Empowering Women in Tech with Women Who Code and the Financial Times

Set against the backdrop of the Financial Times' commitment to diversity and inclusion, Alice Armstrong, Senior Software Engineer at Financial Times, highlighted the company's efforts towards creating a more inclusive tech landscape, including fostering a strong focus on gender diversity, with initiatives aimed at promoting equity and representation within the tech community and beyond.

Alice Armstrong, Senior Software Engineer, Financial Times

Designed to inspire, educate, and connect, attendees came together to glean information and explore ways to scale new heights in their professional journeys.

The evening began with a pre-talk networking session before Director of Women Who Code Ying Liu, and Armstrong, introduced three industry trailblazers. This then led into a panel discussion and interactive Q&A session which ensured a mutually engaging dialogue and exchange of ideas throughout the evening.

Ying Liu, Women Who Code, Director (Volunteer)

Sophie Goldberg, Lead Data Scientist at Sky, Rajani Rao, Principal Technologist at Aveva, and Cynthia Mbulu each offered a candid glimpse into the challenges and triumphs they faced, allowing attendees to gain some invaluable guidance and advice on navigating the industry. Huxley Millard, Senior Full-Stack Developer, Financial Times, and Viktoriia Sapruka, System Engineer, Financial Times, then joined the stage for an interactive panel discussion.

Some highlights and key takeaways from the evening

Sophia Goldberg, Lead Data Scientist at Sky

Detailing her journey from studying theoretical physics to entering the data science field, Goldberg emphasised the value of internships and the pivotal role a data science bootcamp had in her industry transition.

She also stressed the importance of:

• Networking
• Continuous learning and adaptability
• Reading and self-development
• Work-life balance considerations
• Diversity and mentoring with STEM fields

Rajani Rao, Principal Technologist at Aveva

Rao shared some powerful and insightful reflections on her career journey and highlighted the evolution of technology and access to information she’s seen since the start of her career.

Rao candidly discussed her initial belief that hard work alone would lead to recognition and her underestimation of soft skills. Her transition from a technically focused individual to embracing leadership and people management skills marked a significant evolution in her career.

She also stressed the importance of:

• Work smart, not hard
• Networking and mentorship
• Leadership and communication skills
• Stepping out of the comfort zone
• Continuous learning
• The power of vision boarding

Cynthia Mbulu, Mid-Level Software Engineer at the Financial Times

Mbulu shared her journey from an untraditional background in pharmacy to a career in technology. Whilst holding the position of senior pharmacist at a specialist orthopaedic hospital, Mbulu first encountered digital technology – leading a digital transformation project for pharmacy stock management - an experience which piqued her interest in the digital field and sparked a career pivot towards technology, becoming a self-taught coder.

She also stressed the importance of:

• Embracing untraditional paths
• Strategic risk-taking
• Continuous learning and adaptability
• Networking
• Showcasing your interest via hackathons, GitHub
• Mentorship and community
• Flexibility and openness to change

Led by questions from attendees, both in-person and online, the panel discussed challenges in the technology sector, the importance of celebrating influential women in tech, and navigating career development in programming.

They also emphasized the importance of psychological safety, defining boundaries, and advocating for oneself in the workplace, especially in challenging environments.

The event wasn’t just an opportunity for learning and networking, it also demonstrated the power of collaboration in advancing careers, diversity, and inclusion within the tech industry.

Attendees not only gained insights and advice from leading professionals, they also left with new connections, a renewed sense of purpose, and hopefully a few new contacts to help them on their career journey.