Hello, everyone! Welcome to another episode of "Women in Tech Trailblazers," where today, Tiffany Benitez and Jordan Franklin are thrilled to sit down with the brilliant Devayani Supekar. Devayani is a champion of bridging gender gaps in tech, bringing a rich background in engineering and leadership from her impactful career at Walmart.

Today, she dives into the essence of authenticity in tech, sharing personal stories that spotlight her journey from an electronics engineer to a senior program manager. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion isn't just a part of her job—it's a passion that drives her every initiative.

Devayani also unpacks the power of mentorship and its pivotal role in her career. She stresses that effective mentorship involves more than guidance—it's about empowering others to explore their paths and discover their strengths. Reflecting on her experiences, Devayani shares how she has navigated tricky situations where stereotypes about gender roles have surfaced, advocating for equality and respect in every interaction.

Throughout the discussion, Devayani addresses the importance of continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends, which she sees as crucial for personal and professional growth. She highlights the significance of finding one's tribe and creating mentoring circles, even if it means starting one when none exists.

Here are the key takeaways:

(2:27) How does being authentic help you belong?

(7:09) The importance of people skills in tech

(7:46) Are we showing the next generation their options?

(9:26) How to handle unconscious bias?

(13:49) Can saying no hurt your career?

(16:12) How to find the right mentor?

(17:22) The role of authenticity in successful mentorship

(19:16) Choosing between one-on-one and group mentoring

(20:51) How can you teach kids about mentorship?

(23:31) The power of knowing your impact

(26:06) Are you keeping up with industry trends?

(27:01) Can advocacy lead to personal growth?

(28:37) Why don't women apply for certain jobs?

Devayani's journey and insights inspire us all to embrace our true selves and support one another through mentorship and advocacy. She encourages everyone in tech to be a part of the change that fosters diversity and inclusion.

Tune in now to get inspired and think about how you can make a difference in creating an inclusive environment in tech. Remember, it starts with being authentic and supportive. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode to spread the word about making tech a better place for everyone.

About Devayani Supekar

Devayani Supekar is a Senior Program Manager at Walmart Marketing with a background that includes roles as an Analytics Manager for Supply Chain and a Product Manager for Walmart Global Tech. Originally from India, she pursued her Master's degree at the University of Texas at Dallas. She actively supports diversity and inclusion initiatives at Walmart, serving as Vice-Chair on an Employee Resource Group, and is a board member for the Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter. Devayani is deeply involved in her Northwest Arkansas community through various volunteer efforts.

Connect with Devayani:

Linkedin

About Tiffany Benitez & Jordan Franklin

Tiffany Benitez leads IT Applications at Tyson Foods, focusing on Product & Agile methodologies and promoting the advancement of women in tech and STEM areas.

Jordan Franklin, CEO of Gumption and Stratice, is revolutionizing the job market with behavioral AI, making talent acquisition efficient. For three years, she's been celebrated as a top staffing influencer.

Connect with Hosts:

Tiffany’s LinkedIn

Jordan’s LinkedIn

Disclaimer

This podcast is for informational purposes only. The content should be taken as something other than professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with professionals regarding specific situations or concerns.