Sysco LABS Celebrates International Women's Day
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we asked a few of the amazing women around the Sysco LABS office to share their experiences, advice, and goals as women working in tech. Here’s what they had to say.
What’s one opportunity you’re excited about in your professional career?
“As a manager, I always like to see or build career paths for my team. I know that was something I struggled with at previous companies, asking, ‘How should I grow within the company?’ Being able to speak honestly and openly with my employees about their current and future goals is always exciting.” — Michelda Jones, CX Customer Support Manager
”I am excited for the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and develop my leadership skills.” — Bailey Worley, Android Developer
“The ability to develop and practice empathy by the virtue of my work.” — Sanjana Tripathi, UX Researcher
“It’s hard to pick one opportunity. Sysco LABS has provided me with so many in the last 9 years I’ve worked with them. If ever I was starting to feel too comfortable in my job role, I have been given more responsibility and the opportunity to challenge myself. There has never been room left for me to feel bored.” — Thilini Jayawardana, Associate Project Manager
How has mentorship played a role in your professional life?
“Some of my mentors haven't even realized they were mentoring me. Just learning from amazing bosses and coworkers over the years has been invaluable. It's the unofficial stuff—the tips and tricks on soft skills and hard skills that can really give you a leg up. If you can find a willing mentor that's great. But if not, I think it's important to foster relationships with people in your industry you respect and want to learn from.” — Marianne Sloan, Data Engineer
“Having a mentor has been so helpful. It has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams, but to also make sure that my dreams are reasonable.” — Heather Burgess, Customer Support
”When I was very pregnant with my second child and I wanted to change careers, a VP at the company mentored me through that transition and hired me full time in his organization when I was 38 weeks pregnant. Strong mentors have changed my life and led me down very healthy pathways.” — Megan Oertel, Director of Product Anaytics
What advice would you give to young women interested in pursuing a career in technology?
“Don't be intimidated, you know more than you think. You will doubt yourself more than anyone else, but you are capable of whatever you put your mind to. Also, don't let anyone make you doubt your passion.” — Allyson Murphy, Data Governance Analyst
“Technology is for everyone. Technology is a great medium for empowerment. Learn it, use it, and master it to empower yourself and women around you.” — Sanjana Tripathi, UX Researcher
“Go for it. Don’t let anything or anyone define what your career should be based on your gender. If it’s a career in technology you want, its career in technology you’ll have. In an industry dominated by males, work hard and prove it to yourself that you deserve this just as much as the next guy. Break the bias.” — Thilini Jayawardana, Associate Project Manager
“You bring a unique and valuable perspective to the table as a woman in the technology field. Don't be afraid to share your ideas with confidence!” — Bailey Worley, Android Developer