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Navigating Aspirations: A Journey Toward Empowering Women in Technology

The Drive for Change

We all carry within us the aspiration to become someone significant in the world. As a young woman with dreams of making impactful changes, my ambition transcends mere personal success; it is rooted in a commitment to creating lasting and meaningful change. I envision a future where I can help shape the world, uplifting others in the process. My objective is to be a channel for positive transformation, both within my community and throughout the broader world.

As a young college student, the horizons of my ambition have significantly broadened in the past year. I have been fortunate to take on the role of Program Manager with the Women Tech Council. This opportunity has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals dedicated to fostering diversity in the tech industry and promoting the importance of representation for women and minorities in technology.

A Guiding Hand

In my quest for guidance, I reached out to my mentor, Cydni Tetro, seeking advice on the educational steps necessary for success in my chosen vocation. The next day, to my surprise, she texted me with an offer for a position at the Women Tech Council. This opportunity was something I had never imagined possible for myself. Just two days after asking a straightforward question, I was on the path to starting a career in the tech industry. My very first event was the annual Women Tech Awards, an experience that left me amazed by the diversity present in the audience and the individuals being honored. At that moment, as a new member of the team, I found myself overwhelmed and unsure of what it took to be among the women recognized at this prestigious gathering.

A Year of Growth and Recognition

Fast forward to now—a year has gone by since my inaugural Women Tech Awards. During this time, I have witnessed firsthand the dedication, hard work, innovation, and passion it takes to be nominated as a finalist for such accolades. As the Women Tech Awards on October 3rd approaches, I am compelled to highlight the inspiring journey of one of last year’s honorees.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Jaswandi Sakpal, the Director of Engineering for Global Services at American Express, based in Salt Lake City.

Jaswandi Sakpal, Director of Engineering for Global Commercial Services, American Express

Jaswandi started her career as a Java developer and has since evolved into an accomplished leader within a rapidly expanding engineering team at American Express. She embodies the potential that every woman possesses and exemplifies the strength and support that can drive one’s success.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Jaswandi attributes part of her success to influential women in her life, including her grandmother, mother, and mother-in-law. As I reflect on my own family heritage, I’ve uncovered a lineage of empowered women who challenged societal norms: my grandmother who inspired young girls during British colonial rule in India, my maternal grandfather’s wife who successfully ran a business in a predominantly male industry, and my mother who balanced motherhood with her educational pursuits.

Raised in an environment that values female empowerment and education, I’ve been on a journey of personal growth. As the first girl engineer in my family, I overcame various obstacles as I relocated across continents to pursue my career. My achievements represent a tribute to my family’s legacy, showing the powerful influence that women role models can have on generations.

Education as a Catalyst

Jaswandi Sakpal credits her understanding of education’s value to her upbringing. She recognized her love for mathematics early on but chose to explore fields beyond traditional teaching roles. Her interest gravitated toward architecture and engineering, with computer science capturing her imagination.

The Foundation of a Career

"I began as a software developer, an individual contributor," says Sakpal. "It has taken immense hard work and perseverance1. My journey has spanned several years, and I’ve learned that saying ‘yes’ to new opportunities has been crucial for my personal and professional growth. Mentorship has been invaluable. Whenever a chance arose, I leapt at the opportunity, even if it meant stepping outside my comfort zone."

Family support has also played a vital role in her career. Achieving a balance between professional and personal life is essential, as she points out: "When you integrate the elements of work, life, and family, it becomes easier to reach your goals."

Inspiring Future Generations

When I inquired about her views on engaging high school girls in engineering, Sakpal highlighted the importance of initiatives like SheTech. "SheTech provides a wonderful platform," she noted, reflecting on the noticeable scarcity of women in tech when she began her career. The significance of mentorship cannot be overstated, and Sakpal has committed herself to be that mentor for others. "It’s crucial for women to take up space, particularly to amplify the voice of every woman in the room."

Cydni Tetro and Jaswandi Sakpal at SheTech Explorer Day, 2024

Advocating for Voices in the Workplace

Encouraging female colleagues to share their perspectives is also an area of focus for Sakpal. She shared her technique of prompting introverted team members by spotlighting their opinions during discussions.

We delved into what initially sparked her love for math. "It originated in middle school. I owe my gratitude to the teachers who captured that interest," Jaswandi recounted. She explained how a teacher showcased the real-world applications of math, helping her see its importance in urban planning—a pivotal moment that solidified her decision to pursue a STEM career.

Closing Thoughts: Embracing Possibilities

Jaswandi concluded her insights with powerful words for young people considering a STEM career: "Don’t confine yourself to what you currently perceive. The world around you is not your boundary. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Whether you choose to have a family or follow a career path, everyone has a meaningful place in this world."

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist

In navigating the complexities of such career decisions, particularly in technology where legalities can often present obstacles, tools like the AI legalese decoder can be incredibly beneficial. By simplifying legal jargon and translating complex contracts into plain language, it ensures that women professionals like Jaswandi and myself are empowered to make informed decisions regarding our careers, free from the intimidation of intricate legalese. This support enables us to embrace opportunities and advocate for our rights in the workplace, further contributing to creating diverse and inclusive environments in tech.

The Importance of the Women Tech Awards

As the Women Tech Awards on October 3, 2024, draw near, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the phenomenal women making strides in technology. For more information on the event, click here.

In conclusion, as we promote educational platforms and support systems for women in tech, we come closer to realizing our collective aspirations for equality and representation in the industry. Let’s continue to elevate each other and inspire future generations to reach for the stars!

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