Welcome back to our Women in Tech blog series. As we gear up for our second annual Women in Technology (WIT) Awards, we’re highlighting women in the technology sector who are role models, mentors, and key contributors to their organization’s success.
In this week’s interview, Amplience Director of Field Marketing Morgan Kelleher covers getting more women in STEM, building a supportive network, and her podcast recommendation.
1. Please describe yourself in three words.
Courageous. Ambitious. Confident.
2. What do you find most interesting about the technology field in which you work?
Technology has revolutionized the way we work, live, and communicate. Working at a global tech company has provided me with the opportunity to interact with colleagues, partners, and customers all around the world. I have been able to experience new cultures and utilize different technologies to help me do my job.
3. How do you find work-life balance, or what do you enjoy outside of work?
Finding a healthy work-life balance is all about managing your stress and finding time to relax and recharge. I am a huge proponent of self-care. I go for walks during my lunch break and enjoy working out at Soul Cycle. Recently, I have been listening to the “How I Built This” podcast by Guy Raz. It is inspiring and motivating to hear the stories about other entrepreneurs and innovators.
4. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge that I faced in my career was my first trade show. I did not realize I was in a field that was so male-dominated. I remember looking around into the sea of men thinking, “What did I get myself into?” They would come over to the booth and try to stump me on technical-related questions or ask me if I worked for the company.
Yes, it was intimidating, but I was not going to let it stop me. From that day on, I realized I was in this industry for a reason and I am going to help pave the way for future generations of women.
5. Are there enough opportunities for women in tech? How would you assess the progress women have made in the tech industry?
There are plenty of opportunities for women in technology. However, mentoring and providing career advancement opportunities to women needs to be a focus for the industry.
Women have made progress in the tech industry, but there is still so much work to do. There is not enough female representation in leadership positions. It is ironic that the tech industry is very progressive in nature, yet when it comes to women in tech, it is not.
6. What are some things you think should be addressed on macro, peer, and educational levels to encourage women to feel empowered in the tech industry?
Companies can take a stance on equality by focusing on the gender pay gap and promoting women within their organizations. Men also need to be empowered to serve as change agents and allow women to be equally represented in the technology industry.
Many scholars and policymakers have noted that the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have remained predominantly male with historically low participation among women. More emphasis needs to be placed on getting women to enter these fields.
7. Please provide a WIT call to action.
Go out and network! I am a huge advocate of Toastmasters. They have clubs available worldwide that help you build leadership and communication skills. Also, find a mentor or role model that supports you, fights for you, and advocates for you. I have learned so much from my mentors and know I could not have done it without them. They have acted as a sounding board and provided me with the tools and inspiration I need to feel empowered.