5 Strategies for Empowering Women in Tech: Lessons from My Journey
In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of technology, building a diverse workforce isn’t just about doing the right thing—it’s also smart business. Research consistently shows that diverse teams drive innovation, improve performance, and create solutions that reflect the needs of a broader customer base. Yet, attracting, retaining, and promoting women in technical roles remains a challenge across industries.
As the Director of Marketing & Communications at Artisan Studios, I’ve navigated the transition from a female-dominated retail space to a male-dominant tech industry. Over the past few years, I’ve experienced firsthand what it takes to succeed and thrive in this field. Through my journey–combined with insights from inspiring women leaders I’ve connected with–I hope to shed light on how we can empower women to excel in tech.
1. Leaving Retail and Entering My Tech Era
A few years ago, I made a significant shift in my career—from apparel and accessories to applications and AI. Talk about a vocabulary overhaul! Phrases like “raw hemlines”, “cropped woven”, and “merchandise mix” were replaced with “cloud migration,” “large language models,” and “edge computing.” The transition was both exciting and challenging, requiring me to learn entirely new concepts, tools, and ways of thinking.
At first, stepping into a space where technical knowledge often determines credibility felt daunting. I questioned if I could adapt quickly enough. But here’s the reality: embracing innovation has been transformative. Technology is constantly evolving, which means everyone is learning, no matter their experience level.
The takeaway? Continuous learning is essential. Dive into new technologies without fear—no one expects you to know everything on day one. When I didn’t understand a particular concept, I leaned on my peers, asked questions, and explored resources like AWS training programs, technical blogs, and webinars. It’s not about knowing it all; it’s about demonstrating the willingness to learn and adapt.
This mindset doesn’t just apply to those new to tech. Whether you’re transitioning roles, joining a new team, or learning about emerging trends like AI or digital innovation, curiosity and adaptability are powerful tools that can set you apart.
2. Relationships, Networks, and Partnerships
Building relationships has been one of the most rewarding and empowering parts of my tech journey. As an AWS partner, I’ve had the privilege of connecting with incredible people supporting programs like AWS’ Women Leaders and Allies in Tech. These groups are invaluable for finding mentors and allies who can guide you, share opportunities, and advocate for your growth.
Here’s what I’ve learned: building trust starts with genuine conversations. Take a real interest in the people around you—colleagues, partners, or even competitors. When peers recognize your authenticity, they start to see your expertise and trust your contributions.
And let’s talk about asking questions. Early on, I was hesitant to ask questions about technical topics I didn’t fully grasp, worrying it would undermine my credibility. But as Sheekha Singh, author of IT Girl, explains: “Questions show you’re actively listening and putting in the effort to contribute.” Tech moves too fast to fake understanding. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates curiosity, effort, and a desire to participate meaningfully.
Practical Tip: Build your network intentionally. Join groups, attend conferences and networking events, and find opportunities to meet people who can offer guidance or inspiration. Sometimes, the best partnerships and ideas come from unexpected conversations.
3. Culture at Play: Prioritize It or It Breaks
Finding the right company culture can make or break your experience in tech. A supportive, inclusive environment isn’t just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a game-changer.
I’ve been fortunate to work at Artisan Studios, where fairness, trust, and open dialogue are prioritized. I’ll never forget when our CEO brought all the women in the company together to openly discuss inequities. He shared his own vulnerabilities and reaffirmed his commitment to fostering a culture of support and inclusion. Moments like that matter—they build trust, loyalty, and psychological safety.
A company’s culture isn’t defined by perks like snacks or remote work policies—it’s about creating spaces where every voice can thrive. Leaders play a critical role in modeling inclusion, but every team member can contribute. Ask yourself:
- Does your team [Do you] welcome diverse perspectives in meetings?
- Are opportunities for growth and leadership equitable?
- How are accomplishments recognized and celebrated?
When companies get culture right, they don’t just attract women in tech—they empower them to succeed.
4. Thriving in Tech: Balancing Leadership and Self-Belief
Navigating a male-dominated industry often brings a unique set of challenges, from making your voice heard to overcoming imposter syndrome. Early in my career, I sometimes fell into the role of the “doer,” taking on tasks to ensure things got done rather than focusing on higher-level strategy. Over time, I learned to balance execution with leadership—owning my role while building confidence to step up and drive strategic direction.
Imposter syndrome remains a common hurdle for women in tech. But we can reframe this narrative: being a “doer” isn’t about saying yes to everything; it’s about driving meaningful progress. Supporting others by handling tasks they couldn’t prioritize often moved our projects—and our company—forward. As my colleague, Brittany Wolfram, wisely advises: “Find your allies, stay authentic, and connect with mentors both inside and outside your organization.” Staying true to your brand and building relationships can help you navigate challenges, foster growth, and ensure your contributions are recognized. It’s about knowing your value and having the confidence to claim your space in the industry.
5. The Power of Role Models and Mentorship
Role models and mentors have been critical to my growth, both professionally and personally. I’ve had leaders challenge me, advocate for me, and give me the space to learn from failure. As my colleague, Lori Gerber, explains, “My mentors stretched me while teaching me, and they championed me behind closed doors.”
Mentorship is about more than guidance—it’s about advocacy and visibility. Companies can amplify this by:
- Pairing senior leaders with junior employees for formal mentorship.
- Creating and investing in employee advocate programs.
- Showcasing female leaders internally and externally as visible role models.
Visibility matters - it shows the next generation of women what’s possible.
An Honest Moment: We Can Do Better—And We Will
While progress has been made, there’s still more we can do. Change requires continuous effort, accountability, action, and reflection. This isn’t about meeting quotas—it’s about building teams that reflect the world we live in and deliver better results because of it.
At Artisan Studios, we’re committed to fostering diversity because it drives innovation and strengthens our team. To the next generation of women in tech: you belong here. Find mentors, build relationships, embrace learning, and trust in your abilities.
The future of tech isn’t just about the tools we build—it’s about the people who build them. Let’s make it a space where everyone can thrive.
What strategies have helped you succeed in tech? I’d love to hear your thoughts—let’s keep the conversation going.
