Join us as we discuss the role of women in tech. Discover success stories, leadership insights, and strategies to break barriers in STEM, AI, and computer vision.
International Women's Day is just around the corner. As a woman in tech, I feel like it’s more than just a day for celebration - it's a chance to shed light on the realities we often overlook: the highs and lows of working in the tech industry as a woman. I'm Abirami Vina, a content creator at Ultralytics, with a background in AI and computer vision.
My career started as a computer vision engineer, and over the years, I've learned that opportunities in tech can feel intimidating - especially for a young woman surrounded by many opinions.
Specifically, imposter syndrome is a very real challenge, particularly when there are few visible female role models in tech. Yet, stepping outside your comfort zone is where growth happens, and it's through these challenges that we build our strength and the ability to uplift other women as well.
My role at Ultralytics and my experiences working with the team are a testament to that. When you believe in yourself as a woman in tech and take bold steps, you naturally attract support and opportunities.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the realities of being a woman in tech - exploring the challenges of imposter syndrome, the power of bold moves, and how leadership at Ultralytics is paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future.
There has definitely been progress with respect to empowering women in technology. More women are pursuing degrees in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and that is a huge part of supporting women to work in the tech industry. However, the numbers tell a mixed story.
For example, while the percentage of women working in STEM has grown from 8% in 1970 to 28% by 2019, challenges still remain. In big tech companies like Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft, women make up only about 31% of the workforce.
The gap is even wider in leadership roles: only 25% of C-level positions in corporate America are held by women, and just 5% of those are filled by racial minority females.
A key part of changing the narrative is the role women in tech play in driving progress. By stepping into leadership, mentoring others, and advocating for inclusivity, they help reshape the industry. This creates more opportunities for future generations.
As Paula Derrenger, Director of Growth at Ultralytics, puts it, “Being a woman in tech means embracing the challenge of innovation while standing as a role model, paving the way for others. Your leadership style and your values play a fundamental role, leading to tangible progress when we actively push toward this recognition.”
Discussing how this ties into growth and success, she shares, “Growth isn’t just about business success; it’s about creating opportunities, driving change, and shaping a future where gender equality is the norm, not the exception.”
By stepping up, supporting one another, and pushing for change, women in tech can make a real difference.
What does it really mean to have leaders that support gender equality? It goes beyond policies and quotas. It’s about creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow, contribute, and lead.
Nuvola Ladi, Digital Content Manager at Ultralytics, shared her perspective, saying, “As a woman and team leader, I believe the team always comes first. My role isn’t only about driving results—it’s about creating an environment where the team feels supported, and set up for success. That means having the foresight to adapt, the courage to be heard, and the dedication to mentor others giving them the tools to grow.”
Emphasizing the role of leaders through the ups and downs, she adds, “For the successes, the failures, and the everyday challenges, leadership means embracing innovation, empowering teams, and fostering a culture where curiosity and creativity drive progress.”
When leaders actively support gender equality, they create workplaces where diverse voices are valued, opportunities are accessible, and teams can truly thrive.
For instance, one key way leadership decisions shape inclusivity is through hybrid and remote work models, which have increasingly gained acceptance. While flexibility benefits everyone, it has had a particularly positive impact on women.
During YOLO Vision 2024 (YV24), Ultralytics’ annual hybrid event, this topic was a key point of discussion during the panel on women in AI leadership. Women still take on a larger share of caregiving responsibilities, whether raising children or supporting older family members. Flexible work arrangements make it possible for more women to stay in the workforce, advance in their careers, and take on leadership roles - without having to choose between work and family.
Imposter syndrome remains a substantial challenge for women in tech, often driven by societal conditioning, a lack of representation, and the misconception that success is due to luck rather than skill.
Many women struggle with self-doubt, making it harder to step into opportunities with confidence. In fact, a survey in 2023 found that nearly all 250 women surveyed cited imposter syndrome as a major barrier to entering the tech industry.
The truth is, if you’ve been given an opportunity, it’s because you’ve earned it. Your skills, experience, and hard work have led you here. Overcoming imposter syndrome starts with shifting your mindset and taking proactive steps to build confidence.
Here are some ways to navigate self-doubt and succeed in AI and tech:
At Ultralytics, we’re proud to have women contributing across all departments, from engineering to marketing, operations, and leadership. Whether it’s developing cutting-edge technology, shaping product strategy, creating content, or driving business growth, we recognize that women are an essential part of our team.
When women speak up and step up, they create space for others to do the same. The more women are enabled to leave their comfort zones, the more they can reimagine the tech industry.
Reflecting on her own journey, Hannah Streif, a Business Development Representative at Ultralytics, says, “Working at Ultralytics and in the tech industry has shown me that this field is not just thriving - it’s actively shaping the future. As a woman in tech, I believe it’s essential that we are equally represented in building that future, driving innovation, and redefining what’s possible.”
Her experience reflects a larger truth: when one woman steps forward, she makes it easier for others to follow.
Across industries, women have taken on leadership roles, challenged norms, and proven that they belong at the table. Here are some inspiring examples of women who have stepped into big roles and thrived:
Bridging the gender gap isn’t as simple as just trying to be fair to everyone. It’s about bringing in diverse perspectives that lead to better innovation and problem-solving. When more women enter AI and data science, the industry benefits from fresh ideas and broader insights.
Bruna de Guimarães, a mentor for Ultralytics, shared her thoughts and said, “Encouraging more women in tech starts with opportunity, mentorship, and a culture that values diverse leadership. When we invest in these areas, we create a stronger, more innovative industry."
Here’s how companies, leaders, and colleagues, including men, can help make a difference:
This Women's Day, take a step back and recognize the impact of women in AI and tech. If you are a woman in tech, know that your presence matters - you are defining the future of innovation.
Opportunities don’t always come when you feel ready, but accepting those challenges is worth it when you see a fellow female colleague feel supported and find strength in your courage. By showing up, speaking up, and uplifting one another, we create a future where everyone has a place in AI.
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