Women’s Journal: Olga, it’s a pleasure to have you with us. Your work with WTech has been transformative. Can you tell us what inspired you to take on this role?
Olga Amraie: Thank you for having me. The journey began with an observation: the stark underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the tech industry. I wanted to be part of a movement that not only recognized this gap but also worked actively to close it. WTech was the perfect avenue for that, giving women a platform for empowerment and growth.
Women’s Journal: What are the core objectives of WTech?
OA: WTech aims to provide comprehensive support to women in the tech industry. From career development to networking, we want to ensure that women have the mentorship, the role models, and the community they need to succeed. Especially during the pandemic and with the crisis in Ukraine, our focus expanded to helping women navigate the challenges of digitalization and displacement.
Photo Credit To: Olga Amraie
Women’s Journal: How does WTech integrate with the broader tech ecosystem in Los Angeles and globally?
OA: Los Angeles is a melting pot of innovation and creativity, which mirrors the essence of WTech. We’re not just a local community; we’re a global network that provides a forum for women to connect, share their experiences, and collaborate on a worldwide scale.
Women’s Journal: The statistics on women in tech, especially in leadership roles, are quite sobering. How is WTech addressing this imbalance?
OA: Yes, the figures are indeed concerning. Only about 25% of the tech workforce are women, with even fewer in leadership positions. WTech is tackling this by spotlighting successful women leaders, creating mentorship opportunities, and advocating for diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
Photo Credit To: Olga Amraie
Women’s Journal: Can you expand on how WTech has adapted to recent global challenges, like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine?
OA: Certainly. The pandemic underscored the importance of digital adaptability. We provided our members with resources and guidance on digitalizing their businesses and shifting to remote work models. In response to the war in Ukraine, we’ve been actively supporting displaced women tech professionals, helping them find jobs and integrate into new professional environments.
Women’s Journal: It’s inspiring to see WTech’s impact. Can you share more about the success stories or the growth you’ve witnessed?
OA: Every woman who finds her confidence, every startup founded, and each career milestone reached by our members is a success story. We’ve seen a rise in women-led tech startups, an increase in mentorship pairings, and an overall greater visibility of women in tech. It’s a ripple effect – empowering one woman can inspire many more.
Women’s Journal: Finally, Olga, what does the future hold for WTech and women in tech?
OA: The future is promising. As more women enter the tech field and climb up the leadership ladder, we’ll see a shift towards a more inclusive industry. WTech will continue to champion these brilliant minds and pave the way for the next generation of women in tech. We’re not just working towards progress; we’re working towards a revolution in the industry.
Women’s Journal: Thank you, Olga, for your invaluable insights and for the incredible work you’re doing with WTech. It’s leaders like you who are forging a new path for women in tech.
OA: It’s my pleasure. This is a collective effort, and every step we take is a step towards creating an equitable and dynamic tech industry for everyone.
Olga Amraie’s leadership and vision exemplify the change that the tech industry needs. Through WTech, she’s not just setting the stage for women in tech; she’s ensuring they have the spotlight. Her commitment to the cause goes beyond advocacy; it’s about creating tangible, lasting change. As Amraie leads WTech into the future, the tech community watches with great anticipation for the next chapter in women’s empowerment in the industry.
In the spirit of celebrating female empowerment in tech, let’s spotlight five trailblazing women who have not only headed startups but have also flourished:
- Whitney Wolfe Herd – As the CEO of Bumble, Herd has redefined the dating app industry by giving women the steering wheel, setting a precedent for female-first platforms.
- Anne Wojcicki – At the helm of 23andMe, Wojcicki has made DNA testing mainstream, providing consumers with personal genetic insights and revolutionizing personalized healthcare.
- Gwynne Shotwell – As the President and COO of SpaceX, Shotwell has been instrumental in the company’s success, managing the day-to-day operations and helping make space more accessible.
- Adi Tatarko – Co-founding Houzz, Tatarko has created a platform that has transformed the landscape of home remodeling and interior design, connecting millions of homeowners with professionals.
- Sheryl Sandberg – Although recently stepped down as the COO of Facebook, Sandberg’s impact on the company and her advocacy for women’s leadership in business through her book “Lean In” has been profound.
