The International Women’s Day is just around the corner and we want to take the time and celebrate all the amazing ladies on our team. They all have crucial roles in the company and its success. We asked them how and why they entered the technology world and what were the biggest challenges in their careers so far.
Girjot Kaur Bandasha, VP of Engendering at DataSeers
“My journey into Dataseers started as a Big Data Developer. I will not lie, the first year was tough. Being the only developer with one client to support I had to wear multiple hats. But this helped me grow and learn faster at a speed I could never imagine was possible.”
Why did you chose a career in tech industry?
Growing up, I have seen my Dad working in technology and it seemed cool as he was called the problem solver. Being a 90’s kid I have seen the technology industry growing from up close that I wanted to be a part of it and contribute.
How has the role of women in technology changed over the years?
Women’s have taken up many new challenges and it is no surprise to me because we are built to multitask.
What was the biggest challenge in your career so far?
I have been blessed with amazing people around me. I have never been seen as a women employee, instead I have been overloaded with great opportunities to shine and grow. My biggest challenge is to live up to all that is provided.
Gracie Ortiz, VP of Operations at DataSeers
Why did you choose a career in tech industry?
Honestly, I chose a career in tech when I was in university (undergrad) and I had no idea what I wanted to major in, so I asked my counselor what degree was paying most upon graduating… they said MIS, I got a job with a Big 6, PwC out of university and here I am now.
How has the role of women in technology changed over the years?
In my 23 year career to date, I have seen more women entering technology for work, as they realize the impact technology has on all lives; and as women are more integrated into the workforce overall. The role of women in technology has only been recently more acknowledged and respected as women are getting more and more recognition for playing pivotal roles in technology such as in NASA as portrayed by the movie Hidden Figures. This could not be a better name for a movie that showcases how impactful women can be in technology over the years.
What was the biggest challenge in your career so far?
The biggest challenge in my career was taking a break to have children. Once you leave the tech workforce you risk becoming obsolete. Getting back into tech is a great challenge I experienced in my career.
Arpitha Purohit, Quality Assurance Engineer
Why did you choose a career in tech industry?
The very first reason to choose IT was my Dad. He motivated me to pursue Engineering and I became fascinated by the continuous innovation of technology. I enjoy being in the IT field, it is a creative activity with almost limitless possibilities.
How has the role of women in technology have changed over the years?
Women are capable of doing everything men are capable of doing. Women’s voices once confined to the home are now breaking barriers. women are playing a huge part and more and more women are entering both regular and high-level positions in tech. We must recognize and celebrate the achievements of women.
What was the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Thankfully, I’ve had the great opportunity to be supported and guided by wonderful people and Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you really never know. It means showing the ability and believing in oneself wholeheartedly.
Joo Hee Bennett, Executive Assistant
Why did you chose a career in tech industry?
I love innovation and progress!
How has the role of women in technology have changed over the years
Women are more important to the tech industry now as our voices and thoughts are deemed “important”. We are finally being listened to and rewarded for our hard work. We are also shaping the path for the younger generation to delve into STEM and occupations that used to be “deemed” male dominant- and I absolutely love that! Some of the geniuses I look up to are women- including our own tech genius, Guru!
What was the biggest challenge in your career so far?
I remember sitting in class at Georgia Tech in the early 2000’s with a sense of loneliness as I was one of the very few females, as men dominated the tech field severely. It was difficult making the relationships that are beneficial for growth in this industry. My return into the tech field, whilst working for such a dynamic company that focuses on hiring a broad spectrum of people, has been extremely fulfilling and such a change from my time at GT. I am fortunate to work for a company that cultivates a path for growth – regardless of gender.
Micah Fowler, Manager of Strategic Alliances.
Why did you chose a career in tech industry?
I fell into tech by accident. I was working in economic development when I met the CEO of DataSeers through a local tech incubator. He needed a BizDev professional and I was looking for a welcomed change. The rest is history.
How has the role of women in technology changed over the years?
I am fairly new to tech so I will spare the reader a diatribe of about “male domination in the industry,” but I will say that I am proud to work for a company that has elevated women to positions of power and even boasts a female employee majority.
What was the biggest challenge in your career so far?
The biggest challenge with any new career is the learning curve… and when selling tech to banks and payment companies, being a trusted knowledge base is incredibly important. You aren’t selling something inconsequential, like lawn furniture, you are selling a service that will touch every aspects of their payments business. Learning your tech, your industry, and your product isn’t always easy. But it’s worth it.
Heather Kral, Product Manager
Why did you choose a career in the tech industry specifically involving compliance/fraud?
Over the last several years, I have been in several fraud analysis and/or transaction monitoring positions. I have seen the struggle companies have faced with doing effective fraud analysis. Pulling information from all these different sources and facing issues with retrieving meaningful data. When Adwait Joshi, the CEO of DataSeers, reached out to me and told me what he was building – I was stunned. A system that could pull in all these different data sources from the processors to the third-party sources and actually return effective data for all types of analysis, not just for fraud. It did not even end there. The types of reports that were built could spot suspicious activity involving drug trafficking, identity theftThe unauthorized use of another individual's personal information to commit fraud, such
as opening fraudulent bank accounts, obtaining loans, or making purchases. More, cash on/cash off activity, human trafficking, and others. I wanted to join the ride that this team was on. I knew there was something great being built here that could help so many financial institutions with not only their fraud analysis, but also helping them meet their compliance needs, reconciliation battles, and allowing them to do deep dive analysis across the board. I feel like I can truly make a difference in the payment space by being a part of this team and this industry with the knowledge I have gained throughout the years with obtaining my CFE certificate, the CAMs certificate, and all of the experience I have gained in my previous roles.
How has the role of women in technology changed over the years?
I am fairly new to the tech industry, but I can definitely say I have noticed there are more women in technology than ever before. Companies are starting to see the value in what we can bring to the table!
What was the biggest challenge in your career so far?
It probably has been that feeling like I was not heard in my previous roles. Ideas I had were dismissed. Ideas that could have made a significant difference within the company. That has changed though. Working at DataSeers has come with its own challenges but has been worth it! I have gained so much technical knowledge I would never have expected I could learn, but here I am! Learning every day and being heard when I have ideas for the product.
