Women in Tech Finland

👀 As you might have noticed, WiT team has been slowly drifting off to holidays 🏖🏝 The WiT team wishes you an amazing holiday season and perfect weather! See you back in August, stay tuned for more awesome details about Forum 2024 and other wonderful events 🤩 Cheers, Nea & Tatiana, the WiT team

You've been asking us when Forum registration starts... 👀 Today is the day to announce it! 🥁 Mark your calendars: Forum registration starts on 09.09.2024 at 11:00 a.m. Finnish time. ⏲ We are gathering all the materials here😉👉🏽 https://lnkd.in/djXUadQw And speaking of time, it is the right one to announce our next partner: Amazon Web Services (AWS) 🎊 Amazon Web Services (AWS) is proud to announce its partnership with the WiT Forum 2024 – to empower women in tech, learn from each other, and share inspirational insights within the industry. As the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform with over million customers globally, AWS is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the diversity of the customers and communities we serve. With over 200 services and solutions, AWS enables organizations of all sizes across every industry to rapidly innovate and increase agility. At AWS, we believe that diverse teams are essential for driving innovation and delivering the best customer experiences. That’s why we have made significant investments in programs and initiatives to attract, develop, and advance women in cloud computing careers. From cloud computing training and certification scholarships, to mentorship programs and employee resource groups, AWS is dedicated to creating pathways for women to thrive and succeed in the tech industry. We’re honored to partner with the WiT Finland to amplify these efforts and inspire the next generation of female leaders and innovators. Amazon is built upon the 16 leadership principles where “Success and Scale Bring Broad Responsibility,” is especially relevant to our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work at AWS. As a global leader in cloud computing, we recognize that the scale and impact of our business brings with it a responsibility to drive positive change and create opportunities for underrepresented groups in the tech industry. We look forward to connecting with the WiT community at this year’s forum and learning from your diverse perspectives and experiences. Together, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in technology and create a more inclusive future for everyone.

Last month we had the first-ever Afterwork with Tekniikan akateemiset TEK, covering the topic "Perhevapaat – uhka vai mahdollisuus?" 🤩 Great news: the recording of the event is now available with English subtitles 🔥 👉🏽 https://lnkd.in/dDJZU3C8

Good morning! We are here to introduce you to yet another amazing member of ours: Knowit 🤩 Ready to reshape it?   👉 Knowit is a consultancy firm that helps companies and people succeed in the digital transformation. Every day, millions of people use the solutions we have created. Currently, we are more than 4,000 employees mainly in the Nordic countries, but also in operations in Germany and Poland, working with clients and partners to develop innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable and humane society in which we ourselves want to live and grow. 🤝 With the unique combination of competences that we have in strategy, creativity, and tech, we are a partner that solves any challenge that companies need to address to future proof their business. ✨ With our transparent and decentralized approach, we create a workplace where people can grow. We have direct, open, and clear communication in our assignments and always strive to have a close collaboration with all the involved parties. We want to act responsibly and provide for a better, sustainable work life, where we will meet each other as a whole. 🙌 For us, sustainable and humane work life means above all that everyone has a right to be and act themselves. Everyone should be able to work and develop in their own way. We are a fair and equal workplace, and people can come to us as they are. We have room for different people and personalities. 💛 Diversity and equality are core values for us at Knowit and we want to contribute to attracting more women to our industry and getting them to stay here. Our partnership with Women in Tech (WiT) is an important part of this work. Through our joint efforts, we can work as role models, increase awareness, and change the standard in the industry to increase social sustainability. This work may not only affect our workplaces today but can also pave the way for our future generations. #womenintech #womenintechfi #witforum2024 P.S. You can meet Knowit at Forum 2024 😉

🤔 Mentoring vs sponsorship - what’s the difference? And why do we need more of the latter? Mentorship refers to a more experienced or knowledgeable person providing guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced person to help the individual develop specific skills and gain knowledge. While sponsorship involves a senior individual actively advocating for and using their own network, influence, and resources to support a more junior individual’s career advancement. This can look like mentioning their name in appointment meetings and making sure the sponsee gets the next big visible assignment that puts them on the map for promotion. Across all industries, less than 32% of senior leadership positions are held by women (Forbes 2023). While women have received mentoring, coaching, and developmental advice, they haven't always had someone advocating for their advancement as actively as men have. According to a survey by HBR: - Women tend to have more mentors than men. However, men’s mentors were more likely to be senior executives. - For men, a notable correlation existed between having a mentor and receiving a promotion. However, for women, no such relationship was observed; having a mentor did not correlate with whether they received a promotion. Consequently, there's been a rise in formal sponsorship programs aimed at leveling the playing field. IBM Europe is a great example of a company that has implemented a successful and accountable sponsorship program. Namely, if a promotion doesn't occur, it's seen as a failure of the sponsor, not the candidate. Sponsors work closely with the candidate to elevate their profiles, communicate their talents, and address any skill gaps through targeted projects. Does your organization have a sponsorship program? #sponsorsip #mentoring #inclusion #CareerAdvancement #tech

🥁 It's time to meet the next Forum 2024 partner 🥁 ABB is proud to announce its partnership with the WiT Forum 2024 – to empower women in tech, learn from each other and share inspirational insights within the tech industry.       ABB’s success is driven by about 105,000 talented employees in over 100 countries. In Finland, we employ more than 5 000 employees and are present in 20 locations serving customers around the country. For us, it is important that people feel being part of the company and have really the same opportunities.     We believe that diverse teams are a core strength for success and sustainable business. In line with ABB’s purpose and values – Courage, Care, Curiosity and Collaboration – we are committed to create a more diverse and inclusive working environment in which people feel respected and valued, and where everyone can succeed and develop. Together, we aim to inspire, empower and create lasting change. We hope to see you all at the WiT Forum in October.      Interested in delving deeper into our Diversity & Inclusion Dimensions? Visit our website: https://to.abb/nkg73G6v Stay tuned for more Forum news 😉

"Speaking from my experience, it is very important to provide examples to youth of all the possible career paths. If I didn’t have my mother as a role model, I wouldn’t have imagined myself working in the field." Noora Myyry, People Lead & Delivery Manager at Knowit, shares her story of joining the tech and finding her own path within the indusrty. Noora's example shows yet again how crucial it is to have a supportive environment and the people you can rely on 🙏🏽 Enjoy our new role model blog: https://lnkd.in/dWNY2QJ6

We cannot stress enough how important it is to show examples of all possible interests, career paths, and occupations to the youth early on. This way, the options will remain broad and we will get more women in tech! What's your own story with the role models? 👀 The #rolemodels campaign is coming to an end for now but stay tuned for more inspiring and uplifting events and activities 😉 🌿 Lotta Ruottinen, Sales Director at SSAB 🌿 When someone asks me who is my role model I always say that it is my mom. She has always told me that I can do whatever I want and encouraged me to choose options that have not been that traditional. Being the only 10-year-old girl in the woodworking class among the boys or the first female development engineer in the steel mill has given me a lot of confidence. In the steel industry I have met many inspiring women starting from the assistant of the steel mill manager to a development engineer in the French automotive industry. They have been professional and trustworthy in tough situations. I wish I could show young women starting their careers that you can lead teams with your style and be successful. 🌿 Priyanka Sharma, Director, Technology Consulting at EY 🌿 As Director of Technology Consulting at EY Finland, my tech career began over a decade ago, fueled by a passion for science and an engineering degree. After gaining experience at a top tech company, I earned an MBA with a finance focus, merging my tech enthusiasm with financial expertise. SAP consulting was the natural convergence of these two worlds. Throughout my career, I’ve remained steadfast in consulting across various industries. It’s been a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, one that has been as challenging as it has been rewarding. To women in tech: seize learning opportunities, trust your capabilities, and remember Einstein’s words, «The ones who never fail are the ones who never tried anything new.» 🌿 Hanna Lylander, Finance Director at SSAB 🌿 I have learned from my role models that sometimes you need to put yourself into an uncomfortable zone in order to grow. It has not been one role model but several, some that I have met and some that are more distant, and all of them have given new ways to think that could be applicable also at work. During my career I have been privileged to work with many charismatic and brave persons in tech who have taken the steps to the unknown, leading the way, learning as moving forward and always being true to themselves.

How did your role models influence you? And what role model do you aspire to be? The #rolemodels campaign continues with more stories from the women in tech 🎇 🌿Tuula Erolainen 🪐, Head of Product Portfolio at Tietoevry🌿 My role model told me that she couldn't imagine me in a work environment that is like stagnant water and I would need a dynamic and changing work environment. This advice had a profound impact on my career. An open mindset and curiosity towards all the changes in the tech industry are things that I have strived to follow in my own career. I have had the opportunity to meet some of my role models and the genuine pride in one's accomplishments has made an impression. I aspire to be a role model by fostering an environment where women can thrive and inspire others in the industry by celebrating the achievements of women in tech. 🌿Kulchada Sanguannam, Sales Manager at ABB🌿 My role model in career path at ABB is my previous colleague, Mike. He has a strong work ethic, also is a great listener and communicator. I learned how to be an active listener through our years of workship, which made me a better communicator in my current position as a sales manager. I know these communication skills make me a stronger adviser at work and leisure time. By listening actively, I can take what I learn during conversations and apply it to many situations where changes are necessary. There are other soft skills like negotiation, teamwork and leadership which can help me to reach professional and personal goals. These are the skills I always like to share when meeting young people. 🌿 Rutuja Godase, Developer at OP Financial Group🌿 After taking a break from my career following graduation, I faced challenges in securing a job upon my return. The rapid pace of technological advancement was overwhelming, and I nearly gave up. However, my husband's encouragement motivated me to persist despite the setbacks. Through dedication and hard work, I embarked on a journey of skill-building, leading to a job in the tech industry. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and support. As a woman in tech, I hope to inspire others on their journey. No matter when one begins, success is achievable with determination and imagination. Let us work together to break barriers, shatter stereotypes, and inspire the next generation. Together, we can redefine what is possible.

The #rolemodels theme week is going strong 💪🏽 How did you get interested in tech? Did you have an "aha" moment like Thu or did the keenness on tech grow on you gradually? Who are your role models? Share in the comments 😀 🌿Laura Catalina Alku, Product Manager, Forecast at Vaisala🌿 One of the qualities I admire the most in my role models – especially my mother – is the ability to overcome challenges and pursue passions with courage and confidence. No matter the field or role, there will always be challenges. However, it is not the challenges but the way one faces them that matters. With the right attitude and drive, you can achieve wonders. I aim to incorporate this thinking into my own professional life by taking on new opportunities and embracing change as a way to grow. I hope to contribute to the next generation of tech by sharing my experiences, providing encouragement, and advocating for a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. 🌿Thu Nguyen, Senior UX Designer at Taiste🌿 Once during my studies, I saw a random “Women in Computer Science” poster with Grace Hopper. And it hit me. Here was a woman in tech, an inspiration I never knew I needed. It made me realize women can profoundly impact the tech industry, even though their contributions are rarely mentioned or visible. Now, I actively seek out inspiration – colleagues, incredible women online, especially women of color. They prove women belong in tech. Visibility matters. We need to showcase our achievements, celebrate our role models, for a more inclusive tech world. 🌿Ana Maria Manzur Tirado, Project Manager at Vaisala🌿 Growing up, I didn’t know any women in the tech field, but technology and engineering were strongly present at home. My father who owns a metal mechanic company in Peru, would tell me stories about the things they achieved thanks to ingenuity and thinking outside of the box. He inspired my studies in mechanical engineering as I had learned from him, that an engineer can do nearly anything they set their mind to. It was fascinating to understand how things work, and I liked the idea of proving that women can do anything men can do. I have truly enjoyed my journey, and the endless possibilities in this field excite me. It’s amazing to be a woman in tech!