Grace Hopper 2015

1. The Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing event is intended to support and inspire the community of women in technology. What are you most looking forward to about this experience?

This is the biggest conglomerate of women in Science and Computing. I feel proud to be representing LinkedIn at this conference.

I am looking forward to meeting women leaders who are the forefront of the technology, trying their best to make a dent in the universe of Science. It is exciting to celebrate their success and learn from their mistakes. I am sure, they would have a ton of advice for other women who are new to this field.

I am also excited to meet a lot of my peers from LinkedIn and other places - this can be an opportunity for us to forge long term relationships for good. We are the upcoming members of this community and collectively we can achieve freedom and respect for our fellow women.

I am specially looking forward to meeting younger women graduates who are new to this field and have struggled against deep rooted biases in family and cultural traditions and have come a long way here. It would be a pleasure to see them succeed in this field of Science and Computing. They have established their merit and credibility already, all they need now just a little push, so that they continue to contribute to this field and make it even better. 

2. Do you have any words of wisdom for young women currently studying technical fields?

First off, I want to congratulate these women for having come this far. Believe me, more than half the battle is already won. The difficult and challenging part, fighting against the cognitive bias (of women taking up arts and not Maths/Science) and deep rooted ideology is already won. You are half way there! From now on, you only have to - Not quit!

This same personality which got you so far, will take you to places you never imagined. You only have to believe and no matter what others may tell you - you are not good enough, you are not smart enough - you don’t have to listen to any of them. You only have to look back and find strength from your struggles. You were good enough then and you are so now, only better! 

Treasure the relationships you have built so far, they believed in you when you were unaware of your own potential. Create a network of friends, cherish every moment with them and don’t forget your family however they were, deep down they cared for you...

3. What advice would you give to men, or "male allies," who want to be supportive of women in the industry and help create a more open and diverse workplace?

Don’t remain silent. If you see any injustice towards anyone, speak up.

Mentor women, give them difficult tasks and believe in them.

They have come so far, they know a thing or two. Don’t let your deep rooted biases, blind your judgement.

All women, like men, look for is genuine guidance and support. Give them challenges and trust their abilities.