Women in the U.S. workforce faced significant setbacks during the pandemic, with 1.1 million fewer women working in January 2022 compared to February 2020. While men have recovered their job losses, women continue to lag behind, according to the National Women's Law Center.

Monica Caldas, Liberty Mutual's first female chief information officer, leads a 5,000-person global team focusing on digital capabilities and technology. As an immigrant who came to America at a young age, she now balances executive responsibilities with family life while advocating for DEI initiatives.

Principal Software Engineer Margie Feng emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where both women and men can prioritize family. With 16 years of experience, she recalls being one of few women in tech leadership, particularly among immigrants.

Key insights for women in tech include:

• Distinguishing between mentors (who provide advice) and sponsors (who advocate for you when you're not present)
• Taking calculated risks in career advancement
• Overcoming imposter syndrome through active participation
• Building strong professional networks

Professional development programs like TechStart offer hands-on experience for new tech talent through three- or six-month assignments, working on real business challenges. These programs, combined with employee resource groups focused on women in technology, provide crucial support systems for career advancement.

The Women in Technology ERG, with over 500 active members, focuses on:

• Recruitment and retention
• Creating professional connections
• Encouraging girls in technology through community engagement
• Supporting coding initiatives and tech challenges for young women

Through these structured support systems and leadership examples, organizations can work to close the gender gap in tech and create more inclusive workplaces where women can thrive.

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