The IT Nerd

Saturday, March 8, is the global celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD), and a reminder that many issues still impact women’s equality and progress. 

It is important to take action and acknowledge the incredible contributions of women across industries while pushing for real change. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality, emphasizes the need to do more than just include women’s voices—it’s about making sure they’re heard loud and clear, especially in tech and AI, where equal representation still has a long way to go. 

I’ve assembled some commentary from a variety of women who work in tech in order to get their perspectives on International Women’s Day:

Phyllis Rhodes, Director of Sales and Business Development at Parallel Works:

“International Women’s Day is more than just a celebration—it’s a call to action and a day to recognize the achievements of women across industries while also addressing the systemic barriers that still stand in the way of true equality. This year’s theme, Accelerate Action for Women’s Equality, highlights the urgency of ensuring that women’s voices are not just included but actively amplified in spaces where decisions are made, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence (AI). 

AI is shaping the future at an unprecedented pace, and it is crucial and beneficial that the voices that train these models are representative of the diverse world we live in. When AI systems are developed predominantly using content or voices that are homogenous or largely representative of the most dominant figures in a room, they risk reinforcing existing biases rather than breaking them down. Without a diversity of perspectives, these biases become amplified within AI models, perpetuating inequality instead of fostering inclusivity. To truly harness the power of AI for good, we must prioritize a broad range of voices, ensuring that women, along with other underrepresented groups, are actively involved in the training and development of these systems. 

A diversity of perspectives is not just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of innovation. The more viewpoints we bring to the table, the more dynamic and effective our solutions become. A team rich in varied experiences and views can generate more creative ideas, challenge ingrained biases, and ultimately lead to better, more informed, and more equitable technology. When we cultivate an environment that values different lived experiences, we open the door to progress that benefits everyone, not just a select few. 

Beyond AI, accelerating women’s equality means creating space for more women to be heard, valued, and respected in every industry. Lifting up younger women—amplifying their ideas, crediting their contributions, and mentoring them—ensures a stronger, more inclusive future. Too often, valuable insights go unnoticed simply because the voices behind them are quieter or less assertive in male-dominated spaces. Recognizing when someone may feel intimidated and making an effort to draw them into discussions is a simple but powerful way to promote equality. 

True progress requires active listening, intentional amplification, and a commitment to inclusivity at every level. By ensuring that AI, workplaces, and leadership structures reflect the diversity of the world we live in, we take tangible steps toward gender equality. The future of innovation depends on it.” 

Molly Presley, SVP Global Marketing at Hammerspace:

On Saturday, March 8th, the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2025. This day recognizes the accomplishments of women in different industries, particularly in tech, while acknowledging the continuing inequalities and injustices that exist.  

Molly Presley, a highly respected leader in the tech industry, shares her insights on navigating challenges and promoting advancement for women in the field. As someone who has broken through barriers and opened doors for future female tech leaders, she offers valuable perspectives on balancing progress and overcoming obstacles.  

“My tech career trajectory has been greatly influenced by exceptional leaders who have pushed me to achieve beyond my expectations. Although I had a solid technical background upon entering the industry, ascending to a senior executive role in tech marketing was not something I had anticipated. The key to my success has been the mentorship of others and my commitment to the job. This mentorship has refined my ability to pinpoint distinctive product attributes and effectively communicate with a varied audience.

Because a significant aspect of my journey has been mentoring women in technology and giving back to those who have mentored me, as my career advanced, I became actively involved with the ‘Women in High-Performance Computing‘ organization (WHPC). I currently serve as the Director of Communications and Outreach, where I have the opportunity to promote mentoring programs, curated resources, and job access that help women in HPC, and technical computing achieve their professional goals. 

“I strongly urge aspiring young women in the tech field to seek guidance from experienced professionals and engage in activities such as joining professional associations like WHPC. These communities provide essential support, educational resources, networking opportunities, and motivation necessary for achieving success in their chosen career path.

This year’s IWD theme is ‘Accelerate Action’ for gender equality. It is a worldwide call for strategies, resources, and activities that positively impact women’s advancement, support, and elevation of their implementation. It’s also a call for all of us, especially those in leadership positions, to step forward in solidarity and accelerate the rate of progress worldwide.

I strongly believe the path to accelerating action toward gender equality lies with visionary leaders who recognize that a diverse team that empowers female members is the key to success. Together, we can achieve remarkable accomplishments by fostering an environment that promotes empowerment and encouragement.”

Hope Wang, Senior Technical Marketing Manager, Alluxio:

“As an Asian woman in tech, I’ve witnessed firsthand the barriers women face in STEM fields, both in education and work. The journey toward equality continues, but I’m optimistic about how the AI revolution, which GenAI accelerates, is democratizing access to technical education by lowering entry barriers that have historically kept diverse voices out. AI tools are becoming great equalizers, opening doors for women to learn, create, and innovate on their own terms. 

This International Women’s Day, I celebrate how technology can amplify our voices and accelerate inclusion, creating pathways for more women like me to thrive in spaces where we’ve been underrepresented for too long. When we create inclusion through accessible technology, we forge a more equitable future for all women in STEM.”

Julia Astashkina, Senior Director of Growth, StarTree:

“On International Women’s Day 2025, the call to Accelerate Action resonates deeply with me, not just as a leader in tech, but as a mother raising the next generation. My daughter is growing up in a world where women continue to push boundaries in science, technology, and leadership, yet true equality remains just out of reach. I want her to see a future where opportunities aren’t delayed, biases don’t dictate outcomes, and progress happens in real time.

We can’t afford to wait for change to happen gradually. Progress requires action, not just words or promises, but tangible steps that create opportunities for women at every level. This means actively tracking representation, fostering mentorship, and ensuring women have well-defined, well-supported pathways to leadership. Change doesn’t happen in the background; it requires visibility, urgency, and commitment.

I want my daughter to grow up knowing she belongs in every room she enters. That requires all of us to take action now. Let’s stop waiting for progress and start accelerating it, ensuring that future generations inherit a world where inclusion isn’t an initiative, but a given.”

 Margaret Hoagland, VP, Global Sales & Marketing, SIOS Technology

“On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the groundbreaking achievements of women who have shaped history. But let’s also honor the quiet victories—the moments of courage that paved the way for progress.

Let’s remember the women who refused to be silenced, who spoke up even when it was easier to stay quiet. The women who were the first in their companies to hold leadership positions. The only women in the room, who not only reached their professional goals but lifted others along the way with compassion and empathy. The women who taught us that the quietest voices are often the most powerful. Let’s remember the unsung women who have shaped the world we live in today in a thousand small ways. And because of them, we rise.”