswatacademy.com
Women of Security (WoSEC) - womenofsecurity.com
Women in Technology (WIT) – womeintechnology.org
Women in Technology International (WITI) - witi.com

Additional Resources:
Ambitious Ladies in Tech (ALT) - ambitiousladiesin.tech
Citrix User Group Community Women in Tech program - mycugc.org/community/women-in-tech
Women Entering & Staying in Tech (West Mentorship Program) – joinwest.org
Women in Technology - Empowering Girls & Women in STEAM – mywit.org

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