The Challenges of Being an “Only” in Tech
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I had the opportunity to speak at the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC) 2025 on Redesigning the Tech Talent Pipeline — a topic close to my heart as co-founder of Indiana Women IN Tech Week and a long-time veteran female working in tech. GHC has long been a launchpad for women in the tech community, where we can join together to share ideas and support for furthering our careers.
This type of community is so important because, unfortunately, women working in technology roles still experience the effects of being an “only” in the office. A 2020 report by Accenture explained that despite decades of support for girls to pursue tech professions, the percentage of female tech workers was actually higher in 1984 (35%) than it is today (32%). We also know that women hold just 27% of computing roles in U.S. companies.
These low numbers matter because the research revealed that lack of an inclusive environment was the reason women are leaving tech. They broke it down to three elements: lack of role models, lack of mentors and general bias. This is no doubt part of the reason why 50% of women who take a technology role leave the industry by the age of 35, a 45% higher rate than men.
Women Empowering Women
Women of tech, stay in tech. We see you. We’re here for you. Keep shining!
We know that companies earn more profits and have better products when they have more diverse teams. But sometimes in tech roles we women are minimized with small words like “quit being so sensitive,” “don’t get emotional,” “don’t take things personally,” or “keep your head down.” The message is nuanced but clear: you don’t belong here, and we’ll treat you in a way so that you know you aren’t wanted. Over time in these environments, we learn that we can’t be too smart, too passionate, too direct. We’re asked to hide our true selves. It’s called the likability paradox, where we’re supposed to be bubbly and wonderful but also be able to take the pressure.
But what would it mean if instead of keeping our heads down we looked up? It would mean we can see other women and high five them. And at the same time, belonging empowers us to take on extra projects, shoulder more work and keep learning. It’s about showing that there is room at the table for everyone. It’s such a great enabler of economic mobility, narrowing the gap in generational wealth and giving us that sense of ownership and innovation in our job functions.
The Secret Sauce
For women, there are two very important things for success in tech: belonging and mentorship. Mentorship is essential because, when you feel scattered, low and bone tired, you have someone to talk to, cheer you on and encourage you. I call it having a personal board of directors.
If you don’t have a mentor, that should be your first priority. Find three people to start building your personal board of directors, because those people are going to help you stay the course as things get hard. Reach out to someone on LinkedIn who inspires you and say, “Hi, I’m not here to sell anything I just want to learn from you,” or “Hi, I am looking to explore a career in cloud. Can I talk with you?”
Mentors are the secret sauce for connecting with a resource, with a pathway. Surround yourself with those who value your skills, your superpowers and how you shine.
Are You Sure It’s Imposter Syndrome?
Young women that I mentor and speak with in college always talk to me about imposter syndrome. I believe we need to quit implying that everyone — especially women and people of color — is broken. It is perfectly normal and natural to be afraid when you’re doing something new; it’s called the human experience. It’s okay to be afraid. If you fail, it’s normal to feel disappointment and even shame. But rent the space of those feelings, don't buy the house. Do some digging into your failure, make some changes, shake it off and then try again. With this strategy, I passed the bar exam after two failed attempts.
Education is an important factor in overcoming fear. WGU’s competency-based learning model meets people where they are. So that means when you’re working a full-time job, or two jobs just to make ends meet, you can still do education at your own pace. WGU’s learning model really excites me, because that kind of access to education can change your life. It’s not just about a better paying job; a good tech job can also provide access to a 401K and health plan. Education will narrow the wealth gap and enable you to evolve and stay in tech.
Tech Education
I believe there is a big push for skills first and that’s great because skills empower economic mobility. But certifications alone will not open doors to tech. I can tell you that my fear in downplaying the importance of a degree is that we create a tech underclass that can only get so far until they hit the paper ceiling. In my career, I could not move into leadership, nor have the influence I wanted, until I went back to school. I took advantage of my employer’s tuition assistance, earned my degree, and that opened doors for me to get into leadership. I would not be in my leadership role today, or be exposed to so many fantastic opportunities to engage and influence in the tech industry, were it not for my education.
Education also fundamentally changes you as a human being. I am a different leader, a different woman, a different wife, a different sister and a different friend due to education. You’re not just learning the skills to build things; you’re also learning a different way to think through problems, to analyze differently. Skills you learn in college, like problem-solving, critical thinking and conflict resolution, expand your world and help you relate to all types of different people.
For women in tech: Don't hide yourself anymore! Your gifts and your voices are precious. They make you who you are. Don’t dim your light because it shines too brightly in someone else’s eyes. Recognize your gifts and use your voice to share who you are.
