Empowering Women in Tech, Data, and Development: Building Careers and Connections

#computer #STEM #WIE

Join us for an inspiring panel featuring incredible women who have built their careers in tech, data, and development. They will share how they navigated challenges, found success, and built valuable professional networks along the way.

If you are starting out in these fields or looking for guidance on your next steps, this event is a great opportunity to gain practical advice, career insights, and tips on growing your network. You will also have the chance to connect with industry leaders and like minded women who are on a similar journey.

Meet the Panelists:

Marvi Shaikh is a Data Analyst with a strong background in data acquisition, governance, and analytics. Holding a Master’s in Data Science & Data Analytics, she has led data-driven initiatives at Sun Life, optimizing reporting processes and integrating governance frameworks. With experience teaching at Conestoga College , Marvi is passionate about bridging academia and industry. She actively mentor aspiring data professionals through opportunities at Wilfrid Laurier University Data Analytics Society, Sun Life, and beyond, empowering the women in data science and AI.

Sweta Akshi: With 15 years of experience in technology, Sweta has spent the last 6 years as an educator in tech, including roles as a college professor at Conestoga College and corporate tech trainer at The Home Depot. Currently, she is the program lead for learning and development in technology at The Home Depot. She is a dedicated advocate for Women in Tech and have been a career coach and mentor for the past 5 years, helping individuals start, resume, or change their career journeys. Outside of work, she is a solo traveler and love writing poetry. 

Manuela Valente: With over 10 years of experience at SAP, Manuela has developed strong expertise as a Product Support Engineer, consistently delivering high-quality support and solutions for customers worldwide. With a seven year background in development, she has worked on various aspects of IT, enhancing customer experiences. Manuela holds a postgraduate degree in Information Technology with a focus on Agile methodologies and innovation. She is passionate about problem-solving, optimizing systems, and ensuring that customers receive timely, effective, and innovative solutions. Beyond her technical proficiency, she is also passionate about mentorship and guiding aspiring professionals in their careers.

Yohana Gambarini is a Project Cost Data Analyst in the nuclear industry. With a degree in Business Administration and a Postgraduate qualification in Global Business Management from Conestoga College, she has built a strong foundation for her career. In 2020, she decided to pivot her career toward Data Analytics. Yohana took the plunge into a Power BI BootCamp, dove into SQL through online courses, and embraced networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals. By leveraging LinkedIn and showcasing her skills through various projects, she successfully blended her analytical expertise with the business insights she gained in her previous role. This strategic approach ultimately led her to her first position as a Data Analyst, where she continues to thrive and contribute to the field.