Inspire Inclusion: EDB Celebrates International Women’s Day Around the World

This International Women’s Day, EDB celebrates women around the globe, extending our profound admiration and respect to the inspiring figures who fuel our commitment to inclusion and empowerment. Every day, women across our organization demonstrate the strength and resilience required to break barriers and challenge the status quo.

As we honor the achievements and contributions of women today, we also recognize the importance of continuous support and advocacy for gender equality in every aspect of life. EDB is dedicated to fostering an environment where every individual is encouraged to lead, innovate, and inspire, paving the way for future generations.

In honor of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, we have selected a group of inspiring female leaders within EDB to share their career journey and what led them to their success. 

Throughout the month of March, we highlighted the stories of these remarkable women and their professional success within our organization.
 

Name: Nishtha Srivastava
Title: Development Manager
Location: United Kingdom

How has EDB helped you grow your career since joining? 

It's been a year and a couple of months since I joined EDB. This opportunity has helped me take the next step forward in my career. It opened up new possibilities and responsibilities and helped me push myself to achieve more. I am glad to see here that the contribution of women in Engineering teams is invaluable. EDB operates as a global company, we have a distributed development team around the globe, which consists of individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. This diversity brings a wealth of different perspectives and ideas, fostering creativity and innovation within the team. Working with the DBaaS team has helped me gain new perspectives, and encouraged me to play to my strengths and expand my skills and experience beyond the traditional limitations of job titles. The experience of driving initiatives and leading teams has given me a much greater sense of fulfillment.

What advice would you give to young professional women aspiring to be leaders in your department or industry?

In the tech world, sometimes it may feel like we women have to prove ourselves twice as much. Additionally, society imposes certain expectations and stereotypes on women, which might lead us to believe that we must suppress certain characteristics to avoid appearing weak, or exhibit certain characteristics to 'fit in'. Let these not bother you much, embrace your natural style, be proud of your accomplishments, and let your strengths, skills and talents shine in the technology/engineering world. It is important to reflect on your purpose beyond personal success and think about what drives you and what brings you joy as it’s easier to lead when doing what fuels ambition. Get a deeper understanding of your strengths and think about how those can be harnessed effectively in your career journey.

Hobbies and interests

"The trick to getting through life is always having a vacation booked to look forward to." :-) 
Being a travel enthusiast, I visited six countries last year. The best part is that we have a culture at EDB that encourages and supports its employees to take vacations and time off to pursue personal interests.

Name: Mohini Ogale
Title: Lead Support Engineer, Technical Support 
Location: India

How has EDB helped you grow your career since joining? 

I have been very fortunate to join EDB as my first company. EDB has helped me grow professionally and this experience has played a significant role in developing me as a person. Technical support helped me enhance my technical knowledge along with people skills as customer interaction is the core of support. With continuous help and guidance from Leadership, I progressed in my roles here. Just as importantly, having a team where everyone brings their own experience and diversity is enriching.

What advice would you give to young professional women aspiring to be leaders in your department or industry?

Technical Support is an amazing field to work in, especially if you are just starting your career. You have a chance to make your mark here considering this is an uncharted field for women. It’s important to always stay true to yourself and follow work ethics to the core. Take initiative, and be outspoken. Ensure that your goals align with the company’s vision to make the most out of working here

Favorite quote:

Real Queens fix each other's crowns!

Name: Susan Stellmacher
Title: VP, Global PS
Location: United States

How has EDB helped you grow your career since joining? 

EDB has been a tremendous advocate in supporting me and growing my career ever since I started. EDB embraces a growth mindset, and our Senior Leaders embody and demonstrate this concept. This means that we at EDB are given growth opportunities that challenge us, move us out of our comfort zone, and help us to develop new skills and experiences. I have had tremendous leaders at EDB who have given me exceptional opportunities to step outside of my comfort zone. My leaders have also supported me as I tackled growth projects and business challenges, which has allowed me to flourish and grow leaps and bounds in my career here. EDB has invested in my growth by providing me with a strong mentor within the company, leadership development programs, growth projects, and proactive and regular career coaching and mentoring. It’s clear to see EDB values leadership and is a strong advocate for professional development.

What advice would you give to young professional women aspiring to be leaders in your department or industry?

Don’t be a passenger in your career, get in the driver’s seat, grab the steering wheel, and step on the gas! Be your biggest cheerleader and be vocal about what you want. Advocate for yourself and self-promote. If you do not have a career coach, mentor, and/or sponsor work to get one right away. Ask an executive within your company to coach/sponsor you and more than likely he/she will be thrilled at the opportunity to support you. If you can find a female executive mentor, even better to help you navigate the unique challenges of being a woman in the field of information technology. Embrace change – lean into it - and don’t second guess whether you have the right skills/experience for new or elevated roles. Just go for it. Leverage your network – we will help you succeed!

Favorite quote:

One of my favorite quotes, which applies to professional women everywhere, is by Maya Angelou, “Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it!”

Name: Heather Ellis
Title: Manager, South East US 
Location: United States 
 

How has EDB helped you grow your career since joining? 

EDB’s culture is second to none. The leadership has encouraged me to move into management since my first month here. I feel appreciated, respected, and honored to work for a company that values their employees.

What advice would you give to young professional women aspiring to be leaders in your department or industry?

Peace and happiness at work will come from helping others be successful. Those other people can be your customers,  direct reports,  boss, or even your peers. Find your gift God has blessed you with, then spend your entire life blessing others by giving it away.

Hobbies and interests

I love coaching youth sports. The kids have their entire lives ahead of them and I enjoy teaching them to dream big and always believe in themselves. Philippians 4:13 is my life verse!