Recently, we highlighted four women from our company in a recent episode of Podcast Your Data. InterWorks Marketing Generalist, Ricki Thompson, facilitated conversations that centered around the presence and importance of women in the tech industry, and in this blog, we highlight some of the key ideas shared by Debbie Yu, an analytics consultant in the Pacific Northwest.

Developing a Love of Data with Tableau

Debbie first began tackling data challenges while in education administration. She and her team turned around data analysis for all kinds of reports, and through this work, she was introduced to Tableau. Thus began her true love of data, a deeper exploration of analytics and a more intentional development of her knowledge and skills in tech.

“There will always be a learning curve [in tech]. There is an intimidation factor there, but it keeps you on your toes. The moment you start to stagnate, you’ll fall behind.”

As Debbie transitioned into an analytics role in the tech industry, she was fortunate to be mentored by a woman who was purposeful in creating a meaningful relationship with Debbie. Because of this manager’s genuine investment in her career and life, Debbie was able to more deeply cultivate her own self-advocacy.

In the podcast, Debbie also shares some of the biggest lessons she’s learned over the course of her career so far:

• Be intentional in finding relevant community.
• Seek out opportunities to grow your skills.
• Learn to trust your intuition.
• Find and empower your voice.
• Diversify your professional network.
• Don’t let initial pushback derail your plans or passions.

Resources to Empower Women in Tech

Below are some of the organizations and resources Debbie mentions in her talk with Ricki. Want to listen to the entire conversation? Check out the full podcast episode!

• PDX Women in Tech – an organization in Portland, Oregon, that seeks to empower and support women, non-binary and underrepresented people to join tech.
• Django Girls – an organization that aims to inspire women to become involved in programming.
• Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology – an organization working to support and promote women in the pursuit of technological innovation.
• Pyladies – an international mentorship group that helps women become connected, empowered leaders in the Python open-source community.
• General Assembly – a hub for a variety of data-forward classes and courses.
• Playing Big by Tara Mohr – a book that offers practical guidance for women to step more fully into creativity, leadership and self-actualization.

Above: Debbie presenting at our recent Do Good Data event in Portland