Chapter 1: The Importance of Authenticity

As we kick off another edition of the Grace Hopper Celebration, the largest conference focused on women in technology, I reflect on my journey since 2017. I've participated in various roles: attending as a scholar, receiving the Pass It On award in 2018, serving as a recruiter and speaker in 2019, and more recently, mentoring women and participating virtually. My commitment has included reviewing scholarship applications and guiding women as they prepare for this significant event.

This year, I had the privilege of mentoring 43 women over just two weeks! A recurring question I encountered was: “How can I stand out to recruiters?” After engaging with their stories and examining their resumes, I found that their unique narratives were the core of what distinguished them. The underlying message was clear: “Your personal story, including what you perceive as weaknesses, is actually your greatest strength.”

Many women struggle to share their stories, often fearing that their vulnerabilities will be misunderstood. Whether it’s due to language barriers, gaps in their resumes from caregiving roles, or lacking formal degrees in Computer Science, they often overlook the diverse skills they've gained through these experiences. For instance, women who are multilingual, have managed family businesses, or have backgrounds in healthcare or the arts, all bring invaluable creativity and innovation to the tech field.

I often find myself pondering how I can help them recognize that their narratives are compelling, especially during the times they felt most fragile. My role as a mentor is to pose thoughtful questions that lead them to discover their paths, rather than providing direct answers.

When the question of standing out to recruiters arises, it is frequently followed by: “Should I learn a new programming language? Do I need formal training? What am I doing wrong?” This indicates a belief that technical skills alone are the answer.

While enhancing technical abilities through certifications and courses is vital, it should be complemented by developing interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills. Companies seek creative thinkers who can bridge various fields of knowledge. Your unique story and the manner in which you present it are crucial components of your value.

Brené Brown highlights this idea perfectly: “We are always orphaning the parts of us that we are either afraid we can’t protect or we are afraid that will hold us back, and every time we do that we cut some of our own power off.”

Chapter 2: Cultivating Self-Reflection for Authenticity

Authenticity enables us to express our true selves in a world that often encourages conformity in appearance, behavior, and consumption. Below are some self-reflection strategies to help you cultivate authenticity.