March 8th, 2024 - For the occasion of International Women's Day, we shine a light on an ambitious voice seeking to shape the future of tech in Luxembourg. Alexandra, Business Intelligence Engineer and passionate volunteer at Girls in Tech Luxembourg, embodies resilience and commitment, qualities essential to breaking down gender barriers in a field often dominated by men. Discover her inspiring story and her involvement with Girls in Tech Luxembourg in this new portrait of the month!
A courageous change of direction
After a successful start to her career in marketing and communications, Alexandra felt the need to take on a new and more substantial challenge. "The constant struggle to prove my worth made me realize that my place was in a field where facts and figures trumped personal assessments", she shares. After a career change, she finally found her calling in IT.
"I managed to land my first job in tech despite my lack of experience. And since then, it's been an incredible journey. It was the best decision I ever made, and if I had to, I'd do it again!"
Challenges for a woman in tech
Working in a predominantly male field has not been without its obstacles for Alexandra, but above all it has made her stronger and more confident. "Although I've always evolved in benevolent environments, I've learned to stand up for my rights and be assertive", she explains. Being interrupted while expressing her point of view, receiving unsolicited advice or being sidelined for projects she deserved have forged her character.
"Every problem can become an opportunity if you see it from a different angle!"
Girls in Tech, a community of innovators
Discovering Girls in Tech Luxembourg was a revelation. Used to volunteering for many organizations and projects, Alexandra always felt she was receiving more than she was giving. "What always motivates me to devote time and effort to Girls in Tech Luxembourg activities is the human dimension", she shares. Fully integrated into the volunteer team, she has helped organize numerous events and met many committed people. "For the first time, I felt I had found a safe space where we could empower each other, without taking anything for granted", Alexandra emphasizes, highlighting the importance of community for Girls in Tech Luxembourg.
"We're a team of passionate volunteers, and our mission is to inspire young girls and women, as well as underrepresented groups in the tech world."
BI Academy: training women for IT
According to Alexandra, the issue of inclusion in technology is proving to be a deep-rooted challenge. Studies are unequivocal: women don't always persevere in their IT career paths, even when they have a technical background. Alexandra then raises a hard-hitting question: "How can we expect those without technical skills to make the leap without a safety net?".
It was from this question that the BI Academy was born, a project that offers a gateway to tech professions for women with no experience in the field. "We give women the opportunity to learn from real-world projects, taught by industry experts", she explains. The 12-week program, which is free of charge, aims to train women in the field of Business Intelligence. The project is sponsored by Innovative Initiatives, as part of the Ministry of State's Department of Media, Connectivity and Digital Policy (SMC).
On this International Women's Day, Alexandra's inspiring story underlines the importance of the power of diversity in the world of technology. Girls in Tech Luxembourg, through initiatives such as the BI Academy, is shaping a vision of a more inclusive sector, where every woman makes a significant contribution to innovation and growth.
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