Celebrating Women in Tech, at CSI, and Around the World

March recognizes Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day (IWD), marking a time to celebrate women’s achievements and bring important conversations around equity and inclusion to the forefront of the cultural narrative. 

IWD’s 2023 theme is #EmbraceEquity: why equal opportunities are no longer enough. It’s no secret that the tech industry has had a low percentage of gender equity at the top, so there’s a huge upside opportunity to change that dynamic. In my view, it’s always been about the best person for the role and that means that not everyone will look, act, and think alike. Removing the conscious and subconscious biases is vital to thriving organizations that require different views, opinions, and backgrounds.  

While I can certainly recognize the unique challenges that women in the workforce have and continue to face, I won’t pretend to fully know the depth and complexity of this topic. Though it is a personal one to me. The most important women in my life—my wife, my daughter, my sister, and my mother—have unequivocally shaped the person I am today. I wouldn’t be who or where I am without their influence. My mother, a free spirit from an immigrant country who worked hard in a distribution warehouse and was always there to offer support and encouragement. My sister, whose Carpe Diem take on life has pushed me to challenge societal norms. My wife, the rock of our family who made the decision to put motherhood over an outside career and is the best example I could ever imagine for our 11-year-old daughter. A little girl with big aspirations to make the world a better place. The past, present, and future, all wrapped up for me in these four women.  

As a tech leader, I do not consider it my role to “empower” anyone, as I believe personal power comes from within. What I can do is listen, learn, and champion others to the best of my ability. To advocate for equity, promote inclusion, and lead by example. I believe we should strive to be whomever we want to be—a professional, a parent, a leader, a changemaker—and companies play a role in supporting that ecosystem.  

To that point, it is not my intent to speak on anyone’s behalf; so instead, I’m “passing the mic” to three of my colleagues at CSI who are highly respected leaders and valued team members within our organization. To Dana, Kathy, Kara, the women of CSI, and women in tech around the world—thank you for your contributions. I see you, I celebrate you, and I stand with you.

Dana Khashashna | Sr. Director, Client Success & Delivery Services

“As a woman in the tech industry, I am acutely aware of the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. I believe that greater diversity is key to innovation and success, and it's important to have more women in leadership positions. With determination and hard work, we can break down the barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.” [Read Dana’s Story]

Kathy Rich | People and Culture Lead (US)

“I don’t spend much time thinking about the fact that I’m a woman in business. I feel like in doing so, I am establishing limits. I instead choose to focus on my contributions, my efforts, and my opportunities. I work hard at the things that are within my control. Dare to be you. It is this mindset that allows people to experience true success.” [Read Kathy’s Story]

Kara Rudy | Virtual Chief Marketing Officer

“Yes, women in tech are rare. Yes, women business owners, leaders, and executives are fewer than men. But putting a box around the numbers and the differences will only make it harder for our children to imagine what their world could be like. I don’t believe that I have achieved new levels of responsibility and leadership because of my gender, and frankly, I’d be insulted if that were the case.” [Read Kara’s Story]