Ervaringen

Ever since I was a small girl, people often referred to me as a ‘techie’. I was always helping people out when their laptop malfunctioned, or when they had troubles understanding the new technologies. However, I did not actively consider pursuing a career in tech. My teachers said that I would not be able to do this, which did demotivate me a bit. As stubborn as I was, I did pursue my studies in STEM. And let me tell you: “Most of the time I really enjoyed my studies, although I was not sure what to do after this.” 

When I was looking for a community that could help me out, I found out about RightBrains: an organisation that is actively devoted and committed to growing a diverse and inclusive digital workforce! It is very cool to see so many like-minded women in technology on the platform! Organisations like RightBrains are very important, as they are a force-multiplier for diversifying the tech industry. It's hard to change it on your own, but with a great community, you'll push this goal to a higher level.

When I was introduced to RightBrains I straight away made a lot of useful connections. Because of the way my function is positioned in the organisation, I benefit a lot from sparring with people outside the company and within the same work field. It is because I spoke to many women from all ages and backgrounds, that I noticed everyone had an important thing in common: the need for a good mentor. 
I'm so grateful the platform offers an accessible way to connect with a mentor that could help me further in my career. Only after 4 sessions I saw the results, and - even better - I felt it too! I gained more confidence, had more inspiration and renewed my 'can do' mindset. A great benefit of this was that it helped me discuss my promotion with ease and self-confidence.

As a leader in the technology sector, I wanted to expand my knowledge on digital transformation and learn from other peers. Therefore I decided to participate in RightBrains’ Digital Leadership Programme. What this programme distinguishes from other education in digital leadership is that is aimed at creating a safe place to learn, due to the fact that it is only accessible for experienced women in the technology sector. I can highly recommend this Digital Leadership Programme as it is a good mix of acquiring knowledge on digital transformation and developing leadership skills. Next to this, the teachers and participants are highly committed to achieve the best learning outcomes.
 

I am a Rightbrains member from the early beginnings, later I became an ambassador. I helped thinking about the functionalities of the Rightbrains Match & Mentoring App and platform. I care about diversity in IT. I believe it's the right thing to do. IT teams should reflect the people they are developing their products for. Research shows that diversity increases success for businesses of all sizes. To understand your customers, you want to look and think like them to understand them. If your team is not diverse, there is a huge group of potential customers you are not in touch with.
For more than 25 years I am working in IT. I am more a thinker and doer than a thinker and talker. I believe in facilitating teams, so they can do their job without myself being in the foreground. Unless requested to do so. I literally like to dive. Dive into something new. Dive in the oceans, my biggest hobby. I have my head above water at the right time and, just like when I give diving instruction, my team too.
 

As a lecturer in ICT I see that there is an inequality in representation of women in technology and IT. Even at my own institution (a University of Applied Sciences), this disparity is highlighted by a representation of only 8-12% female students against 88-92% male students. “I think this is a problem -  not only a problem of diversity and inclusion, but also a problem of identity - the image of this field. I don’t see any reason why more women should not be involved in the field of technology. And, If you look at it from the social side, I think this is the field where most impact can and will be made on humans and society, for now and in the future. I became an ambassador for RightBrains to change perspectives. If you have any ideas about this, all input is needed in this strongly growing and broad field of expertise. If you are looking for a mentor or want to be inspired, please feel free to connect with me on the RightBrains App (app.rightbrains.nl).