Every March 8th, International Women’s Day (IWD) offers us a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the vast contributions of women across all areas of life—especially in technology. At d-Matrix, we’re proud to champion the brilliance and innovation women and gender diverse employees bring to our mission of advancing generative AI and making it more accessible every day. Today, we work to #InspireInclusion and acknowledge the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women toward equality – while recognizing the journey will continue tomorrow.
The Pioneering Spirit of Women in Tech
In the tech industry, where innovation and creativity are paramount, women have been breaking barriers and setting new benchmarks since the beginning. From Ada Lovelace, credited with writing the first computer algorithm in the 19th century, to Margaret Hamilton at MIT who wrote software for landing on the moon while coining the term “software engineering,” women have been integral to making new technology paradigms possible.
The same is especially true for artificial intelligence, which requires intentional collaboration to mitigate dangerous biases in data sets and algorithms. We believe having varied viewpoints in AI not only accelerates innovation, it’s a crucial step toward challenging harmful outcomes like models that perpetuate societal prejudices and discrimination. At d-Matrix, we’re equally passionate about the advancement of AI technology as we are about its ethical use in society.
I’d like to share a few of the perspectives of a few inspiring women technologists at d-Matrix on what inclusion means to them, what motivated their unique career paths, and the impact of mentorship and representation.
Irene Q.: To me, the theme of #InspireInclusion means that a diverse and inclusive culture fosters innovation and creativity. It is essential to have a diverse team with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to tap into a larger pool of talent and ideas. I’ve been attracted to STEM since elementary school, building periscopes and an interactive periodic table. During middle school, all the girls were asking their parents if they should choose Home Economics or Technical electives. I chose Technical without hesitation. Gender shouldn’t be a deterrent when selecting a career path – everyone should be able to follow their passions, do what they enjoy, and this path will lead to success and happiness.
Briana S.: I am most inspired by women who uplift and share their knowledge with others, creating communities and amplifying the work of those around them. I have experienced barriers and bias in my career, but also lots of opportunity. In the challenging moments I’ve found the most success leaning into the community of women around me for support, and I aim to do the same for others. If you try new things constantly, don’t be afraid to fail and find a path that brings you joy, everything else will fall into place.
Sayeh S: When I was a teenager, I always heard that math was a “boys’ thing.” But in high school, I learned that Maryam Mirzakhani won the international gold medal in the Math Olympiad with a full score, showing me women can excel in math too. Later on, learning of Ada Lovelace’s achievements made me realize that women have been shaping the field of technology from the very beginning, and any woman today can do the same. Now I tell aspiring women in STEM: “Believe in yourself, follow your passion, try hard, never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. You are more than capable of having a meaningful impact in what you love doing.”
Shravya J: For me, #InspireInclusion means acknowledging the accomplishments and struggles of women. It’s a chance to promote equal opportunities for women and ensure their voices are heard without preconceived notions. My mother was a first-generation graduate and working woman who paved the way for me and my sister to succeed, and I always found her ability to adapt to new ideas inspiring.
Looking Ahead: Amplifying Diverse Voices in Technology
The journey of women in tech is marked by resilience and determination. It’s an honor to work alongside so many diverse software developers, technical experts, and leaders as we continue to challenge stereotypes and for a more equitable tech landscape. Lifting up innovators from underrepresented backgrounds not only drives the industry’s growth but – more importantly – offers a path forward for future generations of women, nonbinary and gender diverse technologists who will play a crucial role ensuring the safe and beneficial implementation of AI.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, let us also commit to a year-round effort of inclusion, mentorship, and advocacy. Together, we can build a tech industry where everyone’s contributions are valued and celebrated every day.