SoFi Inclusion & Diversity

Can you share your personal experience with impostor syndrome? What were some of the challenges you faced entering or advancing in tech?

I’ve faced imposter syndrome throughout my life. Overcoming it was a gradual process requiring patience and self-awareness, as progress was hard to see amid self-criticism. By recognizing my fear of failure, the difficulty of balancing work and life, and my tendency to attribute success to luck, I learned that imposter syndrome doesn’t have to be permanent.

When I arrived in the United States at age 17, alone and with imperfect English, it was difficult to find my place. As a woman in STEM, I felt the need to prove myself throughout my career: in college, when I started at Accenture, which is known for hiring from elite schools, and when I transitioned into immersive tech. My accent and non-Ivy League background fueled my self-doubt, leading me to overwork and not speak up. I burned out, felt dissatisfied with my work and attributed my success to luck rather than skill — which prevented me from recognizing my strengths and taking risks. 

As my career progressed, impostor syndrome resurfaced, especially after I became a mother. The pressure to balance professional success and personal fulfillment felt overwhelming. Any perceived shortfall — as a manager, partner or parent — evoked a sense of failure.

What strategies have you found effective in managing and overcoming impostor syndrome? How has SoFi fostered an inclusive culture that’s allowed you to feel supported in your role?  

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a journey centered on three key strategies: health, a supportive network and continuous learning. Prioritizing my physical and mental health through daily exercise has been crucial in managing stress, building resilience and boosting confidence. My family and supportive network, including colleagues at SoFi, have provided a grounding force, reminding me of my worth beyond work.

Continuous learning has played a vital role in replacing self-doubt with confidence. Personal development books like Triggers by Marshall Goldsmith have helped me anticipate insecurity triggers and develop proactive strategies, such as setting intentions before high-stakes meetings. Working with career coaches and joining resource groups like Women at SoFi has empowered me to embrace leadership roles confidently.

Practical tactics such as acknowledging achievements, fostering a growth mindset and setting realistic goals have further helped manage imposter syndrome. While it may reappear at different stages, these strategies have equipped me to face imposter syndrome without letting it dictate my path forward.
 

What advice would you give to other women in tech who may be experiencing impostor syndrome in their careers?

To women in tech facing impostor syndrome, my advice is to invest in yourself and prioritize self-care. While the strategies above are valuable, it comes down to personal choice, commitment and discipline. I needed to invest in myself, put in the work and learn to manage my thoughts to stop telling myself negative stories. Maintaining a positive mindset helped me embrace discomfort and grow into the leader I am today, confident in accepting roles like chief product officer at Strivr and vice president of product and engineering at SoFi. By sharing my experiences, I hope to encourage others to prioritize self-care, seek support and recognize their true value. Believing in yourself is a journey, and every step forward is a victory.

The strategies I mention also highlight the importance of community. Working in a culture that promotes inclusivity, values learning and encourages risk-taking without fear of failure can boost confidence. A supportive manager who provides constructive feedback, celebrates success and fosters a safe space for sharing concerns can also significantly boost self-belief. A positive work environment that nurtures growth can be a catalyst for achieving your potential.

Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced and how have you overcome them?
Being a woman in engineering has been both empowering and, at times, challenging. Early on, I was often the only woman in the room and had to build trust, confidence and a brand for myself. I’ve been fortunate to find not only inspiring female mentors but also male supporters who helped me navigate the tech landscape with clarity and confidence.

One challenge was learning to take constructive feedback in stride. I leaned into growth by addressing habits that hindered progress — even those that didn’t come naturally. As an introvert, speaking up was tough, but a former manager equipped me with tools like sitting next to the loudest person so I’d be heard, or putting me on the spot (with fair warning) so I could build critical thinking and presence.

Over time, I learned to trust my voice and found a strong community in tech. Each challenge became an opportunity to grow into the engineer, teammate and authentic leader I aspired to be.

What are your professional goals and how has your current company enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources or opportunities are available?
My professional goals revolve around becoming a better leader, teammate and partner — someone who makes a positive difference every day. I strive to grow not just in technical ability, but in how I support, elevate and collaborate with others.

I deeply value working with smart, curious and driven people I can learn from. At SoFi, I’ve been fortunate to find not only inspiring mentors but true leaders who have also acted as sponsors — advocating for me and pushing me to grow. I’d work with them again in a heartbeat.

Despite our growth as a company, we continue to foster a strong founder-mentality mindset. We’re encouraged to wear different hats, work across functions and contribute to features that make a real difference in our members’ lives.

The culture promotes ownership, initiative and continuous learning. With access to supportive leaders and high-impact opportunities, SoFi has created an environment where I feel challenged, empowered and always evolving.

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?
When evaluating a company, focus on how people treat each other and how growth is supported in everyday work — not just what’s written in values statements. Supportive environments encourage collaboration, welcome diverse perspectives and create space for everyone to thrive. At SoFi, the presence of several female VPs reflects how we support and elevate diverse thought and leadership — not as a checkbox but as a core strength of how we operate.

Strong teams are built on curiosity, empathy and generosity. These are the places where you’ll be stretched, mentored and given the confidence to lead. It’s also important to notice how a company handles feedback, failure and change. Transparency and trust are key signs that your growth will be nurtured.