A few days ago, we had the chance to experience one of those meetings that remind us why the professional community matters and why women in technology continue to blaze a trail together.
The women’s networks of Microsoft and Telefónica Innovación Digital met to share things that go far beyond our roles or the companies we work for: experiences, learnings and the conviction that moving forward together always makes us stronger.
In a sector such as technology, in which innovation takes place at a frenetic pace, creating spaces for real connections between professionals is vital. Spaces in which we can talk honestly about the challenges we face, the sisterhood, the opportunities we see and how we can continue to further female leadership in technology.
Connecting beyond the day-to-day
In our daily work we often focus on projects, deliverables, releases and technological decisions. We rarely have the time to stop and reflect on the journey we’re on and how other professionals working in similar environments are experiencing it.
This was why the meeting was so valuable.
Women from different teams, companies and professional backgrounds sharing insights into leadership, professional growth, technology and the digital transformation.
No formalities. No prepared speeches. Just genuine conversations between people who share a passion for technology and believe in its power to transform lives.
Simply open conversations between people who share a passion for building technology with an impact.
Networks that generate an impact
Professional networks play a key role in talent development. Because they enable us to broaden our knowledge and share experiences, and because they generate something equally important: community.
Meetings between professionals from different organisations give rise to new ideas, new partnerships and new ways of addressing the challenges we face as a sector.
In the case of women in technology, these networks are also a space for showcasing role models, accompanying careers and continuing to promote diverse leadership in the digital sphere.
Because advancing diversity isn’t just a question of representation. It’s also a matter of perspectives, innovation and collective construction.
The start of something bigger
This meeting between the women’s networks of Microsoft and Telefónica Innovación Digital also came at a very significant time, namely the week in which we’re celebrating International Women’s Day.
It’s a day that not only invites us to look at what we’ve achieved, but also to continue promoting spaces in which female talent in technology can grow, connect and generate an impact, paving the way for the coming generations.
There’s still a long way to go, given that only 1 in 3 women choose STEM careers and just 1 in 5 are ICT specialists. This is why spaces such as this one foster a real purpose of generating an impact, enabling female talent in the technological world to grow, connect and drive inspiration for the new generations. It should also reflect the diversity that exists among our customers and in society.
Beyond the meeting itself, what became clear is that these kinds of initiatives shouldn’t be one-off events.
When spaces for authentic conversation between professionals who share concerns and challenges are created, what emerges is the energy to keep on building.
Building community.
Building opportunities.
Building the future of technology with more voices and more gazes.
Because, ultimately, technology is built by people.
And, when people really connect, good things happen.
Thank you to all the women who formed part of this moment in time. Let’s continue to connect, inspire and build together.
This is just the beginning, and we’ve already defined the following steps:
- A joint in-person session before the summer.
- And a channel for active communication between the two networks for further sharing.
