Continuing our Empowering Women in Tech series, this time we’re excited to introduce Alexandra, a Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst who joined Oktana in 2020. Alexandra’s journey in tech showcases her dedication to ensuring every project meets the highest standards. As a QA professional, she plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and reliability of our work. Her four Salesforce certifications highlight her commitment to continuous learning, always striving to grow and make a meaningful impact in every step of the development process.
In this interview, Alexandra shares her experiences in QA, the challenges she’s overcome, and her perspective on the evolving role of women in technology. Her story is yet another example of the diverse talents that make Oktana a dynamic and inclusive workplace.
What first sparked your interest in tech, and how did you decide that Quality Assurance was the right path for you?
Since I was in high school, I was very interested in everything related to technology. We did a bit of programming and we also focused on designs (logos, websites, etc.). I had an excellent teacher from whom I learned all that passion about the technological world. Then when I started working, I started as a developer with a bit of QA. When I had to do the tester part, I loved it. I am very detail-oriented, and I get very involved in the role of the user and their needs, that’s when I decided to go into the QA field.
As a woman working in tech, what challenges have you faced, and how have they shaped your perspective or approach in your role?
Thousands of challenges! I feel that one finishes university with certain knowledge but when you are already at work it is another world, you have to learn about what is on the market. For example, I didn’t know anything about the world of Salesforce, I learned here at Oktana, in the projects I was on and with the certifications I obtained. I feel that I have been able to grow both professionally and personally, also I have been able to meet people from different countries and origins that I can now call friends.
You’ve earned four certifications during your time at Oktana, an incredible achievement! What inspired you to pursue these, and how have they helped you grow both personally and professionally?
I won’t deny that some were very difficult to obtain, but I love challenges. They are all connected to my work, the applications I use, and the processes I test. They have helped me a lot to learn more about Salesforce. Now that I get a ticket related to them, I say, “I’ve seen this, and it works like this!” It’s incredible what I have learned. I am infinitely grateful to the people who trust me.
QA plays an important role in ensuring software excellence. What’s been the most rewarding project or moment for you where you felt your contributions truly made a difference?
I have always been the only woman QA on every project. Each project was a challenge for me, especially because they were totally different, from their processes to the applications they used for testing. I had to adapt, propose new things, and communicate with people who had more experience. I’m very grateful to each of the leaders I had and also to my teammates and friends. I learned from everyone!
What advice would you give to other women who are curious about a career in tech, especially in Quality Assurance?
If it is a path that they like, go for it! To work in QA requires meticulous details, which is an aspect that women have more than men. Trust your skills, I know technical skills are important but soft skills are too, have the power to communicate, be a leader, and be passionate about what you do. You will never get tired of learning, there is always something new, technology advances and now there are many more opportunities for us women.
In your opinion, what steps can the tech industry take to better support and empower women in roles like yours, ensuring they feel seen and valued?
The technology industry is crucial in creating an inclusive and equitable environment for women, especially in mine. They not only ensure that we feel seen and valued but also help eliminate structural barriers. For example, they can provide access to training programs such as test automation, promote female leadership in QA, create a culture of inclusive collaboration, and create recognition programs for QA teams. This helps to create a more fair and balanced environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and talent, empowering women in the QA role.
Alexandra’s story reflects the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and a passion for continuous learning in the tech industry. Through her dedication to ensuring high-quality outcomes for our projects and her commitment to earning certifications, she not only plays a vital role in our team’s success but also inspires other women to pursue their own paths in technology. Her journey reminds us that diverse perspectives are essential to building innovative and inclusive solutions.
We hope Alexandra’s story inspires you to celebrate the contributions of women in tech. If you enjoyed this interview, don’t miss the rest of our Empowering Women in Tech series, featuring Romina, Iris, and Aracely. You can also learn more about our commitment to diversity and our continuous efforts on our CSR page.
