#IWD2021 #WOMENINTECH - THE BARRACUDA BLOG

#IWD2021
#WomenInTech

We must challenge gender gaps wherever we find them
Barracuda is excited to join the International Women’s Day community in
celebrating women’s achievements and challenging gender bias and
inequality. As an international company, we are proud to have women
represented in all roles and regions across the world.

Despite representing nearly 40% of the worldwide workforce, women
represent only a fraction of the technology workforce. Multiple studies have
shown that gender diversity in the workplace improves problem-solving
capabilities and increases creativity and innovation. Another study
established that greater gender-diversity was correlated to above-average
revenue and increased profitability. This is a natural outcome in a globally
competitive market.

Women have made gains in technology and other sectors, yet they continue
to face gender gaps in employment, education, retention, culture, pay, and
leadership. It is incumbent upon all of us to challenge these gaps where we
find them, even when we find them outside of the workplace. To build a world
of equality, we must remember that we cannot shatter glass ceilings if the
ladder to success is full of broken rungs.

We will be celebrating International Women’s Day throughout the entire
month of March. Men and women from different companies around the world
will be sharing their IWD messages of recognition and
encouragement. We hope you will join us as
we choose to challenge gender bias and inequality.

BJ Jenkins
President & CEO
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjjenkins/

“Ceilings are artificial expectations we put on ourselves. A limit,
where we think it's all too good to be true. But it's not. We do our
best when our destinations are beyond our grasp. The race is never
over when our finish lines are immortal. The adventure never ends
because we are always on the way. So be brave, have courage.
Accept the truth that not life is not easy. Give yourself permission
to be unapologetically you. Give yourself permission to be kind to
yourself. Remember that the life you take for granted now, would
have seemed impossible or impressive a few years ago.

You're killing it more than you think.”

Sheila Hara
Product Management
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-hara/

“I believe it’s important to get involved in more things, even if they
are outside of your comfort zone. Educate yourself resources that
are made available, trade knowledge and best practices with
others, and provide valuable input that can help make a difference!”

Trisha Muldoon
Partner Marketing Manager
Barracuda MSP
https://www.linkedin.com/in/trishamuldoon/

“Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already
strong. It takes a certain grace, strength, intelligence, fearlessness
and the nerve to never take ‘no’ as an answer. Every women’s
success is always an inspiration to another.”

Ashwini Shankarappa
Director, HR Operations, APAC
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashwini-shankarappa-38656914/

“International Women’s day is an opportunity to reflect on all the
courageous women that came before us and celebrate the
powerful and inspiring women in our lives.”

Carrie Ames
Director, Partner Development, One Commercial Partner
Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrieames/

“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s all make a
difference and BeCOME agents of change with these four actions:

     Connect – Open your network and give access to women
     Outreach – Examine hiring & recruiting practices. Are you
     screening out candidates or screening in for diversity?
     Mentor – When you mentor, you blaze a trail for others to
     follow
     Empower – Give voice to women by empowering them to
     stand up and be heard

To learn more you can listen to my TEDx talk: BeCOME an Ally:
How to achieve gender equity”

Gavriella Schuster
Corporate Vice President, Commercial Partner
Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavriella-schuster/

“Take ownership for your career. Have a plan with goals, and you
can make it happen. And don’t forget to ask others around you for
help. You may be surprised to see who steps up.”

Erin Hintz
Chief Marketing Officer
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhintz/

“Being able to lead, teach, encourage, inspire is such a honor. To
be able to do so in the context of IWD, where so many amazing
women are featured and heard from, is a double blessing. As I
reflect, I am reminded of the wisdom and sacrifices of my mother,
grandmother, aunts, sisters, colleagues, and the amazing women
I work for and with daily. This month, let's pause to honor them
and thank them individually. We are better because of them!”

Dawnet O. Beverley
Executive Vice President, Global Capital Markets Sales
Donnelley Financial Solutions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnet-beverley-msod-84b35413/

“Be a lifelong learner and embrace feedback.

Commit to the outcomes you can control and be bold in the
pursuit.”

Diane Honda
Chief Administration Office, General Counsel & Secretary
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-honda-1563111/

“I feel fortunate to have worked for and with great women leaders
who influenced me and shaped my career. I aspire every day to
pass on this inspiration to help others grow.”

Carol Potts
Americas Head of ISV Sales
AWS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pottscarol/

“New hire, top performer, manager, executive, athlete, artist,
mother, daughter, sister, partner, friend, ally. We are multi-faceted
women, who bring multi-faceted talents and perspectives. Assert
yourself to be heard and seen, and advocate for other women to
be heard and seen. Together we can create new opportunities and
redefine norms in the tech space!”

Angela Han
Chief Customer Officer
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-han/

“It's important for female and male leaders to lift up female
colleagues and recognize them in public forums. Give women
chances to rise to the occasion, take on challenges, and shine.”

Amy Bray
Global Head, Google Cloud Marketplace
Google
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyebray/

“Your thoughts and input are not only valuable, but they also have
the power to change the perspective of your environment. Raise
your voice, be confident and you will see how big and important the
impact is.”

Emanuela Puglisi
Distribution Channel Manager DACH
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emanuela-puglisi-7364a012b/

“If there is one thing that being a female in the Tech Industry has
taught me, it is no different than all 20 of my years in this industry
and that is to be adaptable to change. This last year really
challenged me as a female and single co- parent to learn balance,
accept the challenges head on, to go with the flow and to do it
QUICKLY.”

Yvonne Olson
West Region BDM – Enterprise
Kensington
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolson/

“Be yourself. Instead of leaning onto other’s idea of being
successful and strong, trust yourself, pursue your own path and
work towards it. Embrace the diversions, work hard and smart,
keep learning, stay curious and do not hesitate to ask what you
want and you will definitely achieve your goals. Try to be the part
of the culture where empathy and respect for every individual is
valued and create an inclusive environment which leads to larger
participation from everyone irrespective of gender.”

Pallavi Panchal
Technical Program Manager, Security
Cloudflare
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pallavi-panchal-119bb2a/

“It is never too late to be mindful of unconscious biases in your
everyday life. I have made a commitment to fight it, wherever I find
it; including myself.
Know that change is possible just by acknowledging biasness, that
includes change to my life, my work, and my business
relationships.
Learning about yourself never stops, keep going!”

Angelina Liu
Territory Account Executive – ANZ – VIC,TAS and SA
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelinaxl/

“Believe in yourself and the value that you bring to the organization.
Confidence is the beautiful thing you can wear. Challenge in a
constructive and respectful way. Never underestimate the power of
teamwork.

Let’s be strong together and stand for each other. We all have a
Wonder Woman inside us!”

Sravanthi Gottipati
Manager, Software Engineering
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sravanthi-gottipati-b5863848

“Give yourself permission to appear foolish. This will open up a
space to ask all those 'silly' questions - the questions that others
are too self-conscious to ask, the questions that are the most
important.”

Lilac Mohr
Software Engineering Manager - Flow
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilac-mohr-632a472/

“For this IWD lift yourself by lifting others. Be a leader by being the
best version of yourself. Through partnering with others, we can do
the best work of our lives.”

Anita Grantham
Chief People Officer
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitakgran/

“No matter where you are you in your journey, both professionally
and personally, make sure you have your “everyday heroes”. Seek
out people who have the same values as you, who understand your
ambitions and want to see you succeed. These are the people who
will support you throughout your journey and guide you when times
are tough. Realise your full potential by networking with those who
can see your true self and push you to be YOU”

Darshna Kamani
Sr. Director PR & Communications, International
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshnakamani/

“The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.”

Stephanie Wong
Sales Manager, Inside Sales Renewal, APAC
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-wong-457ba959/

“Believe in yourself. Wake every day knowing you can achieve
anything you set your mind to. I have always shown up believing I
have an equal seat at the table with my male counterparts. If that
is not the case, please tell me why I don't. Surround yourself with a
diverse group of male and female role models you can learn from
as we all have different and valuable perspectives.”

Kim Lynch
Regional Vice President, East Enterprise
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-lynch

“Technology has the opportunity to create positive change for
people at enormous scale. If you want to shape our collective future
for the better and be part of constant change--this is the space for
you.”

Lindsay Bayuk
CMO
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lbayuk/

“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We
are strongest when we cheer each other on.”

Shalonda Browning
Renewal Specialist
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalonda-browning-93096850/

“Passionate in actively supporting the younger generations so they
can stand on my shoulders as they can see and do things I cannot
see, do or imagine. Hopefully it empowers and unleashes potential
in an environment that is safe and where they feel valued and
trusted, which is the starting point. Increasing diversity and working
towards an equal playing field is a key focus every day.”

Marion van Leeuwen-Kemmere
VP Strategic Accounts
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionvanleeuwenkemmere/

“Do not underestimate the power of women looking out for one
another at work. Build other women up, empower each other and
celebrate our differences. The more we support and amplify our
colleagues, the more successful we will be.”

Olesia Klevchuk
Senior Product Marketing Manager
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olesia-klevchuk-58b27a3/

“Your age, race and gender does not define the impact you can
have in someone’s life. Believe in the ability to make a difference,
even if it is just with a smile.”

Anne George
Partner Marketing Director
Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annegeorge888/

“Early in my career, many men would give me advice like ‘stop
being so nice’ or ‘you just need to be tougher’ or ‘stop caring about
what others think.’ All of this advice was well-intentioned by people
who really did believe in me and who were trying to help me
succeed in a traditional man’s world. But when I’d try to do it, it just
didn’t feel like the real me.

As girls and women in technology, often we might be the first, or
the only, or the few and feel the pressure to fit in. But the world
needs us - our authentic selves, our unique talents, personalities,
and skills. And when you are the one, the few, the first...sure, you
might ‘stick out,’ but you also ‘stick out’ as someone leading the
way for the many girls and women yet to come.”

Kathryn Murphy
EVP, Flow
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-murphy-7b39b1/

“Emily Dickenson wrote: ‘We never know how high we are til we
are called to rise. Then if we are true to form our statures touch the
skies.’
Believe in yourself, when you try you will be able to do things you
didn’t think you could. Call on yourself and reach to touch the sky!”

Nicole Napiltonia
Vice President, Global Alliances and OEM Sales
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolenapiltonia

“While I have often found myself in the gender minority being a
female technology leader, in many ways I have found it freeing.
When there is something ‘different’ about me from the majority of
others, I feel relieved of the burden to conform and I am able to be
true to myself. I recognize not everyone responds to their
individuality in this way, and so we must support and help each
other to be proud of our uniqueness. When we can create
environments where we can free ourselves from the need to be
alike, then we open the opportunity to genuinely relate with and
learn from each other.”

Michelle Keim
Head of Data Science and Machine Learning
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-keim/

“In July, 2017, I lost my job due to restructuring…and I felt lost.
Corporate marketing had been my identity for the past 20+ years. I
had a place to show up every day. I felt that I was contributing. And
then one day, I was no longer part of a bigger picture; no longer
part of an organization’s goals and strategies. Even though it was
a challenging time for me, I came through it with more self-
awareness and opportunities than prior to that event.
Sometimes we are presented with challenging experiences to show
ourselves what we are made of; to provide us with a chance to
stand up and prove that we believe in ourselves and trust what we
already know.
I learned many things from that experience, including the fact that
your job/career is only one facet of who you truly are. Be sure to
make time for what matters to YOU, and that includes a balance of
professional, personal, social and spiritual pursuits. I’ve learned
that balance is key to a happier, healthier life.”
Jane Machinchick
Partner Enablement Project Consultant
Channel Impact, at Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemachinchick

“Always be a sponge, you need to absorb all the good and bad
things, always learning and turning it into empowerment. As unique
as your DNA, so are your opinions. Speak up, because without
your uniqueness, change is impossible.

Don't forget that failures and rejection is part of the journey to
success. To sum it up be humble, don't be afraid to share your
values and be a sponge.”

Beatrice Lam
Field Marketing Manager, APAC
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beatricelam

“Don’t let your fears hold you back. Surround yourself with women
that will support and lift you up to reach your goals.”

Jana Boatright
Director, Commercial Sales
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jana-boatright

“Talent is distributed equally between women and men; the results
speak for themselves.
The women that came before you have already removed any doubt
about your ability to achieve the best results. We just need more of
you.”

Anne Dobey
EMEA Enterprise Sales Director
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/annedobey/

“Successful teams are a result of the collective strengths, ideas and
determination of the members. The importance of these
perspectives being diverse is essential to ensure that teams are
innovative, promote healthy competition, and further push forward
towards success. Women bring a vital, powerful and unique set of
skills and perspective that help drive teams to reach their maximum
potential.”

Alison Thomas
Territory Manager – Texas
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-t-6a3b459b

“Always remember you are your most valuable investment.
Be your authentic self, take the time to understand your value, don’t
put pressure on yourself to be perfect, be open and hungry to grow
to reach your goals.

Surround yourself with those who enhance your journey and then
empower other women to do the same.”

Samantha Brar
Senior Sales Manager, EMEA Renewals
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-brar-092050aa

“Bring the goodness of your female energy and intuition into all that
you do – at work, at home and in life. The world is calling out for
this – now more than ever. Lean in to your strengths, leverage them
and don’t apologize for anything. Handed down from a before her
time, strong woman (my Mother) - Don’t ever sell yourself short!”

Dayna Shaw
Client Leadership Team
Slalom
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dayna-shaw-69b228

“Be fierce and unrelenting in pursuit of what you know is right.”

Lindsey Kneuven
Chief Impact Officer, Pluralsight and
Executive Director, Pluralsight One
www.pluralsightone.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseykneuven

“Women are care-takers, fixers and decision-makers on a daily
basis. It’s critical for us to carve out time for self-care, mindfulness
and restoration.”

Chana Anderson
Sr. Vice President & Practice Leader, HR Services
ABD Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanahr

“In a world where we often feel oppressed by unachievable
standards of family and work life let's make sure we can lean on
each other to help us rise to greatness. As individuals we each
have our own journeys, our own versions of success; supporting
each other through this journey is success in and of itself.”

Tica Stolpe
Director, Software Engineering
Pluralsight
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mundeta-tica-stolpe-a69830b6/

“To empower a person is to support, encourage, influence, and
enable. IWD is a way for us to collectively empower other women
in the path to their dreams. We all remember what it is like to be at
the bottom, to be new, to be discouraged, to not know if you can
make it in this field. If each one of us could make it a point to
empower one other women in their field imagine the support we
could provide, the places we could all go.
Empower is my word of the year in 2021 because we need to
empower other women now more than ever. The pandemic has
impacted women's roles in companies and in industries so much.
Many women returned home to help care for children and
households with the closing of schools and offices going virtual.
In 2021 we must come together and empower one another. Don't
let the circumstances of 2020 revert all of the work we have done
for years and the support we have provided one another. Turn 2021
into your year to grow and empower other women to grow with you
along the way!”
Dana Woolcock
Director- Cross Engineering Platforms
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/danawoolcock/

“Resist the urge to play into the stereotype of women competing
with women. Yes, we are strong. But imagine how unstoppable
we will be together. There is plenty of everything to go around –
plenty of room to grow, to be successful in our own right, to stand
for one another and support each other’s dreams. Let’s commit to
collaborating together to change the world and grow the future. It
really is that simple and that powerful.” #unstoppabletogether

Grace Migliaccio
President
Pipeline Human Capital
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracemigliaccio

“Don't be afraid to leverage your growth and change to make new
choices to improve your life. While each step may not be the most
sparkly, as long as you continuously check in with yourself and
ensure you're still on your own personal journey, you will get there.
Find your community and support and push through the barriers.
And when you need to, rest.”

Dr Sarah Guthals
Principal Program Manager
Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drguthals/

“Getting more women into cyber isn’t about making them better at
what they do. They’re already incredible at what they do. Let’s
promote and pay (fairly) the ones we have and change the
perception of the industry so that women want to get into cyber.”

Eleanor Dallaway
Editorial Director
Infosecurity Magazine
https://www.linkedin.com/in/eleanordallaway

“If you're lucky enough to find yourself a seat at the proverbial table;
know that it’s not enough to just be present there. If you want to
make a difference, you need to be willing to speak up, share your
perspective and ideas, and to challenge the status quo when the
time calls for it. Find your voice, and help others find theirs.”

Lindsay Faria
Director, Content and Partner Marketing
Barracuda MSP
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-faria-3313373/

“We all enter and exit this world the same way regardless of
gender, status or wealth. However, there is only ONE you. What
you make of your life is up to you. Strive to be your best,
unapologetically.”

Dr. Reshmi Yandapalli
Principal Product Manager, Azure Networking
Microsoft
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reshmiy

“I aspire to be a woman who wakes up and loves how she lives
and who she is as a person. Travel often, spiritually secured, and
financially stable.”

Bibisugra Khadri
Payroll Specialist
Barracuda
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bibisugra-4a626baa