Critical Careers - Women Building Careers in Digital Infrastructure - Book - Page 60
What do you wish more people understood
about the role women play in the digital
infrastructure industry?
It starts with recognising that women are already part of this industry, and
more importantly, are a growing part of it. Women are capable across
a wide range of roles, including ones where you might not traditionally
expect to see them.
In my day-to-day role, particularly at Google, I do not really think about
being a woman in a data centre role because it is collaborative, balanced
and so welcoming to everyone. Where you notice the difference more is
at the industry level. At events or in certain environments, representation
can still be quite uneven, and you might 昀椀nd yourself being the only
woman in the room.
Overall, it is about creating an environment where everyone feels
welcome and where representation re昀氀ects the wider society we are part
of. That is important not just for individuals but for the long-term success
of the industry.
Do you feel a sense of responsibility to help
create opportunities or visibility for others
coming into the industry?
I think we all have a responsibility to give back. We have all had
opportunities that have helped us along the way, and it is important to
help others access those same pathways.
For me, that shows up in both formal and informal ways. I am involved
in a couple of mentoring programmes, and I also support people
more informally. Sometimes that is as simple as having a conversation,
responding to a message or making an introduction. Showing up and
simply participating can also make a difference.
One thing I am quite conscious of is making sure we are not just repeating
the same patterns. It should not be the same people mentoring the same
types of people. If we want to see real progress, we need to widen
that network.
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“One thing I am quite
conscious of is making
sure we are not just
repeating the same
patterns. It should not
be the same people
mentoring the same
types of people.
If we want to see real
progress, we need to
widen that network.”
