Empowering Women in Tech: Key Insights from the IGEL Women in Tech Panel

At IGEL, we are committed to fostering a dynamic and inclusive workplace by engaging in essential conversations that drive progress. One of those conversations took place at IGEL Now & Next 2025 in Miami, where I had the privilege of moderating a panel featuring Melissa Stein, Director of Product for End-User Computing at AWS; Akanksha Sehgal, Director of Worldwide Solution Engineering at Omnissa; Gretchen Irion, Director of PC Accessories at HP; and Marissa Schmidt, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner.

During the informative panel discussion, we explored topics ranging from mentorship to the significance of having a voice and a seat at the table in leadership discussions, embracing authenticity, and the need to promote an organization-wide commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The discussion also underscored the value of lifelong learning and how it can empower all genders to build impactful and meaningful careers. Some of my key takeaways include:

• The Transformative Power of Mentorship. Mentorship is crucial for fostering career growth, particularly for women, as emphasized by our panelists who advocated for structured mentorship programs featuring both internal and external mentors. They distinguished mentorship—providing guidance—from sponsorship, which promotes opportunities for women. Innovative approaches like “speed mentoring” and partnerships with organizations like Girls Who Code were highlighted as effective methods for enhancing professional growth. Additionally, the panelists stressed the significance of cross-generational knowledge sharing, where senior leaders and early-career professionals can learn from one another, thus forming a holistic mentorship culture that promotes trust and development.
• Strategies to Conquer “Imposter Syndrome”. The discussion on imposter syndrome highlighted several key strategies to combat this common experience among women in the workplace. Encouraging women to share their ideas in meetings and provide opportunities for presentations to senior leadership can boost their confidence. Organizations should foster an inclusive environment by showcasing women’s contributions and supporting their professional growth. Additionally, leveraging team expertise and embracing continuous learning can help individuals manage self-doubt, reinforcing that it’s acceptable not to be an expert in every area.
• Embracing Authenticity to Redefine Success. Our panelists emphasized that authenticity involves confidently presenting your whole self at work while leveraging your unique experiences and personal brand. They highlighted that individual experiences significantly influence diverse leadership styles and that there is no single effective approach to leadership. The importance of fostering environments that support various problem-solving strategies was also stressed, discouraging conformity to traditional methods.
• Fostering DEI. Placing Inclusion at the heart of organizational culture is crucial for achieving success in DEI initiatives within the workplace. Our panelists highlighted the importance of launching diversity programs early in the education system, particularly during elementary and junior high school. They also suggested expanding recruitment pools and cautioned against traditional methods that often produce “cookie-cutter” candidates. Furthermore, our panelists emphasized the need to acknowledge personal biases and foster environments where individuals can genuinely be themselves. Concerning mentorship, it was noted that programs for women should also include male allies, develop a supportive network for underrepresented groups, and create opportunities for women returning to the workforce.
• Commitment to Lifelong Learning. In today’s fast-changing tech landscape, resilience and adaptability are vital for professionals. Our panelists stressed that lifelong learning and a curious mindset are essential for success in the industry. They noted the need for technology skills due to the rise of AI, highlighting emerging careers like prompt engineering and understanding AI’s capabilities. Participants were encouraged to incorporate these skills into daily routines, such as meal planning, to gain practical experience and create effective AI prompts.

Concluding thoughts

In conclusion, the insights shared by the panelists at the IGEL Women in Tech event serve as a powerful reminder of the essential role women play in shaping the future of the technology industry. By fostering an environment that values self-acceptance, continuous learning, and diverse perspectives, we can cultivate a supportive ecosystem that empowers women to confidently share their voices.

As we advocate for inclusivity and nurture a culture that encourages everyone to thrive, we lay the groundwork for the next generation of female leaders. Let us continue this dialogue and commit to making a difference, ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to shine in the tech industry and beyond.

• Divya Saggar, Director IGEL Ready at IGEL
• Melissa Stein, Director of Product for End-User Computing at AWS
• Gretchen Irion, Director of PC Accessories at HP
• Akanksha Sehgal, Director of Worldwide Solution Engineering at Omnissa
• Marissa Schmidt, Senior Director Analyst at Gartner