Arkose People

Spotlight on Women’s History Month

March 1, 20236 min Read

women's history month

From the first computer programmers to modern-day innovators, women have played a crucial role in shaping the world of technology. As we begin to celebrate Women’s History Month here at Arkose Labs, it is worth reflecting on the significant contributions women have made in all sorts of fields—even the typically male-dominated field of engineering and cybersecurity. Despite facing various challenges and obstacles, these women have persisted and paved the way for future generations of women to excel in a wide range of technology-based industries. And we want to celebrate them!

Importance of Women’s History Month

Women's History Month is the perfect time to recognize the many contributions women have made in the fields of technology and cybersecurity. Historically, women have been underrepresented in these fields, often facing discrimination and barriers to entry. However, women have persevered and have played a critical role in shaping what the industry looks like today. It is essential to highlight these contributions to inspire and encourage the next generation of women (and men) in technology and cybersecurity. By showcasing the achievements of women in these fields, we can help to break down stereotypes and promote gender equality.

Additionally, promoting diversity in technology is essential to driving innovation and progress. Diverse teams bring a variety of perspectives, ideas, and experiences, leading to more creative and effective solutions. By celebrating women's contributions and promoting diversity, we can create a more inclusive and welcoming environment in the technology and cybersecurity industries. It is essential to recognize the valuable contributions of women in these fields and work towards creating a more equitable and diverse industry for all.

History of Women in Technology

The history of women in technology can be traced back to the early days of computing, when they played a critical role in developing some of the first computers. During World War II, women were recruited as "computer programmers" to do the complex calculations required for military operations. These women were essential to the war effort and helped to pave the way for future women in technology.

Despite their contributions during the war, women faced significant barriers to entry in the technology field in the decades that followed. Women were often excluded from computer science programs and discouraged from pursuing careers in the field. In the 1960s and 1970s, however, women began to push back against these barriers and fight for their place in the industry.

One of the most notable pioneers of this movement was Grace Hopper, a computer scientist who helped to develop the first programming language and played a key role in the development of COBOL, one of the most widely used programming languages of the time. Hopper was a vocal advocate for women in technology and worked tirelessly to encourage more women to pursue careers in the field.

Today, women continue to face challenges in the technology industry, particularly when it comes to representation and leadership. However, there are also many women who are breaking through these barriers and making significant contributions to the field. As technology continues to evolve, it is important to ensure that women are given equal opportunities to contribute and succeed in this exciting and rapidly-changing field.

Impact of Women at Arkose Labs

Arkose Labs values and celebrates the contributions of women in various capacities throughout the company. During Women's History Month, we will be highlighting the incredible women who work in various roles, from marketing to engineering to sales. This is a valuable way to recognize the many talented and hard-working women who are part of the Arkose Labs team. Here are just a few!

Marisol Calvo is a skilled marketing professional based in Costa Rica, known for delivering exceptional results and driving business success through the planning and execution of comprehensive marketing projects. With a track record of excellence, she is recognized for her creativity, strong project management abilities, and effective communication skills. Through her leadership and strategic approach, Marisol has successfully spearheaded projects that have resulted in substantial growth in targeted markets.

Veronika Petrenko is a highly experienced data analytics professional who is passionate about the fraud and security industry. She has a diverse background in marketing and account management, and has been working in the field for six years. In 2019, she decided to take a new direction in her career, and devoted herself to learning Python programming, SQL, data science, ML, and data visualization. Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Ukrainian, Veronika is a well-rounded and knowledgeable security analyst.

Casey Joyce is a Product Manager at Arkose Labs, residing in the SF Bay Area. She graduated from University of California, Santa Cruz, School of Engineering and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in end to end product implementation. With her experience and expertise, Casey has been able to help Arkose Labs to take their products to the next level.

Sujatha Shetty is an accomplished engineering leader with 20 years of success in diverse roles within both early-stage startups and large enterprise environments, in both India and the U.S. She is a people-oriented manager with a knack for creating high-performing, cohesive, and healthy teams. Sujatha provides a safe environment in which to take risks, foster a growth mindset, and challenge team members reach ambitious goals. Her technical experience covers development and quality assurance, with domain expertise in application and network security, virtualization, multi-cloud networking, DevOps, Test as a Service, test automation, and SaaS. Sujatha is an adept communicator, great at building strong relationships with stakeholders, and driving cross-team/cross-unit collaborations.

The presence of women in the field of cybersecurity is essential to ensure that the industry is reflective of the diversity of the population. By having women in various roles, Arkose Labs demonstrates a commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. This also helps to ensure that the products and services offered by Arkose Labs are designed with the needs of all users in mind. 

Do you want to make an impact alongside our fantastic team and join a company culture that encourages greater equity and diversity? Check out our careers page to see how you can make any impact and be a culture add to Arkose Labs.