Breaking barriers and building bridges in tech

This week, we celebrate International Women's Day, a moment to honor the progress women have made across industries - especially in technology - and to reaffirm our commitment to a more inclusive future. I'm incredibly proud to work at LANTANA LED, a company where gender diversity isn't just a talking point but a reality: nearly a 50/50 split between men and women across teams, including female architects and engineers driving innovation alongside their peers.

That kind of representation didn't always exist in my career. In past roles, I was often one of the only women in technical meetings or on the shop floor. While there have been positive gains in representation, the broader tech landscape still has significant room to grow.

Consider where we are as an industry today:

• Women hold about 26.7% of technology jobs in the U.S., despite making up nearly half of the overall workforce.
• Representation is even lower in core technical and leadership roles, with women occupying a smaller share of engineering and executive positions.

These numbers underscore both progress and the work that remains. They reflect more women choosing tech careers than ever before, which is a marked change from decades past, but also highlight persistent gaps in opportunity, visibility, and advancement that still sometimes serve as barriers.

More Than Numbers: The Power of Support

I believe the most impactful factor for women in industries where they're underrepresented is having a supportive community. This year's International Women's Day theme is "Give to Gain," and I believe in the power of reciprocity and support it champions.

Early in my career, I worked in manufacturing: a space where women were few and far between. One division manager, a man, made a comment that stuck with me: "You have a spark - it's different than what I see in other employees." That simple affirmation changed how I viewed myself professionally. When I moved on to new challenges, I carried that confidence with me, even using it to help me land my next career.

Support and mentorship are critical for women in tech. Seeing someone else recognize your potential, when you struggle to see it in yourself, can be transformative. That's why organizations like WiMCO - Women in Mission Critical Operations® play such an important role in our industry. WiMCO exists to:

• Recruit and support women in mission-critical and technical fields,
• Expand leadership opportunities,
• Develop and support STEM initiatives, scholarships, and programs,
• Connect professionals through regional chapters and events.

In the spirit of WiMCO's mission, I think that much of what women accomplish professionally stems from connections. Networking provides visibility, encouragement, and pathways to new opportunities. Whether it's through gatherings, mentorship programs, or industry conferences, relationships matter. They help bridge gaps, build confidence, and introduce emerging talent to the broader community.

But progress isn't only external. One challenge I've observed - and believe we must address - is how women treat one another in leadership contexts. Too often, women who break into positions of power adopt the same hierarchical behaviors that held them back. Leadership should foster growth, not enforce authority. All leaders should remember the way they would want to be led. True mentorship includes empathy, encouragement, and a commitment to elevating others.

Looking ahead, I'm encouraged by the progress we've made and the positive outcomes the next generation of leaders in tech will bring.

Today's young professionals didn't experience the world the way my generation did. They grew up immersed in technology and their fluency with tablets, iPhones and digital tools gives them an incredible advantage. Where older generations sometimes cringe at a new interface or struggle with new software, this next generation runs toward innovation. I'm optimistic. I believe they will shape a future with technology that is inclusive, efficient, and transformative - especially as developments like AI change the landscape of work not by replacing us, but by empowering us to do more with less.

On this International Women's Day, I celebrate how far we've come, and also recommit to doing more. To our women engineers, architects, designers, marketers, and tech innovators: your contributions make this industry stronger. Your presence matters. And your success inspires the next generation. Together, let's keep pushing - not just for numbers on a page - but for cultures that value every voice and empower every professional to reach their potential.