Exploring the groundbreaking contributions of women in technology who have shaped innovation and championed equity, diversity and inclusion, inspiring future generations.
I remember attending a talk years ago by tech entrepreneur and Canva founder Melanie Perkins. With humble beginnings and an unyielding passion for design, Melanie embarked on a journey that would ultimately redefine the landscape of graphic design and empower millions worldwide. Today, she stands out as one of the youngest CEOs of a tech start-up valued at over 1 billion AUD (657,000 million USD) and one of Australia’s wealthiest women. Her story is not just one of success, but also of resilience, innovation and unwavering dedication to her vision. With only one in four start-ups founded by women, according to a study of Silicon Valley Bank, Melanie is among the 2 percent of female CEOs of venture-backed companies.
As we celebrate both Women's Day and Women's History Month, it's crucial to recognize the pivotal role women have played in shaping the fields of technology. From breaking barriers to advocating for inclusivity, countless women have made significant contributions to these disciplines, revolutionizing not only the way we innovate but also the way we think about equity and diversity. In this blog post, we'll explore the remarkable achievements of contemporary women who have not only transformed the technological landscape but also championed equity, diversity and inclusion.
Some of the women's leading the charge
Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, has dedicated her career to closing the gender gap in technology and empowering girls to pursue careers in STEM. Through Girls Who Code, Saujani has provided thousands of young women with the skills, resources and support they need to thrive in the tech industry. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion has sparked a movement, challenging stereotypes and reshaping the face of technology to be more reflective of society as a whole.
Dr. Fei-Fei Li, a renowned computer scientist and AI expert, has been at the forefront of advancing ethical principles in artificial intelligence. As the co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI), Dr. Li has been instrumental in shaping the conversation around responsible AI development and deployment. Her work underscores the importance of diversity and inclusion in AI research and highlights the potential for technology to drive positive societal impact when guided by ethical considerations.
Dr. Ayanna Howard, a trailblazing roboticist and professor, has made significant strides in developing robotics technology for social good. Through her research at the Georgia Institute of Technology, Dr. Howard has focused on creating assistive robots for individuals with disabilities, leveraging technology to enhance quality of life and promote inclusion. Her work exemplifies the transformative potential of diversity in technology, demonstrating how diverse perspectives can drive innovation and create solutions that benefit all members of society.
How women are shaping the future of the B2B industry
Closer to home at commercetools, we brought together six influential women who are steering the course in B2B commerce in our "Leading the Change: Women in B2B Commerce" webinar. All of these women have leading roles in their organizations and have significantly contributed to their growth. In candid conversations, they reveal their challenges and triumphs and provide invaluable advice for women navigating similar paths in the B2B industry.
When I look back on my career, if I could group the challenges that I have faced it would be in four categories. One would be a general gender bias. There are certain expectations that people have from women, especially women of a childbearing age, that society has weaved that into their fabric of stories and expectations. And believe it or not, it damages. It damages women from the recruitment process all the way to promotions. And it's important that leaders actually address that gender bias and help and communicate and educate other colleagues and peers about it.
Non-Executive Director, Board Member, Kodak Alaris
B2B commerce can benefit tremendously from the female perspective. There's a lot of change happening in B2B commerce. So the customers change processes and change ways of working — and change is always hard on people. You need to be empathetic, you need to listen to people, you need to get them where they are and help them through that change. Just being smart about it, being mindful, being respectful, seeing people as people — that's kind of traditionally something that women are just good at because it's something they just pay more attention to.
VP Product, commercetools
Recognizing women's impact on technology
As we reflect on the achievements of these women, and countless others in technology, let us not only celebrate their individual successes but also recognise the collective impact of their advocacy for equity, diversity and inclusion. Their stories serve as a reminder of the importance of representation and empowerment in driving innovation and shaping the future of technology.
To learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion at commercetools, read our press release.
Marlies Isabella Riepl is a seasoned marketing expert and the Senior Global Alliances Marketing Manager at commercetools, where she spearheads global marketing with infrastructure partners. Passionate about fostering inclusivity in the tech industry, she co-founded the first "Women at commercetools" employee resource group.