Women in information technology

Step into the world of information technology (IT) at Global Affairs Canada (GAC), where women are making waves. Discover the unique career paths taken by some employees as they share their achievements. Join us in celebrating these amazing women and find out how they can inspire your IT career path at GAC!

Cultivating strong collaboration

When you are at the start of your career, some colleagues may doubt your skills due to your limited experience. As a product owner and team lead, Amy Chau overcame these biases by focusing on demonstrating her knowledge through work performance and results. She also suggests seeking out feedback from peers and to “find a good mentor who can inspire and guide you along the way.”

These strategies eventually earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues. Another notable achievement she’s proud of is designing and leading workshops on Cognos Spectrum and Power BI tools. Speaking of her experience providing those workshops abroad, she says, “I was amazed by the enthusiasm and curiosity of the participants, who came from different backgrounds and sectors. It was a rewarding and enriching experience that I will never forget.”

Building success through expertise and diversity

Being part of GAC’s IT team often involves collaborating with colleagues abroad. Maryam Mashaie, Director, Data Science and Information Solutions, recently led pivotal collaborations with the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

“We held hands-on workshop sessions using data science and artificial intelligence (AI) to support evidence-based decision making focused on real-life issues, like food security and crisis response.” Maryam’s team applies cutting-edge technology such as AI to address pressing global challenges highlights her skill in harnessing innovation for diplomacy.

One of her proudest accomplishments at GAC has been building a diverse team of 15 talented individuals. She notes that “when people from different backgrounds come together, they generate fresh ideas, solve complex problems more effectively and drive our projects to success. In our team, gender doesn’t come into play, talent and experience do, and my senior leadership recognized this too and supported me all the way!”

Inclusivity at work

GAC stands out for its strong culture of inclusion in the IT world. Kelly Aubichon's career is a good example of the importance the department attaches to diversity. With over 20 years of experience as an IT analyst specializing in system engineering, she has consistently driven projects to success.

Currently, Kelly is involved in transforming GAC into a cloud-based organization, moving away from physical data storage. This endeavour reflects the department’s dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. In particular, GAC’s shift to hybrid models of working has highlighted the urgency of modernizing data management.

Throughout her career at GAC, she has never been told she didn’t belong. As she spoke about her current team, she exclaimed, “This is my family, I love it, love them and will promote this IT life to anyone who truly wants to be part of it!”

Finally, Zahra Ahmed, Programmer and Analyst, has one last piece of advice for women wanting to join the public service in IT: “Don’t be put off by a few negative people; there are so many others who will support you. Be confident and don’t let anyone make you doubt yourself, and use your platform to encourage other women in IT.”

Beyond these women’s stories lies a common message: gender diversity fuels innovation. To those considering a path within GAC’s IT team, their journeys offer a glimpse into a world where your unique background can drive positive change!