Welcome to Episode 3 of the Elevate - Women in Tech Series - Elevating women and girls in tech from the classroom to the boardroom.

In this inspiring episode, we meet Erica Lockheimer - VP of Engineering at LinkedIn, overseeing the LinkedIn Talent Solutions suite. Tune in as Erica shares her journey in the tech world spanning over 20 years.

Sharing her early days at San Jose State University, where she embarked on her tech adventure.From facing the brink of dropping out to discovering her true inspiration and sense of belonging.

Navigating through the tech industry, Erica opens up about the unique challenges she encountered as the only woman in the room. Discover how she learned to be more intentional in seeking support and advocating for herself, breaking barriers and paving the way for more women in tech to rise to their full potential. Sharing her experiences of taking career breaks to raise her two children, proving that it's possible even though challenging to strike a balance between personal and professional aspirations.

Toward the end of our conversation, we explore the pressing topic of the tech skills gap and how employers can bridge it with a revolutionary "Skills-First Hiring" approach. Erica sheds light on the importance of prioritizing skills over traditional qualifications, opening doors for talent from diverse backgrounds to shine.

But it's not just about career growth; Erica reminds us of the significance of focusing on our mental well-being and fostering support within our teams. and uplifting work environment.

Useful resource links:

To connect with our guest Erica Lockheimer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericalockheimer/

Additional useful links

Skills First Hiring - Tear the Paper Lining - Movement - "The Paper Ceiling" - https://www.tearthepaperceiling.org

Connect with your Host

To connect with our show host Kellie Kwarteng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Elevate Series - Elevating women and girls in tech from the classroom to the boardroom.

On this episode, we meet Megan Bourdages - Fractional CSO and VP of Sales. Megan shares her 19 years of sales experience as a sales leader and strategist in this episode. We cover how she has climbed the ladder twice to overcome challenges through to building and rebuilding her brand.

Megan also shares advice for Leadership looking to impact diversity within their team through her lived experience and an overview of her new business launch AMB International.

Useful resource links:

To connect with our guest Megan Bourgages:

www.linkedin.com/in/meganbourdages⁠

Link to AMB International:

⁠www.AMBinternational.org⁠

Link to 1:1 coaching for career guidance: ⁠https://app.coaching.com/p/ambinternational⁠ 

To connect with our show host Kellie Kwarteng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/ Feel free to DM me if you would like to be a future guest of the show, have a topic you would like covered, or would like a free strategy call to discuss any hiring goals/challenges for your Tech Team.

Welcome to Episode 1 of the Elevate Series - Elevating women and girls in tech from the classroom to the boardroom.

On this episode, we meet Irina Stanescu - Tech Team Lead at Mnemonic, a pre-series A blockchain data insights startup.

Irina will be sharing her journey from the classroom and her love for programming, working in teams, and building things. An overview of her past 14 years within the tech industry from graduating from school in Romania to moving to the USA to start her 1st position at Google and the position she holds today as Tech Lead at Mnemonic. We will also dive into the importance of personal investment and the role of a coach/mentor.

Useful resource links:

To connect with our guest Irina Stanescu: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinastanescu/

Irina's Coaching Website: https://irinastanescu.com/

To subscribe to Irina's newsletter "Musings of a Caring Techie":

https://www.thecaringtechie.com/

Sites Irina mentioned:

Senior Engineers / Leader - Mentors:  https://www.platohq.com/

For finding a coach: https://www.betterup.com/

Irina's Coach: https://prashadutra.com/

To connect with our show host Kellie Kwarteng: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellie-kwarteng-1061354/

Welcome to “Elevate – Women in Tech” podcast series committed to uplifting and inspiring women and girls in the tech sector from the classroom to the boardroom. With a clear focus on bridging the tech industry’s gender gap whilst creating an inclusive and supporting tech community for all.
The show is hosted by Halzak’s Founder and CEO Kellie Kwarteng. With her unwavering passion and dedication to empowering women in tech she will be interviewing remarkable Women in Tech who will share how and why they ventured into the world of technology, the challenges they encountered along the way, and the wisdom they've gained through their unique journeys.
We firmly believe that fostering a diverse and inclusive tech industry is not just an ambition but a shared responsibility. Elevate – Women in Tech aims to be a catalyst for change, encouraging companies, institutions, and individuals alike to embrace gender diversity fully.
So, join us as we celebrate the achievements of Women in Tech, celebrate the milestones they have conquered and aspire to create a future where women are truly at the forefront of technological progress.
Together, we will elevate each other, empower one another and shatter any remaining barriers, opening the way for a more equitable and innovative tech world.