Four months ago, I met with a communication strategist, excited to sharpen my speech craft. I was ready to absorb her wisdom and elevate my presentation skills. Instead, a wave of disbelief washed over me as she began our session by immediately critiquing my clothing, my face, my body— everything that makes me, well, me—before I even uttered a word.
"Someone with a face like yours..."
Her words hung there, dripping with the unspoken. You don't belong. She advised me to suppress my femininity and present a muted version of myself to be taken seriously.
Seriously?!
That moment highlighted a brutal truth: Women everywhere face pressure to shrink, conform, to fit into molds that weren’t built for them —especially in the male-dominated data industry. It's exhausting, and frankly, it’s not okay.
What if we embraced our power instead? What if we recognized the extraordinary perspectives, empathy, and brilliance women bring to tech? What if we built communities where authenticity isn’t just tolerated, but celebrated as strength?
That’s the vibe we’re bringing to Women Who Qlik: Celebrating Women in Data at Qlik Connect in Orlando in May.
Meet the founders and panelists Gwen Stamp, Steph Robinson, and Priscila Papazissis Paolinelli—who built this movement and cultivated a community of women in data, analytics, and technology using Qlik's software. This year, hear more voices, including Laura Ashworth, Emma McAlister, Angelika Klidas, and Holly Biscotti—customers, partners, and luminaries who are breaking the mold.
Tech’s biggest lie? That it’s a meritocracy.
One of the great things about working in data? The numbers don’t lie. Women hold just 14%-25% of leadership roles in data and analytics—rising to 25%+ where DEI programs thrive. For the first time in years, the winds are shifting against us, as the gender gap is growing again at senior levels. But these women in D&A and AI aren’t here to whine—they’re here to shift the winds back.
At Qlik Connect, we’re smashing barriers.
This panel is about connection, collaboration, and action.
You’ll witness:
Raw stories from women who’ve shattered glass ceilings
Actionable strategies for networking, self-advocacy, and well-being
The importance of a network of women who’ve got your back
Want to be heard? Fill out this form and shape the panel & future events! Your voice matters—tell us what YOU want!
Let’s start a revolution.
I refuse to conform to outdated expectations and suppress my authentic self. Instead, I'm excited to stand on stage at Qlik Connect alongside these extraordinary women who are building a future where every woman owns her power and brilliance in the data industry.
Want to be part of this movement?
Here’s where you can find us:
Women Who Qlik Panel | Live at Qlik Connect: Wednesday, May 14th, 5–6 PM | Show floor, Theater 2
Women Who Qlik Happy Hour Sponsored by WIT & DEIB: Raise a glass with us and enter to win a spectacular piece of jewelry from REEDS—one of our featured customers—in celebration of Women Who Qlik.
LinkedIn Live: Join the conversation online and connect with inspiring women in data from anywhere.
Register here today…We can't wait to see you there!