Breaking Barriers: Navigating Imposter Syndrome as Brown Women in Tech
This session delves into the unique challenges faced by brown women in tech who experience Imposter Syndrome. Through personal stories and real-world examples, we'll explore the root causes, including cultural upbringing and the lack of representation and mentorship, and discuss how these factors exacerbate feelings of inadequacy. With eye-opening statistics, we’ll identify signs of Imposter Syndrome and its impact on personal and professional growth. Finally, we'll provide actionable strategies to overcome these barriers, empowering women to embrace their achievements and thrive in their careers.
I'm a Product Manager at Upwork, building Integrations and innovative Contingent Workforce Solutions for their Enterprise Solutions Unit. I have previously led the greenfield development and managed an entire product module at a fast-paced start-up VNDLY, which is now Workday VNDLY. With over 5 years of product management experience, I bring my data analysis skills and product knowledge together to build products that delight the users. I have an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and am grateful to be creating products that change how people work and get employed.
Aanchal is a product design leader with 14+ years of experience in designing successful products and leading dynamic teams in both startups and large organizations. She is a Director of UX Design at Upwork and leads their Enterprise and Customer Experience & Trust BUs. She thrives on bringing together cross-functional teams to align with business goals and create digital experiences that truly resonate with users. She got into UX because of her deep fascination by how people think and behave. She focuses on building strong cultures, nurturing diverse teams, and setting up effective ways for all to work together. She prioritizes creating a space where innovation flourishes, learning is a continuous process, and every voice matters. This approach not only makes the work more impactful but also ensures that her team is always proud of what they accomplish together.
As a Senior Product Manager, I bring a wealth of expertise in Agile methodologies and cross-functional leadership, with a strong emphasis on product strategy. I excel in driving adoption and delivering high-impact projects that seamlessly align with organizational goals. At Comcast Business, I manage the sales platform for Secured Networking products, where I streamline processes for sales and go-to-market teams, ensuring rapid adoption by our sales users. I thrive on the challenge of aligning cross-functional teams to create exceptional business impact. My approach to problem-solving is rooted in deep user empathy, ensuring that the voices of end users are heard in decision-making rooms. Beyond my professional achievements, I am passionate about mentoring women at various stages of their careers, particularly those navigating the challenges of a career break. My commitment to fostering growth and empowering others is a driving force in my career.
