Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Women in Design and Tech Careers

Despite progress in recent years, there is still a significant gender gap in the design and tech industries. Women are underrepresented in both fields, and those who do enter often face discrimination and barriers to advancement. But women are also making significant contributions to the industry, breaking down barriers, and paving the way for future generations.

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Here are some inspiring stories of women who have succeeded in design and tech careers, along with insights and advice for breaking the glass ceiling:

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1. Susan Kare

Susan Kare is a graphic designer and artist who has had a significant impact on the tech industry. She is best known for designing many of the original icons and fonts for the Apple Macintosh computer in the 1980s. Despite being one of the few women in her field at the time, Kare's designs are still widely used today, demonstrating the enduring influence of her work.

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2. Reshma Saujani

Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization that aims to close the gender gap in tech by teaching girls to code. Saujani is also a lawyer, author, and political activist who has worked to promote women's rights and opportunities in a variety of fields. Her advocacy and leadership have inspired many young women to pursue careers in tech.

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3. Yoky Matsuoka

Yoky Matsuoka is a neuroscientist and robotics expert who has made significant contributions to the field of robotic prosthetics. She has worked for companies like Google and Nest, and she was also a founding member of the University of Washington's Neural Systems Engineering program. Matsuoka's work has demonstrated the potential of technology to improve people's lives, and she is a role model for women in both tech and healthcare.

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4. Christina Morillo

Christina Morillo is a designer, writer, and entrepreneur who has been recognized for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. She is the co-founder of Women of Color in Tech, an organization that aims to provide resources and support for women of color in the tech industry. Morillo's advocacy and leadership have helped to raise awareness of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in tech.

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5. Tracy Chou

Tracy Chou is a designer and diversity advocate who has worked for companies like Pinterest and the US Digital Service. She is best known for her work in promoting diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, including her role in pushing companies to release data on the gender and ethnic diversity of their workforce. Chou's activism has helped to shine a light on the gender gap in tech and inspire others to take action.

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Despite the challenges that women face in the design and tech industries, there is hope for the future. Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles and making significant contributions to the industry, and there are more resources than ever before to help women break into these fields.

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