Women at Amazon

This month, we're exploring the reality of workplace changes. Three Amazon leaders opened up about their experiences, offering both inspiration and practical wisdom. Their stories highlight both challenges and opportunities. Navigating workplace change can feel like walking through fog - you can't see far ahead, and there might be obstacles you can't yet see. But as our three leaders demonstrate, having the right tools and support can help clear the path forward. In today's evolving business landscape, where companies and employees alike face new challenges and expectations, finding your way requires both resilience and practical strategies. Indra Venkatraman, team manager for Ring Data Engineering Services in Chennai, India, emphasizes combining emotional intelligence with practical planning. "During our recent system migration, I noticed how differently people process change," she shares. "That's when I started implementing daily touchpoints where anyone could voice concerns without judgment. It's amazing how a 15-minute morning check-in can transform uncertainty into action." Experts say that during times of change, establishing consistent routines and open communication channels helps people maintain a sense of control. This insight has proven particularly valuable in global organizations where change often happens across time zones and cultures. For Divya Mangotra, sr. business development manager in AWS in Gurugram, India, the key was building a global support network. "When I first faced major organizational changes, I felt isolated in my concerns," she admits. "But through connecting with Amazonians across different time zones and cultures, I discovered that while our contexts might be different, our core needs during change are universal. Now I maintain regular connections with mentors globally." Research shows that breaking down change into manageable steps can help our brains process transitions more effectively. This approach has proven particularly successful in fast-paced technical environments. Antoinette Serame, sr. customer success manager in Santa Monica, California, developed her strategy around this principle. "I've learned to focus on small victories during transitions," she explains. "Instead of getting overwhelmed by the big picture, I track daily progress. It's shifted my perspective from resistance to possibility." Their collective experience aligns with research findings: while change can be unsettling, strong support systems help us navigate challenges and recognize new possibilities. As Antoinette notes, "In tech, change is our constant companion. The question isn't whether we'll face change, but how we'll grow through it." Explore Amazon's Global Career Opportunities Here: https://lnkd.in/ePdP2dcp #WomenatAmazon #WomenInTech #DealingWithChange

"I'm very emotional now. I don't have a question. I just want to say thank you." These words, spoken through tears by an Amazonian who had built a 35,000-member women's community from Nigeria, captured the essence of yesterday's conversation with Shelmina Babai Abji, former IBM Vice President and author of "Show Your Worth" (available https://lnkd.in/gGFWTgnb). The Amazonian stood up, sharing how she had fought her way from Nigeria to an Ivy League school saying: 'Our voices matter, our paths matter. I got to a point where I was almost trivializing the impact of leading a community of women, but today reminded me why this work matters,' she said. In celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, Women at Amazon hosted a session where over 1,300 Amazonians gathered to hear Shelmina's story - from watching her mother sell food on the streets of Tanzania to becoming the first in her family to attend college. Shelmina, who rose to become one of IBM's highest-ranking women of color while raising two young children as a single mother, shared her story with Sarah Gelman, Amazon's Books Editorial Director. Their conversation resonated, as Sarah too navigated life as a single working mother in tech. Shelmina recalled being the only woman of color among 2,000 engineers early in her career, questioning "What would I know that they don't already know?" This struck a chord with women in the room. "I learned the path isn't always uphill or linear. Trusting that inner voice of confidence helps quiet the fear," shared Leah McNicholas, a Project Manager for Last Mile Transportation. Monica Mora, Marketing Manager for Hub Delivery, added: "I plan to push myself into difficult situations as often as possible, so when I look back on my life, I'll have plenty of challenging yet meaningful experiences to remember." "What differentiates our success is where we allocate our 24 hours," Shelmina emphasized. "If we become intentional and strategic about allocating our time, the impact we create will far exceed what is expected of us." Throughout her career, Shelmina has dedicated herself to mentoring others, believing that success means helping others succeed. Danielle Langdon, Senior Policy Manager, said: "Events like this remind us we belong at the table and in the room where big decisions are being made. Without our voices, the world is diminished." As we celebrate Women's History Month, Shelmina's closing message embodied this year's theme of "Accelerate Action": "Take a chance on yourself. You have no idea what you're capable of. And if you do, we will have more leaders in rooms where decisions are made, where we are represented. And that changes everything." #WomenAtAmazon #InternationalWomensDay

"I'm very emotional now. I don't have a question. I just want to say thank you." These words, spoken through tears by an Amazonian who had built a 35,000-member women's community from Nigeria, captured the essence of yesterday's conversation with Shelmina Babai Abji, former IBM Vice President and author of "Show Your Worth" (available https://lnkd.in/gGFWTgnb). The Amazonian stood up, sharing how she had fought her way from Nigeria to an Ivy League school saying: 'Our voices matter, our paths matter. I got to a point where I was almost trivializing the impact of leading a community of women, but today reminded me why this work matters,' she said. In celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, Women at Amazon hosted a session where over 1,300 Amazonians gathered to hear Shelmina's story - from watching her mother sell food on the streets of Tanzania to becoming the first in her family to attend college. Shelmina, who rose to become one of IBM's highest-ranking women of color while raising two young children as a single mother, shared her story with Sarah Gelman, Amazon's Books Editorial Director. Their conversation resonated, as Sarah too navigated life as a single working mother in tech. Shelmina recalled being the only woman of color among 2,000 engineers early in her career, questioning "What would I know that they don't already know?" This struck a chord with women in the room. "I learned the path isn't always uphill or linear. Trusting that inner voice of confidence helps quiet the fear," shared Leah McNicholas, a Project Manager for Last Mile Transportation. Monica Mora, Marketing Manager for Hub Delivery, added: "I plan to push myself into difficult situations as often as possible, so when I look back on my life, I'll have plenty of challenging yet meaningful experiences to remember." "What differentiates our success is where we allocate our 24 hours," Shelmina emphasized. "If we become intentional and strategic about allocating our time, the impact we create will far exceed what is expected of us." Throughout her career, Shelmina has dedicated herself to mentoring others, believing that success means helping others succeed. Danielle Langdon, Senior Policy Manager, said: "Events like this remind us we belong at the table and in the room where big decisions are being made. Without our voices, the world is diminished." As we celebrate Women's History Month, Shelmina's closing message embodied this year's theme of "Accelerate Action": "Take a chance on yourself. You have no idea what you're capable of. And if you do, we will have more leaders in rooms where decisions are made, where we are represented. And that changes everything." #WomenAtAmazon #InternationalWomensDay

Charis, Sr. Innovation Specialist for EPIC at Amazon, has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of emotional intelligence in the workplace. EPIC, which stands for Empathy, Purpose, Inspiration, and Connection, began as an internal, volunteer initiative at Amazon in 2018 to upskill leaders in emotional intelligence and interpersonal dynamics. By 2021, it expanded to include customers and partners as part of AWS’s Innovation and Transformation Program. "We've empowered over 400,000 Amazonians and 65,000 customers and partners with emotional intelligence skills," Charis explains. The program was created to address a critical finding: "The biggest blockers to successful digital innovation are often people issues rather than process or technology considerations." In 2022, Charis officially joined the EPIC team as a global innovation specialist and program manager. "EPIC has turbocharged my career," she shares enthusiastically. "In addition to honing my speaking and facilitation skills by delivering hundreds of live and virtual sessions, I have had the amazing privilege to share with hundreds of thousands of people the transformative power that comes from optimizing yourself and empowering your team with EPIC skills." The impact of EPIC extends beyond individual growth. It not only enables them to perform at high levels through emotional self-awareness and management, but it also enhances their ability to lead with empathy and inclusivity, build successful teams, and bring out the best in others. This enhanced awareness levels up and inspires everyone in this person’s orbit, creating an outsized positive impact. One of the most surprising aspects for Charis has been the universal applicability of EPIC skills. "Before I joined EPIC, I did not fully realize the universal applicability of EPIC skills." she reflects. "It is an amazing honor to flex my Learn and Be Curious muscle to dive deeper than I ever knew possible to develop, practice, and share new emotional intelligence skills," Charis says. As EPIC continues to grow and evolve, Charis is excited to see how it will shape the future of leadership and innovation at Amazon and beyond. Her experience underscores that true transformation in the tech world isn't just about technology – it's about people and the emotional intelligence they bring to their roles. To dive deeper into Charis's work and insights: ? Read her thought leadership piece on EQ in our AI-powered future: https://lnkd.in/eDw8wze4 ? Listen to her conversation with Rich Hua, WW Head and founder of EPIC Leadership: https://lnkd.in/ehA2evgD Explore Amazon’s Global Career Opportunities Here: https://lnkd.in/ePdP2dcp #WomenatAmazon #EmotionalIntelligence #WomenInLeadership #AmazonEPIC

As we celebrate Black History Month, Women at Amazon are reflecting on the ongoing journey of Black excellence, achievement, and the continuous making of history in our present day. "Black history isn't just in textbooks—it's unfolding now," shares Britney A., System Development Engineer for AWS, highlighting the inspiring achievements of contemporary Black leaders. "From Amanda Gorman's powerful poetry to Stacey Abrams' activism, from Simone Biles' athletic excellence to Shonda Rhimes' transformation of television, we're witnessing history in the making." This sentiment is echoed by Crystal Howard, Sr. Program Manager for North American Fulfillment, who emphasizes the importance of recognizing today's trailblazers. "Every day, I learn of a new Black person becoming a pioneer in their specific industry. These contemporary achievements build upon the foundation laid by historical figures, showing how the story of Black excellence continues to evolve." Both women emphasize the importance of active learning and understanding. "What you don't know, you can't assume you understand," Crystal notes, encouraging everyone to embrace a "Learn and Be Curious" mentality when it comes to Black history and culture. Britney adds that "being proud of Black culture is about celebrating our resilience and creativity, not about claiming superiority over others." Their insights reveal how Black History Month serves as more than just a commemoration—it's an opportunity for meaningful dialogue and understanding in the workplace. "Black people deserve to feel seen, heard, and valued for their contributions to this country," Crystal emphasizes. She highlights the crucial role of allies in this journey: "Allies can use their power and status to help support and advocate for those not in the room through mentoring, sponsoring, and amplifying Black voices." As we honor the legacy of civil rights pioneers, we also celebrate the ongoing achievements shaping Black history today. "While we rightfully honor pioneers like MLK and Rosa Parks, the story cannot end with them," Britney reflects. "It is up to us to continue the work they started and take full advantage of the opportunities they fought for us to have." Explore Amazon's Global Career Opportunities Here: https://lnkd.in/ePdP2dcp #WomenatAmazon #BlackHistoryMonth #Inclusion #WomenInTech #RepresentationMatters #BHM2025

? ?? Very proud to announce that we are expanding zero-exhaust emission deliveries with the UK’s largest-ever order of electric trucks! We're welcoming 140+ new electric Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK and eight Volvo Trucks UK, which will transport over 300 million packages annually in the UK. ?? ?? For the first time, we've also launched rail deliveries across the UK, and on-foot deliveries in central London. ??♀??? Decarbonising our transport network is key in helping us achieve The Climate Pledge goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions across our Amazon’s operations by 2040 and today’s announcement is an exciting step forward for us! Massive congratulations and thank you to the teams who have worked to get this project over the line. ??

It’s hard to find the right words of support for the people of Los Angeles right now. No message will bring back what so many have lost, and like many, my thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating fires this week. Amazon stands with you though—our Disaster Relief team was established for this very purpose, and we've been working with first responders, non-profit partners, and humanitarian relief agencies on the ground to deliver essential supplies and resources, including items like water, food, and other emergency supplies. We are also focused on ensuring the safety of our employees and delivery partners. This week, we’ve adjusted our operations across Southern California to account for the wildfires, and our central operations team is working 24/7 to provide alerts and up-to-date information to help inform our operational and delivery decisions. If you'd like more information on our response, please visit About Amazon: https://lnkd.in/gd-32G_J

As we kick off 2025, we're excited to showcase Amazon's unique Bar Raiser program and its crucial role in maintaining high hiring standards across our diverse business units. Today, we're sharing insights from two of our exceptional women Bar Raisers: Ming Ai Ong, Senior Tax Manager for Global Tax, and Natalie White, Principal Solutions Architect for AWS. Ming Ai describes Bar Raisers as "the friendly guardians who ensure that we are bringing on board folks who will thrive in Amazon's unique environment." Natalie adds that they "bring objectivity and accountability to the hiring process" and "ensure that we are making data-driven hiring decisions that align to our Leadership Principles." Both women have found unexpected benefits in their Bar Raiser roles. Ming Ai shares, "Being a BR has exposed me to various parts of Amazon's vast business operations by supporting hires in these different roles, which I would not have the opportunity to experience in my day to day job." Natalie highlights how the role has given her insight into "the wide variety of roles that exist across all lines of businesses within Amazon, unlike anything I had seen in my prior employers." As Bar Raisers, they're committed to hiring the best. Ming Ai explains, "A BR brings through a rigorous, unbiased evaluation of candidates against Amazon's high standards and leadership principles, focusing on long term growth potential, even if it means extending searches." Natalie adds that Bar Raisers "coach other interviewers to provide data-driven feedback and reduce bias in the hiring process." Looking ahead to the new year, Ming Ai encourages involvement: "Get more involved in interviewing and consider being a BR at some point in your career in Amazon. This is a fantastic way to make a meaningful impact, experience professional and personal growth, make connections outside your day to day, and most importantly, having fun and camaraderie amongst this passionate group of BR community!" Natalie emphasizes the importance of representation: "As a member of the Amazon Women in Engineering (AWE) Affinity Group leadership team, I am passionate about how Amazon supports the professional development of women and other underrepresented communities in the tech industry. I become a visible representative of successful women in tech and engineering at Amazon, a potential mentor for future Amazonians, and an example of the value of candidates like me to hiring mangers' teams." As we embark on a new year of growth and opportunity, join us in celebrating these incredible women and learn more about how Amazon is committed to hiring and developing the best talent from all backgrounds! Explore Amazon’s Global Career Opportunities Here: https://lnkd.in/ePdP2dcp #WomenatAmazon #WomenInTech #AmazonBarRaiser #InclusiveHiring?

From no tech experience to an ops leader. ?????? Inspired by Carmen's story? We're looking for motivated individuals to join our Data Center Operations team. ?? https://go.aws/41cb2IX Carmen's journey is a great example of the power of seizing opportunities. Starting as a security guard with no tech background, she leveraged connections and on-the-job learning to become a Data Center Operations Lead, proving anyone can grow and thrive #HereAtAWS. "You are absolutely capable of creating the life you can't stop dreaming about," Carmen shares. "Don't let any large goal intimidate you but rather inspire you. Break it down into small actionable steps, and take the steps into creating your dream life."