A Conversation with Northern Data Group Women Leaders

This International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to share insights from five senior women leaders at Northern Data Group. Their expertise and leadership play a crucial role in driving our vision of democratizing access to AI – giving a diverse set of voices, cultures and backgrounds the opportunities to be involved in AI innovation.

In this article, they explore how we can inspire more women to pursue careers in cloud computing, AI, and data center operations, challenge societal expectations, and highlight the important role male allies play in creating a more inclusive workplace. Throughout the interviews, they have shared their unique perspectives on how women are shaping innovation within the industry and discussed the steps we can take to continue fostering equality within the tech space.

What are some ways we can encourage more women to pursue careers in Technology & Data Center industries?

Shruthi Codati:

It’s about showing younger generations that these fields are full of excitement and endless possibilities. By reaching out to schools and colleges, we can spark curiosity and demonstrate how tech is a world where creativity, innovation, and hard work shape the future. Highlighting how quickly tech roles lead to impactful, real-world results will inspire generations, breaking down barriers and igniting a new wave of women ready to lead in tech.

Emily Hill:

We need more role models in the industry to dispel the myth that only technical roles matter—support functions like Finance, HR, Legal, and Procurement don’t require computer science or engineering degrees! We also need more female mentors to encourage talent to grow in the sector and highlight the work-life balance the industry offers. It’s important that we show we’re enjoying our work and the companies we’re part of.

What is one societal expectation about women you wish you could change?

Jackie Combs:

Society still expects men to be more analytical and better suited for STEM careers, with subtle biases - both conscious and unconscious - often steering women and young girls away from these fields. These biases can influence hiring decisions, limiting promotion opportunities and access to leadership roles. There is a current lack of women in senior tech positions, which reinforces this perception, creating a shortage of female role models and making it harder for women to advance in technology careers.

Jacinta Caden:

A common stereotype is that women are inherently the weaker sex, but this is gradually changing as society becomes more educated about gender dynamics. Too frequently, women are expected to be overly compliant, reinforcing outdated and limiting perceptions.

How can male allies support women in the workplace?

Charlotte Park:

Did you know that women are 33% more likely to be interrupted in meetings than their male counterparts? It would be great for our male allies to call out this behavior when they see it. There’s also an unfair expectation for women to take notes, as they’re often seen as support rather than strategic contributors. We need male allies to help shift these expectations and take on that role when needed.

Jacinta Caden:

Having grown up and worked in male-dominated environments, I can confidently say I wouldn’t have pursued my career without the support of encouraging, friendly, helpful, trusting, and patient men. Most men are excellent allies, and I would encourage them to continue.

Shruthi Codati:

True allyship is rooted in the belief that men and women are equals in capability and ambition. True support goes beyond defending women in moments of injustice; it’s about proactively creating a workplace where equality is woven into daily life, and success is determined by talent, not gender.

How do you see women shaping the future of industries like cloud computing, Gen AI, and data center operations?

Emily Hill:

I think we need to highlight the benefits these technologies can bring to the future, showcasing industry growth and the opportunities available to colleagues with the right attitude and drive.

Jackie Combs:

Women are bringing diverse perspectives to AI development, driving progress in ethics, and inclusivity, and reducing bias in AI systems. They are also leading advancements in AI within industries like healthcare and education, where they have historically had strong representation.

Charlotte Park:

Studies show that gender-diverse teams are more successful, with companies having balanced executive teams reporting better financial performance and higher profitability*. Diverse teams bring different ways of working, offering new answers and solutions. Women can contribute significantly to our field by introducing these fresh ideas.

*For more information, please check out the articles below

Women Still Handle Main Household Tasks in the U.S

Women in the Workplace. The 10th Anniversary Report

The Importance of Taking Notes

Delivering Through Diversity