The tech industry has come a long way, but gender diversity is still a work in progress. At Shift, we know that technology is at its best when a variety of voices, perspectives, and experiences come together to shape it. That’s why we’re all in on creating an environment where women in tech aren’t just along for the ride—they’re driving innovation, leading the charge, and making a real impact.

This International Women’s Day, we’re turning the spotlight on the incredible women at Shift, sharing their journeys, insights, and bold visions for the future. From breaking barriers to carving out their own paths, they shared raw, real insights and advice for the next generation of women ready to make their mark in the industry.

Breaking Barriers and Owning Your Expertise

Sabrina, VP of Marketing at Shift, knows a thing or two about leadership in tech. “Early on, I had to prove my capabilities in spaces where I was sometimes the only woman in the room,” she said. But instead of letting that intimidate her, she turned it into a strength.

Her advice? “Confidence is key, own your expertise and speak up. Break that inner glass ceiling and question your inner critic every day.”

Mahum, a software developer at Shift, echoed this, emphasizing that confidence isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. “Watching my male coworkers confidently take up space, even when they aren’t entirely sure of something, has taught me that confidence matters so much. Speak up, share your ideas, and don’t shrink yourself.”

She also pointed out something important: “Software development isn’t just for people who are good at math or coding! It’s for anyone who enjoys solving problems, building things, and being creative. The best engineers are the ones who are inquisitive and constantly learning.”

The Power of Representation and Inclusion

Nicole, a software developer at Shift, reflected on how the landscape has changed since she started. “I was one of the first female developers at Shift, and now we have so many more. It’s been amazing to see that growth. The more women we have on our teams, the more comfortable and included we feel.”

Maria, another developer, took it a step further: “When I tell people I’m a developer, I either get admiration or shock. But the more visible women are in these spaces, the less surprising it will be. We need to get to a point where people don’t bat an eye when they hear ‘female software engineer.’”

And the need for change starts early. “One of the biggest misconceptions about women in tech is the idea that ‘if women were really interested in tech, there would be more of them in the industry,’” Maria said. “That’s not true. Many women are passionate about tech, but they’re often discouraged from an early age by stereotypes that suggest tech is ‘for men.’ Even those who pursue it face barriers like gender bias, lack of female role models, and fewer opportunities to grow. The challenge isn’t interest—it’s access and support.”

What Can Companies Do to Foster Gender Equality?

So, what’s the fix? It starts with leadership and allies who are willing to step up.

“Performance reviews and promotions should be based on impact and actual work, not just visibility,” Mahum pointed out. “Too often, women’s contributions are overlooked simply because they don’t always push themselves into the spotlight.”

Nicole emphasized the importance of conscious hiring: “When you have diverse teams, you build better products. You solve problems in new ways. It’s a win for everyone.”

And allies, especially male colleagues, have a huge role to play. “They can amplify women’s voices in meetings, call out biases, and ensure credit is given where it’s due,” Mahum said.

Shifting the Narrative: Women in Tech Belong Here

One common theme in all our conversations? Women in tech belong here, and they always have.

“To young women and girls interested in tech—dive in, break things, and build something awesome! Don’t let anyone tell you tech isn’t for you,” Maria said.

Nicole added that it’s time to reclaim the narrative. “So many women were at the forefront of modern-day technology—writing the code that got us to the moon, building the foundation of computer science. Now that tech jobs are more sought after, it’s time for us to make an impact again so that the next generation doesn’t even need to question it.”

How Shift and Redbrick Support Women in Tech

At Shift and Redbrick, our parent company, we don’t just talk about supporting women in tech—we take action. Here’s how:

• Woman of Innovation Scholarship (in partnership with iWIST) – A scholarship for women and non-binary students in STEM who are driving meaningful change through purpose-driven innovation. Applications open in May, so keep a look out on our socials!
• TOAST Partnership & Toast Dash Hackathon – We support TOAST by sharing job opportunities with women in tech and were the presenting sponsor of Toast Dash, an AI-powered hackathon designed to close the gender gap in AI.
• WEST Python Workshop Sponsorship – Last year, we proudly sponsored this beginner-friendly Python workshop designed for female-identifying STEM students. Our team developed a case study to make learning Python more accessible, and we hosted a networking event at our Victoria office to connect UVic students with industry professionals.
• Monthly Collective Learnings (MCLs) – Redbrick hosts ongoing learning sessions focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recent sessions highlighted women’s experiences in STEM and the barriers they continue to face.
• Participation in cmd-f Hackathon – We support cmd-f, a hackathon focused on addressing gender inequality in tech by encouraging participation from women, trans, non-binary, Two-Spirit, and gender-diverse individuals.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Women in Tech

While progress has been made, there’s still more work to do. Sabrina envisions a future where more women hold leadership roles, equitable hiring and promotion practices are the norm, and mentorship networks are stronger than ever. “Companies need to be intentional about diversity, not just in hiring but in creating environments where women feel empowered to lead,” she said.

The women of Shift are proof that change is happening. They’re not just navigating the industry, they’re shaping it, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for future generations.

How You Can Support Women in Tech

Celebrating women in tech isn’t just about acknowledging their contributions, it’s about taking action. Here’s how you can help:

• Be a mentor. Support and uplift women entering the field.
• Be an ally. Amplify women’s voices, challenge biases, and ensure credit is given where it’s due.
• Advocate for diversity. Push for inclusive hiring, equitable promotions, and workplace policies that support women.
• Invest in education. Support initiatives like the Woman of Impact Scholarship to help more women and non-binary individuals pursue careers in STEM.

The future of tech is bold, boundary-breaking, and fueled by diverse perspectives, but only if we keep pushing forward. It’s up to all of us to challenge biases, break down barriers, and amplify the voices that have too often been overlooked. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just stepping into the world of tech, your voice matters. Together, let’s create an industry where everyone belongs, where no one has to wonder if they deserve a seat at the table, because they already do.