By Aileen Ryan, President & CEO, RAIN Alliance

In recognition of the International Day of Women and Girls in Tech

I began my career as an engineer. Like many women in technology, I learned early how much perseverance, curiosity, and confidence it can take to find your voice in technical environments, and how powerful it is when you do. That experience has stayed with me throughout my career, and it shapes how I listen to the women building technology across the RAIN Alliance today.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Tech, I wanted to do more than mark a moment. I wanted to reflect what it actually feels like to build a career in technology, through the voices of women I spoke with who are doing that work every day across our global RAIN technology ecosystem.

There Is No Single Path Into Technology

One of the most consistent themes across these reflections is that there is no single, “correct” path into Tech. Many careers are shaped by curiosity, opportunity, and a willingness to learn along the way.

“My path is not at all linear! It started with the understanding that I am good with language and communicating… eventually I found myself gravitating toward storytelling.” — Emily Schauer, Sr. Corporate Communications Manager, Impinj

Others found their way by blending disciplines.

“By combining a technical bachelor’s degree with a master’s in innovation management, I found a space where I could bring both strategic and technical thinking.” — Susanne Hazrati, Global Marketing Manager, UCODE, NXP

“I started with a strong technical foundation, but it was business thinking—how technology drives revenue, efficiency, and customer outcomes—that pulled me toward product leadership.”— Pareiya Gupta, Head of Retail – Product & GTM, GreyOrange

For some, growth came through hands-on experience and asking questions.

“Learning on the job, asking questions, and working with real products helped me grow in this field.” — Anshrah Neyaz, Sr. Technical Consultant, ID Tech Solutions

“I don’t have a degree in science, technology, engineering, or math. I’m not traditionally a ‘tech person,’ but my job is very technical because I learned it on the job with passion, curiosity, and commitment.”— Inge Fleuren, Global Product Solutions Manager – RFID, Checkpoint Systems

And for others, technology became a space to bridge technical rigor with global perspective.

“Working across cultures and disciplines reinforced for me that innovation thrives through diversity.” — Bahar Aliakbarian, Ph.D., Axia Institute, Michigan State University

Be the Spark

When asked what advice they would offer women and girls considering STEM careers, the responses were practical, direct, and deeply encouraging.

“Be the spark, not just a sensor.” — Susanne Hazrati, NXP

“If you’re the only woman in the room, don’t read it as a warning—read it as timing. Being early is uncomfortable, but that’s often where growth and influence are created.”— Pareiya Gupta, GreyOrange

That spark often means choosing courage over comfort.

“Say yes to challenges and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.” — Abby Wu, Assistant to General Manager, Xindeco IoT

It can also mean letting go of perfection.

“Don’t wait to feel ‘perfect’ or ‘ready.’ Start, learn, and ask questions.” — Anshrah Neyaz, ID Tech Solutions

And sometimes, the most powerful advice is the simplest — and the hardest to internalize.

“You can do it. You are smart. Don’t question yourself too much.” — Susanne Guth-Orlowski, CEO, 4TheRecord

What We Bring to Work

Women across the RAIN Alliance spoke not only about what they do, but how they show up — bringing perspective, empathy, and clarity alongside technical skill.

“I listen, to truly understand others’ perspectives.” — Megan Brewster, VP Advanced Technology, Impinj

“My strength lies in bridging disciplines, cultures, and stakeholders.” — Bahar Aliakbarian, Ph.D., Axia Institute, Michigan State University

Others emphasized judgment and reliability in fast-moving environments.

“Our team’s curiosity and determination inspire me every day, the same drive that enables us to deliver support that is always available and consistently reliable.”— Brenda Karam, Head of After-Sales, Clustag

Sustainability-focused roles also bring a systems mindset.

“Understanding how digital solutions connect to sustainability outcomes is what motivates my work.” — Femke Zijlstra, Sustainability Digital Solutions, Avery Dennison

The Strength of Connection and Collaboration

Throughout these conversations, one theme resonated clearly: RAIN RFID does not scale without collaboration, and neither do careers. Innovation happens through networks of people, partners, and shared trust.

“Bringing a RAIN RFID solution to market takes a network of partners — proving that we are brighter together.” — Susanne Hazrati, NXP

That sense of shared momentum matters deeply.

“None of us hits a milestone alone. I’m proud to work with a team that champions one another.” — Emily Schauer, Impinj

Operational excellence also depends on strong collaboration behind the scenes.

“The passion and drive of our team are what make our 24/7, reliable support possible.” — Brenda Karam, Clustag

Real-World Impact Matters

What unites these voices most strongly is a focus on impact, creating tangible change in the real world through technology.

“Together with teammates from Impinj and other RAIN Alliance member companies, we have developed a strong understanding of how RAIN tags can impact—and even support—different waste streams. This knowledge helps ensure that RAIN tags enable the circular economy of everyday items.”— Megan Brewster, Impinj

“RAIN technology enables us to streamline operations, minimize waste, and reduce our carbon footprint.” — Femke Zijlstra, Avery Dennison

“What excites me about RAIN RFID is that it’s almost magic — you make things visible with an invisible technology. The data you gather creates huge opportunities for businesses to grow, improve, and become more efficient.”— Inge Fleuren, Checkpoint Systems

Others are working to shape the frameworks that make global progress possible.

“Defining trustworthy sustainability data exchange is essential for building confidence and transparency at scale.” — Susanne Guth-Orlowski, 4TheRecord

And leadership often means bridging complexity with clarity.

“My determination and communication skills help connect technical teams, customers, and business goals.” — Abby Wu, Xindeco

Looking Forward

Listening to these women reinforces something I learned early in my own career: progress in technology is built through persistence, collaboration, and the confidence to contribute, even before you feel fully ready.

On this International Day of Women and Girls in Tech, I want to thank the women of the RAIN Alliance for sharing their voices, their experiences, and their impact. You are not just participating in Tech — you are shaping what comes next.

This blog was informed by reflections shared by women across the RAIN Alliance. We are grateful to each contributor for their openness, insight, and generosity.