“I deserve to be here” — women discuss overcoming barriers and building careers in tech
The growth of the technology industry shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. In fact, information & technology continues to outpace other sectors creating new jobs, with hundreds of thousands of new technology positions expected to open up in the coming years. However, despite this sunny outlook, too many women still hang on the outskirts of the industry, actively seeking positions but running into barriers. In this video, four female Verizon leaders — likeminded in dedication but varied in backgrounds — delve into how they were able to break into a male-dominated industry and emerge powerful, successful and inspiring.
Jean McManus: Stay true to your goals and never settle
“It’s important for all women to realize ‘I have something I can offer.’”
At an early age, Jean McManus, Executive Director Architecture & Infrastructure, fell in love with electrical engineering, a passion that she carried from undergrad all the way to her PhD, and with time spent working as an individual contributor, eventually transitioned into technical management.
But this transition didn’t come without its obstacles — one of which many women face. Women are often passed over for technical positions, and instead being offered positions of project manager or related staff positions. Jean’s experience was no different, when she was offered a job on the project management side and declined — she had clearly defined her goals prior to entering the tech world and had a desire to stay in network architecture. Her avoidance of settling resulted in a position in her target field, which she gladly accepted.
Natalie Williams: Create opportunities from struggles
“Take advantage of the opportunities in front of you and know you’re worth it.”
Natalie Williams, Director Wireless Customer Service, was a single parent at age 19 and realized early on that it is important to work hard to set the stage for the future. Her barrier was a personal one: juggling motherhood, a challenging work schedule (working nights and weekends) and establishing a sense of self-worth in a male-dominated industry. All the while, she knew she deserved a place at the table.
Natalie found that the best way to break through barriers to build a successful career in tech is to be willing to make sacrifices. Having a dream is important but having a plan to complement it is essential. Even if you’re faced with road blocks and barriers, just make sure that you pick yourself back up and continue to move forward.
Abby Knowles: Don’t let anyone underestimate you
Technically-minded doesn’t always mean “tinkerer.”
Abby Knowles, Executive Director Wireless Network Operations, is passionate about unearthing hidden talent not yet tapped — especially the hidden talent of women. Many people tend to stereotype engineers and technologists as “tinkerers” who are naturally inclined to spend their weekends disassembling their home appliances. Abby says that people excel in tech because they have the ability and curiosity to understand and enjoy complex technological projects.
This issue is not unfamiliar to Abby. When granted the opportunity to become involved in video engineering, she formed a team with a senior engineer. As the lead, she ran a meeting to explain the technology with a fellow colleague; however, throughout the meeting, the colleague wouldn’t look at her. The senior engineer recognized what was happening and stood up for Abby, validating her technical expertise by making it very clear to their colleague that he should be speaking directly to her as the project lead.
Amy Lloyd: Make your voice heard
“Be willing to speak up. And be willing to have something to say.”
Amy Lloyd, Director Wireless Operations, has been witness to a great deal of industry change. She’s been a jack-of-all-trades, having served in a variety of capacities, including marketing, sales, and call center management and operations.
At the start of a sales pitch to finalize business, she introduced herself and her salesperson by name, excluding titles and kicked off the conversation. The gentleman assumed she was there to take notes, instructing Amy’s salesperson to go back to his boss. Her salesperson corrected the gentleman, stating: “I brought my boss — she’s right here.” Speaking up is important, and don’t let anyone deter you from making your mission known.
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