The Resources That Helped 5 Women in Tech Grow

For some women in technology, the question is not just how far you go, but how long you last.

Women are underrepresented in tech workplaces, and there are a number of well-known factors that make it difficult for them to succeed when compared to their male colleagues. Lack of women-identified leadership representation, gender discrimination, wage gaps and inflexible working hours can discourage women professionals from pursuing career growth — and a career in technology altogether.

One way that businesses can keep talented women around is offering pathways to connection. Mentorship programs as well as training and networking opportunities progress women’s careers and help them feel included, heard and valued. Research compiled by CIO Magazine notes that while half of women drop out of tech roles by the age of 35, women with mentors are 77 percent more likely to still be working in tech for longer periods of time than those without.

Eliza Punnoose, a manager of data engineering at Capital One and a mentor to other women in the workplace, explains that she’s carrying on the legacy of the women who previously inspired, supported and educated her early in her professional career.
“Sometimes, all you need is that one example of someone achieving who looks like you. Then you can believe it for yourself,” said Punnoose.

Built In Chicago had the opportunity to speak to Punnoose other local women in technology to hear about their experiences in the professional world, including the resources and professional connections that have supported them so far.

 

Capital One is a banking and financial services company offering a variety of personal and commercial banking products.

 

Tell us about your experience as a woman in tech. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

Early on in my career, before coming to Capital One, being only one of a few women in my field often led me to be questioned about my technical expertise and leadership skills. However, seeing smart, strong women around me in technology inspired me to make a better place for myself. I learned by watching how they spoke up for themselves and others. 
 

“Seeing smart, strong women around me in technology inspired me to make a better place for myself.”

 

Before coming to Capital One, there were certainly times where I needed to put extra work and time in to achieve the same recognition and acceptance as my counterparts — both when I was a leader and when I was a software engineer. Fortunately, I’ve been able to leverage these experiences to mentor other women in technology and provide advice for their career growth.

 

What are your professional goals, and how has Capital One enabled you to pursue them?

I just accomplished a big professional goal of mine: earning a master’s degree in data analytics engineering. This was part of a larger goal to combine analytics with my technical expertise to leverage data-driven insights for decision making that will contribute to the overall growth of Capital One.

I received so much support from the company on this journey. I used Capital One’s tuition assistance benefit program, but the help I received extended beyond the financial support. My manager and coworkers always made sure I had the time I needed to do my job and earn my degree. It always felt manageable.

 

How does Capital One celebrate and empower women?

Capital One gives women the space and resources to support one another, invest in themselves and build the next generation of talent. We network, pursue professional development and volunteer. One of the main ways I do this is through our Business Resource Groups like empowher — for women in the workplace — and Women in Tech, which I serve in a learning and development leadership position for.

I’ve volunteered with Capital One Coders, which provides education and mentorship to help middle school students become technologists. I’ve also attended the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing — the largest gathering of women and non-binary technologists in the world — where I was awestruck at seeing the number of strong, powerful women in tech.

Overall, Capital One actively works to increase the representation of women in senior leadership roles through leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities designed specifically for women. All of these opportunities drive home what I really want: to show my 13-year-old and 10-year-old daughters that they can achieve anything.

 

 

Marketing technology company tms provides a suite of marketing, technology and data science products, as well as creative agency and consulting services.

 

Tell us about your experience as a woman in tech. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

My job as a decision scientist incorporates aspects of both data science and analytics with a business-forward mindset. Being a woman in a STEM field has its trials and tribulations just like every job, but for me, being an introverted woman in tech brings its own challenges.

A challenge I face as a more recent college graduate and an introverted woman is finding the assertiveness to speak up in a field where others are more vocal and being confident in my work. Breaking beyond these barriers can be difficult, especially in a male-dominated field, but through hard work and determination, I am overcoming these challenges. Presenting to internal team members and clients has helped me greatly. It allows me to develop my public speaking skills and be assertive while having confidence in my work. Taking advantage of online public speaking resources and tips for breaking down your walls has been incredibly beneficial, as are my colleagues, who are constantly pushing me to be more confident and finding ways to help me grow so that I can go far in my career as a young woman in a powerful field.

 

What are your professional goals, and how has tms enabled you to pursue them?

While I’m still relatively new to the workforce, professionally, I aspire to work my way up to a senior level and one day reach a managerial position. At tms, I’m enabled to pursue my goals with the help of yearly goal-setting and creating a five-year plan for my development. Having these goals that I can hold myself accountable towards helps to ensure I’m heading in the right direction. Also, having the chance to discuss my goals and receive feedback from my managers and coworkers helps me better understand my progression.

There are many resources available to us, with online learning like LinkedIn Learning, other online courses and various company-provided templates for career planning. One course that particularly benefited my career progression was the Tableau data analyst exam prep course. This course helped me gain a deeper understanding of Tableau, which I have been able to incorporate into my work. Through all the resources, opportunities and backing from my colleagues, tms provides me with the support I need to progress further in my career.

 

“Through all the resources, opportunities and backing from my colleagues, tms provides me with the support I need to progress further in my career.”

 

How does tms celebrate and empower women?

As a company, tms is dedicated to empowering and celebrating women through various initiatives. Two tms groups I am actively involved in are Women in Tech and Women Inspiring and Strengthening Everyone. These groups aim to empower women within tms and foster a supportive community. 

In March, in honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, an employee resource group called GENIE hosted a workshop with Reeha Alder on being your true authentic self at work. This workshop was about stepping beyond the walls we build for ourselves when we come to work and being true to who we are. Also during March, WISE set up a Kudoboard for anyone to give a shout-out to the women within the company. This was a great way to recognize all the amazing women at both tms and our affiliate company, HAVI.

WISE and WIT also recently co-hosted a Spark Day for Girl Scouts. This was an event-filled day where Girl Scouts came to the office, networked with professionals and learned about different careers within the industry. I am happy to be part of a company constantly working to recognize and celebrate the women who work hard every day in their careers.

 

 

Apex Fintech Solutions offers investing and wealth-management tools, platforms and services for a modern digital finance experience.

 

Tell us about your experience as a woman in tech. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

The most significant challenges I’ve faced as a woman in tech include the lack of representation and the struggle to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It has taken me time to find my voice and feel comfortable in the workplace, especially since I am often the youngest of the few women present during discussions. By forming strong relationships with women I admire at my firm and seizing various development opportunities, I have gained confidence in myself and my abilities. Learning about my mentors’ experiences and how they overcame similar challenges has helped me feel seen and supported.

Regarding work-life balance, my mentors have encouraged me to find sustainable ways to manage professional and personal commitments. I have discovered that habits like working out after a long day at the office or setting aside time each day for focus and leisure help achieve this balance. Additionally, I have realized that advocating for oneself and one’s needs is an essential form of self-care.

 

“I have realized that advocating for oneself and one’s needs is an essential form of self-care.”

 

What are your professional goals, and how has Apex Fintech Solutions enabled you to pursue them?

As a business analyst on the business development team at Apex Fintech Solutions, I am fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with almost every department. Through my experiences on this team, I have refined my professional goals, which are ultimately focused on obtaining a leadership role. I aim to improve my time-management and communication skills, enhance my technical proficiency to become more efficient and gain management experience while fostering team collaboration.

Throughout my two years at the firm, my manager has challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone, and I am now successfully managing multiple business processes. She has also shaped my career development by providing consistent feedback, support and actionable steps for continued growth. Additionally, Apex leadership is approachable and willing to mentor those interested in pursuing specific roles or career paths. With Apex’s support, I have been able to further my education and obtain new professional credentials. This support included the firm covering the necessary materials and preparation for the FINRA Securities Industry Essential exam, a certification required for my role.

 

How does Apex Fintech Solutions celebrate and empower women?

Apex empowers women through the Apex Women’s Network, participation in the Poker Power program — an initiative through our parent organization, PEAK6, that teaches poker to women-identifying individuals — and recognition of days like International Women’s Day and Women’s Equality Day.

Alongside my fellow AWN leaders, I work to empower, support and elevate women within Apex through mentorship, education and networking opportunities. Our group ensures that women at Apex have the tools, confidence and network needed to achieve their professional goals. We’ve organized roundtable discussions with senior female leaders at Apex to provide insight into their career paths and experiences. These events offer encouragement and support for women at the firm, and many demonstrate their support by participating in various locations, both in person and virtually.

 

 

NinjaHoldings offers financial and data analytics services for consumers and businesses, including digital banking and lending products.

 

Tell us about your experience as a woman in tech. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

One significant challenge I faced was feeling overlooked or not having a seat at the table during critical decision-making processes. This lack of inclusion often led to missed opportunities to provide valuable input and share insights that could have benefited the project and the team.

I overcame this challenge by building relationships, demonstrating expertise and confidence, and seeking feedback and mentorship. I also found that building strong relationships is crucial. Connecting with people on both a professional and personal level fosters trust and collaboration. When people feel a genuine connection with you, they are more likely to value your input and include you in important discussions. 

In addition, volunteering for new projects showcases your expertise and willingness to learn. While challenging, it demonstrates your commitment to growth and your readiness to leverage your existing skills. This proactive approach signals to your peers that you are dedicated and capable. 

And lastly, regularly asking for feedback helps you understand your strengths and areas for improvement. Constructive feedback helps you grow and adapt, making you a more effective team member. Seeking mentorship from experienced colleagues can provide value.

 

What are your professional goals, and how has NinjaHoldings enabled you to pursue them?

My professional goals focus on deepening my expertise in data analytics, machine learning, and data visualization while committing to lifelong learning. I aim to stay updated with advancements and apply these skills to tackle real-world business challenges effectively. My current company has been pivotal in supporting my career growth.

 

How does NinjaHoldings celebrate and empower women?

Our company is deeply committed to celebrating and empowering women through many initiatives. With several women in executive roles, we provide ample opportunities for advancement. We offer targeted mentorship and leadership development programs to support career growth and ensure that women can balance their professional and personal lives through flexible work arrangements. This supportive environment stands in contrast to my previous experiences, where career demands often took precedence over personal considerations. 

Additionally, we celebrate key events such as International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month to honor our employees’ contributions and achievements. The opportunities and support I have received here have enabled me to achieve significant milestones and reflect our company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.
 

“The opportunities and support here have enabled me to achieve significant milestones and reflect our company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.”

 

 

Sittercity is a technology platform that connects families with caregivers for babysitting, nannying, tutoring services and more.

 

Tell us about your experience as a woman in tech. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

At the beginning of my QA career I was the only QA engineer across four squads balancing work while learning and navigating a unique and new career path. Since I had no bandwidth to take any educational courses, I learned through experience and a lot of failure. 

My career with Sittercity did not begin in engineering. Because of the career-focused culture at Sittercity, I was able to transition from customer service into QA, something I likely would not have had the opportunity to do at most organizations. With that transition, I had to work hard to earn the respect and buy-in of leadership and prove that I was capable and deserving of the opportunity. Thankfully, the constant support I received from my peers empowered me to continue to pursue my goals.

In recent initiatives, I have been challenged to grow further in my leadership abilities and get even further out of my comfort zone. This has empowered me to embrace that the process is not always pretty or perfect, but as long as I am learning, I am becoming a better version of myself.

One of the biggest challenges I have faced being a woman in tech is doing it while also being a new mom. I’ve had many battles with imposter syndrome as I navigate wanting to excel in my career while also desiring to be the best mom I can be to my daughter and making sure she remains number one. Having pushed through those boundaries, I’ve realized that I am capable of so much more than I would have ever imagined and I would not have been able to do it without all the support I have received along the way. 

 

What are your professional goals, and how has Sittercity enabled you to pursue them? 

My professional goal is to land in a leadership role within the QA function in some capacity. All of the managers I have had during my engineering career here have supported my desire to grow by making space for consistent dialogue surrounding my career development. This has challenged me to always be thinking about what is next.

From the start, Sittercity has supported me by affording me the opportunity to broaden my skill set and test the waters in QA, which ultimately opened the door for me to end up where I am now. Since Sittercity did not have a dedicated QA team at the time, it was an incredible learning opportunity for me to which I really had to start from the ground up.

In recent years, leadership has created space for “dev days,” which take place once a month and where engineers can focus on things we are passionate about learning outside of our sprint work and commitments. 

With our newest product offering preparing for launch, I have been given the opportunity to demonstrate my ability to lead the QA process from end to end for Sittercity. I have surprised myself at how much growth I’ve experienced in this process, which has led me to become more confident in my overall abilities.

 

How does Sittercity celebrate and empower women?

My experience with Sittercity as a QA engineer has been an overall positive one. The engineering team here is nothing but supportive of one another. I have never felt less than and never felt a shortage of respect in my role because I am a woman — the respect spreads among the entire team and I’ve always been received well and respected amongst my peers.

 

“On Sittercity’s engineering team, I have never felt less than and never felt a shortage of respect in my role because I am a woman.”

 

One thing Sittercity does that stands out to celebrate and empower women is regular participation in Women in Tech conferences throughout the years, as well as a heavy impact in the Marketplace Risk conference, annually. This diverse range of participation includes women at Sittercity from all departments, from engineering to product to trust and safety.