Empowering Women in Tech: My Conversation with Elena Percival of Women Who Code
As the host of the Scaling Edge podcast, I've had the privilege of speaking with many inspiring individuals who are making a significant impact in their respective fields. In one of our recent episodes, I sat down with Elena Percival, the co-founder of Women Who Code, to discuss her journey and the organization's mission to empower women in the technology sector. Joining us were participants Steven Lucas, Max, Elena Percival, each bringing their unique perspectives to the conversation. LISTEN TO FULL EPISODE: HERE
From Product World to Tech Industry: Elena's Journey
Elena Percival's story is one of determination and resilience. She shared with us her transition from working in the product world to making her mark in the tech industry. It wasn't an easy path; Elena faced numerous challenges in proving her technical credibility. Her experiences underscore the biases and hurdles that women often encounter in the tech space. But rather than being deterred, these challenges fueled her passion for creating a supportive community for women in technology.
The Mission of Women Who Code
Women Who Code isn't just another organization; it's a movement. Elena explained that the core focus of the group is to support mid-career engineers, helping them stay engaged and advance to the highest levels of leadership. The statistics are alarming: many women leave their technical career paths, which not only affects individual lives but also the industry's potential for greater equality. Elena's insights into the impact of this trend were eye-opening and served as a call to action for all of us in the tech community.
Why Women Leave Tech: A Ten-Year Itch?
Our discussion took a deep dive into the reasons behind the concerning trend of women exiting the tech industry around the ten-year mark. We explored gender challenges, biases, and the stereotypes that often paint coding as an unattractive or non-creative field for women. It was a candid conversation that shed light on the systemic issues that need to be addressed to reverse this trend.
Creating Belonging and Opportunities for Women
Elena passionately spoke about the initiatives of Women Who Code to foster a sense of belonging for women in tech. The organization provides opportunities for technical learning and leadership development, which are crucial for career progression. She stressed the importance of diverse representation in leadership roles and how it can positively influence other women's career trajectories.
How to Support Women Who Code
As our conversation drew to a close, we discussed practical ways individuals and companies can engage with Women Who Code. Supporting the mission of promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic business decision. Diversity drives innovation, and by empowering women technologists, we are paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous industry.
Final Thoughts
The insights from this podcast episode with Elena Percival were not just informative but also deeply motivating. As the host, I was reminded of the power of community and the importance of lifting each other up. The mission of Women Who Code is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together to support and empower one another. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this conversation with my listeners and now with you, my readers. Let's all do our part to ensure that women in technology feel supported, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.
To all the women in tech out there, know that you are not alone. Organizations like Women Who Code are fighting for you, and together, we can make a difference. Let's continue to break barriers and build a future where gender is no longer a hurdle to success in the tech industry.