Technology has long been considered a male-dominated field, but women have been shaping and driving innovation for decades—often without getting the recognition they deserve. At Oxalis, we know firsthand how essential women are to the tech industry. We’re not just here to take up space—we’re leading, problem-solving, and making a real impact.
This Women’s History Month, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible women at Oxalis. More than just hiring talented women, we’re fostering an environment where they thrive, collaborate, and drive meaningful change. So, I sat down with five of our amazing teammates—Dee Self, Mary Sullivan, Victoria Côté, Sharon Liu, and Blanca Vazquez—to talk about their journeys in tech, the challenges they’ve faced, and what the future holds for women in this industry. Their insights are inspiring, real, and a testament to why the future of tech is brighter with more women at the table.
What sparked your interest in technology? Was there a specific moment or person who influenced your path?
Victoria: “My interest in technology grew from my love of history and art, particularly in museums. These institutions must modernize to maintain interest and funding, often through technology. I would love to be part of those initiatives, helping preserve history while making it more accessible in new ways.”
Mary: “Both of my parents worked in technology, so I was surrounded by it from a young age. Growing up in Silicon Valley, I was always drawn to innovation and new solutions. I knew I wanted to be part of shaping the future of tech.”
Dee: “I didn’t initially consider myself interested in technology. It wasn’t until I noticed how much inefficiency and system issues were slowing down our sales team—and the lack of lasting solutions—that I realized something needed to change. Being a natural problem solver, I decided to step into the world of technology to bring efficiency and resolution to the challenges we faced.”
Sharon: “I stumbled into tech consulting by chance after connecting with recruiters at a career fair. As I learned more about the industry, I became fascinated with solving clients’ challenges and finding technology-driven solutions to make their work easier.”
Blanca: “Anu Bharadwaj, Atlassian’s president, has been a huge inspiration for me. She’s so enthusiastic about sharing updates, introducing new products, and offering valuable insights into the tech world. I admire her passion.”
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in tech, and how did you overcome them?
Victoria: “I’m fairly new to the tech sector, but my biggest challenge so far has been balancing the need to learn on the fly with getting work done. I can get carried away in the discovery process, so I’ve had to learn when to pause and apply my knowledge.”
Mary: “I sometimes find it difficult to be taken seriously as a young woman in tech. It’s easy to get overpowered by some of the ‘experts’ in this field, so I had to work hard to find my voice and confidence. I’ve learned to assert myself and not let others make me feel small.”
Dee: “The industry where I began my career was undoubtedly male-dominated. Surprisingly, when I transitioned into technology at Nestlé, I experienced the opposite—I found myself surrounded by talented women and inspired by incredible female leaders. That shift showed me what’s possible when companies prioritize inclusivity.”
Sharon: “One of the challenges I’ve faced is having the confidence to speak up, especially in technical discussions. Fortunately, Oxalis has built a culture that encourages open dialogue and values everyone’s input. I’ve become more comfortable asserting my ideas with more practice and the right environment.”
Blanca: “Technology is always evolving, and staying current can be challenging. I’ve found that attending Atlassian webinars and keeping up with industry changes has been a great way to stay informed.”
What advice would you give young women considering a career in technology?
Victoria: “Tech can be whatever you want it to be. It applies everywhere, in every industry. The knowledge and experience you gain in this field will take you far, no matter where your career leads.”
Mary: “Be confident in yourself and know that your opinion is valuable, even if people make you feel small or overlooked.”
Dee: “If you’re passionate about technology, go for it! Don’t let yourself get pigeonholed into tasks that others may assume are ‘better suited’ for a female. Speak up, advocate for yourself, and never hesitate to ask questions or share your ideas. And don’t wait to apply until you meet every qualification—believe in your potential and take the leap.”
Sharon: “Stay curious and find a good mentor. Whether it’s learning a new tool, tackling a different approach, or navigating challenges, curiosity will help you grow. A good mentor can also be a game-changer, offering guidance and encouragement when you need it most.”
Blanca: “Be curious, find your own voice, and don’t be afraid to try new things.”
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
Victoria: “I’m proud of my resilience—continuing to move forward in my pursuit of a career that fulfills me both personally and professionally.”
Mary: “I’m really proud of my transition from marketing into consulting. I didn’t have the traditional background for this role, but I stayed curious and worked hard to learn everything I could from my peers and mentors.”
Dee: “Without a doubt, I’m most proud of the relationships and friendships I’ve built along the way. Seeing the growth in those I’ve had the privilege to lead, coach, or mentor is incredibly rewarding.”
Sharon: “Leading a challenging migration project where I had to navigate timeline constraints, technical hurdles, and product limitations. Despite the obstacles, I built a strong relationship with the client and also mentored an Associate Consultant through her first project. Seeing her confidence grow was just as rewarding as the project’s success.”
Final Thoughts: Breaking Barriers & Building the Future
The women of Oxalis aren’t just thriving in tech—they’re shaping its future. They’ve navigated challenges, carved out space for themselves, and are paying it forward to the next generation.
At Oxalis, we believe that fostering an inclusive and supportive environment is essential to driving meaningful change in the industry. This Women’s Month, we celebrate the resilience, intelligence, and leadership of the women who make Oxalis—and the tech world—better every day.
To all the women in tech: Keep pushing boundaries. Keep speaking up. Keep innovating. The industry is better because of you.
