Meet Holly, Empowering Future Innovators at Riga Tech Girls
We had the pleasure to speak with Holly as she shares her journey, mentorship experiences, and unwavering dedication to empowering women in the tech industry:
Holly, you currently work as a Business Intelligence Analyst at GoCardless. Could you tell us how you decided to pursue this field and what keeps you motivated to grow in this role?
I learned coding at university, primarily focusing on economic and government datasets. Delving into the insights and discussions opened my eyes to the power of data and its positive impact. The dynamic environment at GoCardless, alongside my incredible colleagues, inspires me daily. It’s the collaborative spirit and the challenges we confront that drive me to continue learning and growing.
You have been involved as a mentor with Queen Mary, University of London. How has this experience influenced your approach to mentoring, and what motivated you to take on a mentorship role at Riga TechGirls?
My mentorship journey at Queen Mary involved working with amazing women who helped shape my mentoring style. Embracing diversity in mentoring, understanding personal goals, and emphasising open communication have been pivotal. Connecting with Riga TechGirls aligned with my passion for empowering women in tech and bridging the gender gap. It felt like an opportunity to give back to the community and make a meaningful impact.
In your role as a mentor at Riga TechGirls, how do you tailor your approach to cater to the diverse needs and backgrounds of your mentees?
Adapting to individual needs is crucial in mentoring. Transparency about strengths, flexible goal-setting, and personalised approaches based on unique stories help in supporting diversity effectively. Understanding mentees’ aspirations — whether they are new to data, exploring startup ideas, or navigating tech roles — guides my mentorship strategy.
Given the challenges women often face in the tech industry, how do you envision empowering and supporting them through mentorship?
Empowering women in tech involves creating a nurturing environment, fostering skill development, building confidence, and advocating for inclusivity. By sharing relatable experiences, we can combat feelings of isolation and offer valuable career guidance. Boosting visibility, offering networking opportunities, and encouraging ambition are vital components of empowering women in tech.
How do you believe engaging in mentorship activities at Riga TechGirls benefits GoCardless in Latvia, and what growth opportunities does this present for employees?
Collaborating with Riga TechGirls enhances community engagement and showcases GoCardless’s commitment to supporting women. This collaboration boosts visibility in Riga and sets a precedent as an inclusive employer. Working as a mentor amplifies communication, problem-solving, and adaptability skills, all of which are vital for personal and professional growth within GoCardless.
As a mentor at Riga TechGirls, in what ways do you think your skills will be enhanced, and how will this contribute to your growth within GoCardless?
Mentorship allows me to refine my leadership skills, enhance communication strategies, and broaden my problem-solving abilities. Engaging with diverse backgrounds offers fresh perspectives and fosters collaboration. These experiences align well with the opportunities and challenges I face at GoCardless, facilitating continuous growth and innovation.
Finally, what is one key piece of advice you would offer to young women beginning their tech careers?
My advice to young women entering the tech industry is simple — take that first step towards your goal without overthinking. Embrace the journey, learn from each experience, and keep moving forward. Remember, progress comes from action. So, go get it ladies!
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