Women in tech, AI, and the value of supporting each other

A Global Journey into Tech

In the early 2000s, computers were part of my high school lab—a prestigious place to get access to. Seeing a machine complete tasks that we once did manually was mind-blowing, and this intrigued me quite a lot. But what truly inspired me was my uncle, who worked in IT—he always had answers to my questions, all thanks to the internet!

When I had to choose my specialization, it was natural to do Computer Science - from playing video games to exploring programming, my curiosity only grew stronger. I was fascinated as a kid, and I still am.

Now, I've been on quite a journey professionally. My Bachelor's led to five years at a multinational company, and then, I decided to shake things up and move to Finland for my Master's in Security and Cloud Computing. That was a significant change, and after graduating, I started as a Trainee again. It felt like going back to square one, but it became a stepping stone into the consulting world in Finland. And now, here I am, an Azure Cloud Consultant at Eficode! It's been a long and winding road, but worth it. 

Now, I’m helping clients leverage Microsoft Azure services and GitHub's development platform. I work to understand their needs, provide technical guidance, and help them adopt best practices. I also conduct workshops for organizations on GitHub Copilot, AI adoption, and GitHub Advanced Security adoption.

Life and Work at Eficode

One thing I find exceptional at Eficode is the psychological safety. I’m not afraid to ask anyone any questions, and there are no silly ones. It makes your work easier because you don’t get stuck with anything. You know you can always reach out for help. We have a welcoming and helpful culture. The company’s hybrid work model offers flexibility, allowing me to balance work and life seamlessly.

Working here has been an incredibly positive experience. Beyond the technical skills I’ve developed, I’ve also gained a much deeper understanding of the consulting world. From collaborating with partners to solving clients’ challenges, Eficode’s structured and professional approach ensures that every collaboration runs smoothly and effectively.

It has also given me the space to approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset, continuously seeking innovative ways to improve processes and deliver value. This journey has not only expanded my professional capabilities but also nurtured my personal growth, encouraging me to embrace new ideas and push my boundaries.

My team is fantastic—always ready to offer support whenever needed. Everyone’s contributions are genuinely valued, and great work is consistently recognized and appreciated. We collaborate closely, share knowledge freely, and face challenges together, making every project rewarding and fulfilling.

Looking back at my journey here, I feel truly grateful. I've grown immensely, not just professionally but also personally. The trust and autonomy I’ve been given have allowed me to take ownership of my work and contribute meaningfully to projects. I’m genuinely excited to see what the future holds for me at Eficode.

Community, Mentorship, and Inspiration

Women in Tech AI workshop

I recently had the opportunity to co-lead an AI-focused workshop on GitHub Copilot with some fellow Eficodeans for the local Women in Tech community. It was a breath of fresh air—deeply rewarding to witness the enthusiasm, curiosity, and engagement in the room. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees sharing how much they learned and how inspired they felt to start integrating AI into their own work. The experience was a strong reminder of how community and collaboration can drive real innovation.

Although I’ve led GitHub Copilot workshops before, they had all been remote. This was my first time running one in person, and I was definitely nervous at first. But the women who joined were incredibly welcoming, and we quickly got into lively discussions and hands-on exercises. The session was so interactive that it never felt like I was delivering a monologue—it felt like a shared learning experience. It was truly special to contribute to a space dedicated to uplifting and empowering women in tech.

AI has dominated tech conversations for years, but the sheer volume of information can feel overwhelming. Through the workshop, I hoped to offer participants a clearer sense of how AI can support their careers and learning journeys—encouraging them to engage thoughtfully rather than feel intimidated by it. The goal was to help demystify AI and show how tools like GitHub Copilot can genuinely empower developers. More than anything, we wanted to create an inclusive space that inspires curiosity, experimentation, and confidence.

Diversity in the industry

Early in my career, I was fortunate not to face some of the common challenges women in tech often encounter, such as lack of visibility or recognition. In India, I was surrounded by strong, experienced women in tech who guided and nurtured me. Their support helped me navigate the corporate world and confidently find my voice.

However, one of the biggest challenges I've faced has been figuring out how to shape my career. I’ve often struggled—and in many ways, I’m still figuring it out—how to define my path and find where I truly belong. It’s very much a work in progress. But what’s helped me is embracing experimentation. I’ve done many seemingly random things, and they’ve shaped me into who I am today. Over time, I’ve gained the confidence and perspective to make more intentional choices. I also make it a point to seek mentors—both men and women—who believe in me, challenge me, and offer honest, constructive feedback.

It might sound a bit cliché, but the woman who has inspired me the most is my mother. She works in the healthcare industry, and her unwavering commitment to her work, the professionalism with which she engages with people, and her perfectionism have always set the standard for me. I constantly strive to match her integrity and excellence. She taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to my dreams—even in the face of setbacks. Her strength and dedication have been a guiding light in my life, and I do my best to carry those qualities into my own career and personal journey.

I also hope the kind of support and guidance I received early in my career becomes the norm, not the exception. That early encouragement was pivotal—it helped me navigate challenges, build confidence, and begin to shape a sense of direction. 

Looking ahead, I really want to see more women in leadership roles. We've made some progress, but there's still a big imbalance in management and decision-making. This imbalance doesn't just limit talented women; it also means organizations miss out on different ideas and new solutions. More women in leadership would create more inclusive workplaces, lead to better decisions, and ultimately, stronger organizations. We really need to champion initiatives that encourage, mentor, and promote women into these key positions so their voices are heard and their contributions are fully recognized.

Advice for those just starting in IT

There are two essential skills for anyone in the IT field. First—and arguably the most important—is adaptability. Technology evolves at a rapid pace, and being able to keep up with that change is crucial. What’s cutting-edge today might be outdated tomorrow, so staying informed and flexible is key to staying relevant.

The second is developing deep expertise in a specific area. While a broad understanding is valuable, focusing on one domain gives you a strong foundation. Once you've mastered that space, it becomes much easier to branch out into new areas, which only strengthens your overall expertise.