数字她 was set up to address the gender imbalance in the digital and tech industry in Greater Manchester. Our programmes aim to inspire the next generation of women to join the industry, and support the current generation working in the industry.
我们和艾比·雷德利聊了聊, 德勤(Deloitte)交付经理, to learn more about her journey into tech which began with a scholarship from the Royal Geographical Society.
Tell me about your journey into working in the digital and tech industry.
在大学之前, I received a scholarship from the Royal Geographical Society to undertake a ‘challenging expedition or research project which furthers knowledge of the planet, 它的文化, 人与环境.’ I used this grant to spend time in a women’s empowerment centre in Delhi and it was there that I developed a passion for societal impact and technology. The women were selling handmade items at local markets, and we began to sell them online using social networking and increased their revenue which in turn had a positive impact on the centre.
Receiving my scholarship came with the caveat that I studied Geography at University upon my return. 大学毕业后, I was adamant I wanted to join a graduate scheme and received places on the food buying graduate programmes at M&S和乐购. I’d applied to the Accenture – Client Delivery graduate programme at the same time, out of curiosity more than anything as it spoke to my passion for tech and a passion for being able to positively impact society.
I’m grateful to now work in digital, in the public sector. This allows me to continue my passion for using tech to create a positive impact on society.
What challenges have you found along the way? And how have you overcome them?
It’s difficult to be the only female at the table, from a non-tech background (having studied Geography not code!). It took me years to overcome the ‘not techie’ complex I was carrying. 通过大量的学习, courses and taking opportunities to ask questions and listen, I’ve realised that I may not be a developer, but I can understand what is going on and be part of the conversation. I had to build my confidence to do this.
What is your favourite thing about being part of the industry?
I love being able to see the impact of the work I am delivering. I am currently working on a project that will be used by millions across the UK. I love that I am part of something that can be used by my friends and family and can improve the way people do things in the UK.
Why do you think it’s important, especially within the digital and tech industries that programmes such as 数字她 support the future generation?
It is important to showcase all the opportunities within tech and encourage females to apply for roles, even if they don’t feel like they hit every tick box on the job requirements, but to push themselves for opportunities and give it a go anyway.
What could the industry do better to encourage and support women to join the sector and stay within the sector?
Shouting about role models within the digital sector is so important. 那些当妈妈的人, 灵活工作的人, those who have joined the sector from ‘non-tech’ backgrounds and many more examples. It’s important to shine a light on the vast range of roles within tech and all the different ways you can make them work for you whilst still prioritising other areas of your life.
Our Her Voice series highlights women in the 数字她 community, their journeys & their experiences in the tech sector.
