Celebrating International Women's Day 2024 at BidSwitch

Valerie Zeltser
VP, Global Client Solutions

"Being a woman in technology has been a journey filled with various challenges and triumphs for me. With that said, it is motivating to observe the progress our industry has made in fostering inclusivity, equity, and accountability. We still have a lot of work to do and it's essential that we support one another and leverage our successes and personal brands to uplift other women in technology, paving the way for their future achievements.

Empowering and advocating for women in our field is not a choice but a responsibility and it is our mission to contribute to our community, encouraging growth and its ongoing evolution. By standing together and amplifying each other's voices, we will continue to foster an inclusive and supportive environment for all women in technology."

Caitlin DiPirro
Principal Technical Solutions Engineer

"Stepping into the tech industry as a woman, I've encountered a spectrum of experiences that have shaped my professional journey in profound ways. I feel very fortunate to have been guided by strong mentorship and advocacy from the start of my career, which undeniably impacted the trajectory of my career.

It is very important to me to pay this forward—leveraging my voice and expertise to foster a more inclusive and diverse industry. I hope that with each step I take forward in my own career, I am also paving the way for future generations of women to thrive in this industry."

Elena Skachkova
Customer Success Manager

"I remember starting my journey with aspirations of joining a tech company, despite facing discouragement during interviews due to my age and lack of experience. From this, I took away the lesson that continuous learning and curiosity is crucial in a field where technology evolves rapidly, while building a strong network and challenging biases are essential steps toward growth and advancement in the industry.

Don't hesitate to speak up for your aspirations and remember to highlight your achievements! Confidence in your abilities and advocating for equal opportunities are crucial steps towards success in the tech industry."

Ann Le
Sr. Technical Account Manager

"Entering the realm of ad tech, I've been very fortunate to tread a path carved by resilient women who came before me. In my professional journey, I have found guidance under the leadership of remarkable women with exceptional competence. Their unwavering resilience not only shielded me from formidable obstacles but also fueled my curiosity about their own triumphant stories.

The stories are simultaneously terrifying and inspiring. Hence, by recognizing the privilege of a smoother journey, I am committed to excelling in ad tech and inspiring other women to join our collective brilliance. Together, let us illuminate the path and redefine success in this industry."

Olga Ulianova
Product Strategy Lead

"To be honest, I strongly oppose any form of gender (race, age, or similar) distinctions in any professional field, including tech. However, there is one saying I find particularly relevant with women, which make many of those surrounding me shine: 'It is often said that ‘Talent is self-belief.’'

In my opinion, talent is the uncertainty within oneself and the tormenting dissatisfaction with one's own shortcomings.'" 

Ira Sheveleva
Sr. Product Marketing Manager

"Navigating my journey in the tech industry, I found my zone in translating across technical/user/business perspectives. In this capacity, I felt welcomed even in male-dominated environments. Luckily, I’m seeing that less translating needs to be done, and empathy is becoming a core still in any tech role, independent of gender.

I think the tech world, and product culture in particular, has helped other industries see the value in empathy. I hope it won’t take too long until it becomes a given in any kind of work environment, society or politics."

Prena Khan
Account Strategy Director

"I have faced challenges being a woman of color working in ad tech. However, I have always carried the important trait of humility and acknowledged the opportunities and responsibilities that come with it.

I have been fortunate to have come across several good leaders and great mentors in my journey who have been key to my professional growth, opening up additional opportunities and helping me hit professional milestones. It's been an interesting journey." 

Yuliana Veyberman
Sr. Client Services Manager

"Being a woman in tech and business involves a serious set of challenges: how do I assert myself without seeming too bossy? How do I ensure my male colleagues take me seriously? How do I advocate for myself and others without appearing too demanding or too difficult to work with? These are not challenges we face alone.

It is imperative that we lean into camaraderie, that we lean on one another and prop each other up, and that, once we have a voice in an organization, we empower others to have the same. As Tim McGraw says, "When the dreams you're dreaming come to you, when the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind."

I'm proud to be surrounded by a cohort of some of the strongest female voices and male allies in our industry, and with a woman at the helm of my team and our organization, I feel massively empowered to overcome any of the challenges this industry can throw at me."