Melanie Perkins, the CEO and co-founder of Canva, is a female innovator I truly admire for her visionary approach and relentless determination. She didn’t just identify a gap in the market; she worked tirelessly to create a solution that would democratize design for everyone, not just those who could afford it. This commitment to making technology accessible to a broader audience is, to me, the essence of true innovation. What stands out most is her persistence — despite being rejected by over 100 venture capitalists and having no Silicon Valley connections, she never lost faith in her vision. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, believing in the value of your work, and staying committed to a clear mission. In my own personal career working in sales, her journey resonates with me deeply — reminding me that in any project I undertake, or when working with any product I sell, it is most pivotal for me to believe in its impact, and its potential to make a meaningful difference for the relevant stakeholders I work with.

Over the next decade, I envision the role of women in tech evolving significantly, as more women are not only entering the field but also stepping into leadership positions. While I hesitate to generalize between genders, I believe women often bring a unique blend of empathy and collaboration to the table, allowing us to drive impactful change in both business and technology. Women tend to listen closely to customers, refining and iterating until we create products and starting projects that truly meet their needs. As workplace environments and hiring become more meritocratic and equitable, there are growing opportunities for women to lead, especially through empathetic leadership. This style — characterized by emotional intelligence, collaboration, and trust-building — resonates particularly well with younger generations like Gen Z, who value inclusive and thoughtful approaches in the workplace. Importantly, it must be highlighted that empathy in leadership does not equate to inefficiency or weakness, but rather a tool that fosters a stronger, more cohesive team dynamic that can lead to better results. Women are poised to lead these changes, and I see this as a key trend moving forward.

My advice to young women entering the tech industry (which is basically the advice

I would give to myself!) is this: gender doesn’t define you, so focus on developing your skills above all else. Whether you’re pursuing technical roles or non-technical paths like sales and marketing in tech, make sure you stay on top of your game. Knowing your stuff will help you combat any prejudices or biases you might face along the way. Equally important is learning to be firm — being young and female doesn’t make us any less capable. At the same time, never underestimate the value of respect and humility. Treat everyone with dignity and remain open to learning, as growth comes from these qualities. Also, being exposed to other women who’ve already paved the way can inspire and empower you, showing that it’s possible to be confidently feminine and excel in male-dominated spaces. Surround yourself with the women you aspire to be like, who can help you navigate this journey and remind you that your place in this field is well-earned.

And to foster more diversity and inclusion in tech, I say to everyone — especially those in positions of influence — to actively support our women in succeeding! Give them the chance to prove their worth and recognize that leadership and value can manifest in various ways. This might mean breaking away from narrow definitions of what makes a good leader or a valuable contributor and appreciate the diverse perspectives women bring to the table. Who knows, it may be worth it!