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March is Women’s History Month, and we’re excited to amplify our team members’ voices! The National Women’s History Alliance announced this year’s theme as “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” Says NWHA, “Women are at the forefront of driving holistic change. Their leadership is not only addressing today’s most urgent challenges – it is laying the foundation for a more resilient and inclusive tomorrow.”
In this blog series, women on our team will share their journey to the technology field, the skills that have been most valuable to them, their advice to women considering a career in tech and more.
From solution leads to co-ops, these women will provide their diverse perspectives about what it means to be a woman in technology!
In this feature, get to know two of our solution leads – Lacey and Kalpana.
Lacey D | Solution Lead
What inspired you to pursue a career in technology/ software engineering?
Growing up, I was super into video games, and I would think about how they were made and research who made them. I also struggled a lot at school with young boys who felt the need to constantly test my knowledge of video games when I was just trying to find friends with common hobbies. I had one history teacher in 7th grade who introduced me to hackathons and GameMaker when she saw the isolation I was feeling. When I switched to online high school, I was able to pursue college classes and took an intro programming class. My teacher was incredible, and he would sit with me every day after class to work. He truly believed in my potential. My classmates in that class saw the skill I had and viewed me as a peer and friend! I also had so much fun solving problems that I knew this really was the path for me. I wouldn’t have gotten here without those two teachers who knew I could do it.
What skill (technical or non-technical) has been most valuable in your career so far?
Being open to discussion and feedback. Every person at every level needs to be able to be told when they are wrong or heading in the wrong direction and listen without making quick judgments.
How has Solü’s company culture supported your growth and development?
Solü is full of smart, curious individuals who are team players. That type of mindset is core to the company culture. I have been able to pursue not only my project work but also side project work at Solü that benefits the company as a whole while also teaching me new skills. We also have a ton of community groups for building new skills and discussion, and everyone is super supportive.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in tech?
Ada Lovelace created the first algorithm. ENIAC was programmed by a team of women. Grace Hopper created the first compiler. Programming was originally “women’s work” and not valued, but these women were doing it first and made it a field that could not be pushed to the side any longer. When it gets tough- and it will- remember them! You absolutely bring value to the field.
Kalpana J | Solution Lead
What inspired you to pursue a career in technology/ software engineering?
I have always loved problem-solving. In my senior year of undergrad, I attended an Introductory Fortran programming class, and I got hooked. I have seen our technology evolve so far since that Fortran class.
What skill (technical or non-technical) has been most valuable in your career so far?
This is not so much a skill as it is a mindset: I have always been curious and willing to learn. The journey was possible only because of my love for learning!
How has Solü’s company culture supported your growth and development?
I work with people who are talented, energetic, and willing to share their expertise – fostering a sense of collaboration and community.
The work-life balance at Solü helped me to focus on my family when my kids were younger and paved the way for a lead role when I was ready to take it up.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in tech?
- Be curious – innovation does not happen without curiosity
- Maintain your confidence: Make sure your voice is heard, even when others are speaking loudly. Your ideas and contributions matter, and they may not be obvious unless you express them.
