Pluralsight Inclusion & Diversity

Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?

As a senior software engineer, I’m often the only woman and the only queer person in the room. I’ve faced moments where I had to work harder to earn the same credibility as my peers. At times, despite holding a senior role, I’ve encountered situations where male colleagues seemed to doubt my judgment, something I believe was rooted in bias.

Being the only woman comes with pressure to prove myself and to represent more than just my own work. I’ve also experienced imposter syndrome, which made those moments even harder. I’ve overcome these challenges by seeking out mentors and allies and by supporting other women and underrepresented groups in tech. These experiences have made me more resilient and driven to foster inclusive spaces where diverse voices are heard and valued — at work and beyond.

What are your professional goals, and how has Pluralsight enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources/opportunities are available?

One of my main professional goals is to grow into a stronger technical leader, someone who not only builds great software, but also helps shape inclusive team cultures and mentors others along the way. I’m also interested in moving into staff or principal engineering roles where I can influence technical direction across teams.

Pluralsight has supported these goals by giving me space to lead cross-functional projects and encouraging me to take ownership of complex problems. I’ve also had access to mentorship and regular career conversations that help me stay intentional about growth. Just as importantly, I’ve felt supported in showing up as my full self at work, which has made it easier to focus on growth without feeling like I have to fit into a mold.

What advice do you have for women in engineering or other technical roles regarding how to identify a company and team that will support their growth and development?

My advice for women in engineering is to look for companies and teams where you feel genuinely supported and seen not just as an employee but as a whole person. Pay attention to the leadership. Are there women and other underrepresented individuals in senior roles? For the first time in my career, I have more women than men in my leadership chain. That has made a huge difference. I feel supported, seen and surrounded by strong role models who are actively rooting for me.

Also, trust your instincts about team culture. Is there open communication? Do people value diverse perspectives? Do they invest in mentorship and make space for growth? These factors are often better indicators of support than perks or titles. Finding a place where you can bring your full self and grow alongside allies is key to long-term success and fulfillment.