In the fast-evolving tech industry, a quiet yet powerful revolution is underway, which doesn’t concern AI, LLMs or anything technological: Community.
One may not consider the word groundbreaking or innovative, yet, within the tech industry, the ripples of community spread outward and upward, promising transformative change via one of the oldest tools known to humankind.
For women and other underrepresented groups in tech, camaraderie and mutual support have proven instrumental in getting more seats at the table and feet in the door.
Women in tech have long navigated a landscape where their voices were outnumbered and often overshadowed. In these burgeoning communities, women find solidarity and a powerful platform for amplification and advocacy where experiences are shared, challenges are tackled and triumphs are celebrated with a sense of shared accomplishment.
This ecosystem of support dismantles the silos often found in tech, encouraging a culture of openness and inclusivity. Within these collaborative circles, the seeds of innovation are sown as diverse perspectives and experiences converge to inspire new ideas and approaches.
Community builders at Caterpillar and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago shared how employee groups act as catalysts in forging better workplaces and growth opportunities for women in tech.
Cat Digital, as the technological division of Caterpillar Inc., harnesses digital tools, data analytics and AI to empower over a million connected assets globally.
What source of community have you created or sought out as a woman in tech?
Throughout my career, I’ve found that the community I needed was usually right in front of my face. I’ve always found inspiration in other people’s expertise and applied what they share with me to my responsibilities as a technologist. When I’m assigned a cross-functional project, it’s up to me to figure out what expertise others have that I can learn from. I love being surrounded by people at Caterpillar who are experts in their field. It’s where I draw energy, inspiration and refinement in problem-solving.
I’ve never really gone the formal route of setting up mentorships or informationals with people. Instead, I take a real-life approach to forging a community that can only come from active listening and observations that drive shared inspiration to solve real-world business problems. In doing this, I build the communities I need to deliver the best results I can in my work. Because of this experience, I’m very intentional about sharing my experience or expertise with my team and the next generation of the workforce so they can benefit from the community as I have.
How have you benefited from mentorship and networking opportunities?
As an introvert, networking is not something that comes naturally to me. But my drive to succeed in my career has helped me find authentic ways to do this. The approach that gives me the confidence to build the most authentic connections is having a common interest, project or challenge. Because of this, I have mentors everywhere for everything from all ages and backgrounds.
Just recently, I was approached by a software engineer who is just at the start of her career. We had the opportunity to really get to know each other on a business trip. While those circumstances can be nerve-wracking for me, I found myself inspired by her passion and perspectives in her role, and we formed a great connection. That has helped me be a better leader in my field.
Through her sharing her perspectives as a Gen Z in the workforce, I have been able to reflect on how I can best serve and support her generation’s growth. Being willing to learn and actively listen to others is the most meaningful way that I’ve been able to build an authentic community of amazing people who support me as much as I hope to support them.
I’ve been able to build an authentic community of amazing people who support me as much as I hope to support them.”
What are the benefits of fostering a community of women in tech, and how does it contribute to individual and collective success?
I’ve found that a strong community will always lend a hand to encourage you to rise. I can recall multiple instances throughout my career where I doubted myself and the value I brought to the table. Through profound advice from people in my community at Caterpillar, I was reminded of my value.
Many years ago, I was part of a project that involved engineers with different skill sets and domain expertise than I had, which made me doubt my role and purpose within the project. I reached out to a trusted leader for advice, and she reminded me that success and innovation come from building a table with enough seats for everyone’s perspective and expertise. Now, I’m applying that wisdom to help develop the next generation of software engineers.
I recognize the importance of visibility as a female leader in tech, but I know it wasn’t my gender that helped me succeed in my career. Rather, I believe success comes from the commitment to learning from and connecting with diversity of every kind. My goal in building a community is to inspire tomorrow’s tech leaders to pursue servant leadership and authentic connections, both of which have impacted my career trajectory.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago promotes economic opportunity and a reliable financial system, contributing to national monetary policy, supervising banks and offering financial services as a key part of the U.S. Federal Reserve System.
What source of community have you created or sought out as a woman in tech?
As a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion within finance, data management and analytics, I’ve led the Chicago Fed’s Women in Tech informal employee group since 2016 that fosters a vibrant community of women and allies. We started as an informal group of women and allies with responsibilities in IT that focused on collaboration to advance bank initiatives and to retain women and underrepresented communities in IT.
We break down barriers through meaningful discussions, creating a conduit for psychological safety and a space for women to be themselves and excel. I thrive in the theory that there are less than six degrees of separation between us all, and I am fulfilled when I can connect individuals to help them achieve their professional goals and dreams.
How have you benefited from mentorship and networking opportunities?
I benefited and understood the power of a supportive network at an early age. On a ride home from high school, my grandmother supportively asked me what career I wanted to do after school. I quickly responded, “Stockbroker!” Through my grandmother’s social connections (less than six degrees), she connected me with a woman stockbroker who supported my career aspirations then and now.
Our relationship started with a meet and greet that ended with her offering me an internship at her firm. Years later, she leveraged her network for me to intern at a brokerage firm in college. That experience was extremely fruitful; I learned you should never take an encounter or relationship for granted. I encourage every young professional to share their goals with their family, friends and network. Don’t hesitate to ask for support because people genuinely want to see you succeed. As the saying goes, the shots not made are the ones you don’t take.
Don’t hesitate to ask for support because people genuinely want to see you succeed.”
What are the benefits of fostering a community of women in tech, and how does it contribute to individual and collective success?
Building your personal network is essential for success for you and your organization. I believe that mentors and advisors help you navigate challenges and make informed decisions by providing diverse perspectives, guidance and support. They serve as a valuable network, offering insights that can significantly impact your professional growth and open doors to opportunities. Over the last ten years, I developed meaningful relationships with people who share in my commitment to supporting our collective success. I trust and value their opinion and advice. Together, we all win.
