Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible women who are making a difference in the world of edtech here at TA. These staff members are leading the way in driving equity and transforming education, and we’re thrilled to share their insights, experiences, and perspectives with you.
To celebrate the inspiring women of our organisation, we wanted to highlight some key themes that emerged from our conversations with them. Our incredible staff members are passionate about empowering other women in the industry, and their advice is both practical and inspiring.
Samantha O’Leary, our Head of Training, spoke of the importance of women having an equitable voice and taking an active part in the development of new technologies. “The rapid development of technology is having a profound impact on the way we live, work and communicate,” she said. “One of the things that I am most passionate about is that women have an equitable voice and take an active part in the development of new technologies and how we adapt and change the world we live in”.
“Essentially, education is at the heart of the conversation. The onus is on us to make sure those who identify as female know that they are included and valued. We need to ensure there are opportunities to foster and grow interest and engagement in the world of tech. We need to fling the doors to the skills and careers in tech wide open.”
At TA, we are committed to creating a more equitable and inclusive edtech industry. We believe that by providing opportunities for women to grow and succeed in their careers, we can drive innovation and transform education for the better. We will continue to advocate for women in tech and create an environment where all voices are heard and valued. Together, we can create a future where women are equal partners in shaping the world of technology.
Linda Edge, one of our consultants, highlighted the importance of flexibility in the edtech industry. “One of the most important issues for women is how to combine a career and work with a family,” she said. “The edtech industry is ideally placed to offer this flexibility, and by doing so can provide equity and inclusion for women.”
This sentiment was echoed by many of our staff members. In a world where women are still too often forced to choose between their careers and their families, the edtech industry can be a beacon of hope, offering opportunities for women to work on their own terms and achieve their goals without sacrificing their personal lives.
Another theme from our conversations was the importance of advocating for yourself. Rebecca Davies, our Key Account Manager, said: “Ask for the opportunities you want, whether it’s a promotion, a challenging project, or a training programme. Don’t wait for someone else to recognise your potential. Show the industry what you can do.”
This is an important message, especially for women who may be hesitant to speak up and ask for what they want. It’s easy to assume that if you work hard, someone will notice and reward you accordingly. But the reality is that you often have to be your advocate and ensure your voice is heard.
Our HR Director, Katie Yorke, shared a similar sentiment: “Don’t be afraid to share your ideas and opinions, even if they differ from those of your colleagues. Your unique perspective is valuable and can help drive innovation.”
In an ever-evolving industry like edtech, innovation is vital. And the best way to drive innovation is to make sure that everyone’s ideas are heard and valued. Women on our staff have a unique perspective to bring to the table, and we must encourage them to share their insights and push the industry forward.
Clara Heppleston, another of our consultants, shared how she has been blessed with female role models who have inspired her to follow her passions and dreams throughout her life. She also went on to say, “I have never seen my gender as a barrier. However, I know this is not the same for all women and the edtech industry, in particular, is still a male-dominated area. So, in addition to achieving my own goals, it is important to me to inspire young women to follow their passions and dreams as I did”.
Women and girls are often underrepresented in STEM-related careers and face unique challenges that prevent them from pursuing their passions fully. To address this issue, TA Consultant Amanda Wolanski has dedicated herself to being a STEM advocate.
“I have always seen myself as a STEM advocate, encouraging females to follow their dreams and dismiss barriers. Working in edtech has allowed me to continue to enthuse females to pursue their goals.“
At TA, we are thrilled to celebrate the fantastic women who are driving equity and transforming education in the edtech industry on International Women’s Day. We hope their wisdom, insight, and passion will inspire more women to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the industry.