At Oktana, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive environment where diversity thrives, particularly when it comes to women in tech. While the technology industry has made progress in promoting gender equality, we recognize that there is still significant work to be done. We believe in creating opportunities for women to grow and succeed in technical roles, and we actively work to increase the representation of women across our teams.
This blog post marks the beginning of our “Empowering Women in Tech” interview series, where we’ll interview some of the incredible women in Oktana’s technical team. Through their stories, we hope to inspire more women to pursue careers in technology, showing them that there is space for them to innovate, lead, and thrive.
This first article focuses on Romina, a senior developer from Uruguay who has been with Oktana for nine years and has contributed immensely to our growth and success. Romina’s journey with Oktana is a testament to the value of persistence and expertise in the tech industry.
Get inspired by Romina’s journey and see how her passion has shaped her career at Oktana.
Romina, what inspired you to pursue a career in software development?
Ever since I was a child, I have been particularly interested in maths and problem-solving activities – it was fun! I enjoyed using computers and felt the software industry had a lot of potential. My first programming activity was in primary school, using Logo, a graphical interface application with a cute little turtle that you can program to make drawings.
How has your experience working at Oktana been for the past nine years? What keeps you motivated?
It’s been a journey! I learned a lot and I continue to do so. I grew professionally, having the opportunity to work with many people from different backgrounds and countries, learning from a handful of different mentors with different styles, and then having the chance to mentor others. On each project, I faced various challenges that pushed me to acquire new skills and find different solutions. I also had the opportunity to enjoy team-building activities both in my country and abroad, IRL and online, and I made friends worldwide.
I am lucky to enjoy what I do, solving problems for users and companies we partner with to make their lives easier and improve their products is a great source of motivation, learning new things mentoring others, and watching them grow too.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the tech industry, and how have you overcome them?
When I was in high school, I heard some people say that engineering was for men, but I didn’t listen. At my university, everyone was welcoming, and I wasn’t alone, women were around 15% of students. At work, just stay focused on your tasks and any team will quickly see your value.
What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in tech?
Follow your passion. Harsh words fall on deaf ears.
How do you think the tech industry has changed for women since you started your career?
As more women are joining in recent years, it’s not so eccentric to have one on your team anymore. I think the more diverse a team is, the more they can see and achieve.
Can you describe a project at Oktana that you’re particularly proud of, and what role you played in it?
On the project I’ve been on the longest so far when I started I was probably the youngest on the team, also one of the least experienced, and I was the only woman on the development team at the time. I was lucky enough to have great mentors, see the team grow from just over 10 people to over 100 including more women in the technical area, be in charge of responsible tasks, become a technical reference, and mentor several of our new colleagues.
Where do you see yourself in the next few years, and how do you hope to contribute to the tech industry?
I hope to continue growing and help others grow.
As we continue to grow, we remain committed to creating an environment where women can thrive and contribute to the tech industry at the highest levels. We are excited to share more stories of the talented women who are helping drive success at Oktana in our “Empowering Women in Tech” series. We hope these interviews inspire others to see that there is a place for them in the tech world.
Stay tuned for more insights and experiences from the women shaping our company’s future.
