Happy International Women’s Day!
On March 8th, we celebrate the women that have impacted our lives. We take a moment to appreciate the teacher, mother, manager, mentor, grandmother, and sister that transformed us to be who we are today. We celebrate their achievements and honor the challenges that they faced.
To celebrate this day at Ivaldi, we interviewed a few of our female employees to ask them about their background, challenges as women in tech, career advice, and what they like the most about their job.
The first Women’s Day was on February 28, 1909, in New York. Luise Zietz proposed that this day becomes an annually observed day in Germany. For years, women held hundreds of demonstrations in Europe to promote equal rights. In 1977, the United Nations General Assembly declared March 8th as International Women’s Day.
Today, people celebrate this day differently, by either reading about women’s history, sending gifts to women who have had an impact in their lives, attending an event, or making a donation to a women and girls charity.
Anna D’Alessio, Mechanical Engineer and Quality Systems Specialist
Can you talk to us about your background and how you got to Ivaldi?
I am a Mechanical Engineer by training. I focused on sustainable manufacturing in graduate school and knew I wanted to stay in the manufacturing field. When I was looking for jobs, I wanted to work somewhere where there was the potential to grow and learn and use the knowledge and experience I had gained. I was excited about working at a startup where I could see my work and ideas shape the company and future.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite thing about my job is that I have the opportunity to shape my career. At no point have I been told what path my career is going to take, but instead, I’ve expressed my interests and been able to shape my role based on those interests.
As a woman in tech, what has been your biggest challenge?
I’ve noticed, especially in engineering, that it’s more difficult to be taken seriously. It’s usually unconscious behavior, but it’s very apparent to me. There have been times when I’ve been talked over or been ignored. It is frustrating when my ideas are ignored, and then stolen and expressed as their own.
What advice would you give to other women who want to pursue a similar career path as you?
I would encourage them to find champions along the way and build a strong support system is key to professional development. Don’t be afraid to put yourself in an unfamiliar situation. It gives you the chance to try new things and grow as a person.
Carolina Hernandez, Industrial Designer
Can you talk to us about your background and how you got to Ivaldi?
I got into 3D printing about five years ago when I started freelancing for product design, 3D modelling, and rendering. One of my clients was selling very detailed replicas of superhero costumes.
These costumes were reproduced about 10 to 50 times, which means low production and customization to the clients’ bodies. Low production in traditional manufacturing would be super expensive, and we cannot control small details or adapt measurements easily. The answer to this dilemma was 3D printing. The first additive manufacturing technology I used was selective laser sintering (SLS) because of the detail and accuracy. Since my very first print, I’ve been in love with 3D printing! Now, I proudly work full-time at Ivaldi and still freelance for 3D design and manufacturing requests.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I get to work with different people from around the world.
As a woman in tech, what has been your biggest challenge?
Traditional manufacturing has been dominated by men. It’s hard to be a woman in tech for that reason.
What advice would you give to other women who want to pursue a similar career path as you?
Stay updated on new technologies so that you are up-to-date on the market trends!
Anabella Rayment, Office Manager
Can you talk to us about your background and how you got to Ivaldi?
I have a background in reporting and finance. My major in school was computer science, which in my country (El Salvador), is male-dominated. When I was looking for jobs, I was easily disqualified for that same reason. Nevertheless, I chose to continue pushing, that forced me to evolve and gain additional skills. I then found Ivaldi. The company culture is very focused on equality.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
My favorite thing about the job is our diverse team from different parts of the world.
As a woman in tech, what has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge as a women in tech has been breaking gender paradigms.
What advice would you give to other women who want to pursue a similar career path as you?
My advice to other women is never give up and continue fighting for your dreams. As a mother of a little girl, I realize how important it is to not only raise your children as we were before thinking only certain careers were available for us women.
How are you celebrating International Women’s Day? Share how you’re celebrating today using the hashtag #WomensDay on social media. Also, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn!
Sources:
https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/womens-day/
