Caxy Inclusion & Diversity

Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced and how have you overcome them?
My journey into engineering is a bit unconventional. I didn’t study computer science in college. I started in quality assurance, moved into service delivery and later completed a full-stack bootcamp at General Assembly. My path gave me unique experiences, but also challenges. Before officially moving into development, I was passed over for a manager role I was already informally doing, despite a client’s direct request, because another man had similar experience on a different project. It was a harsh but formative reminder that exceeding expectations doesn’t always guarantee opportunity. 

Once I became a developer, I wrestled with imposter syndrome. It took years to work through, but I eventually learned to separate real knowledge gaps from self-doubt. Code review was critical — giving and receiving thoughtful feedback across projects accelerated my growth and built confidence. At Caxy, junior developers are encouraged to speak first in architecture meetings, which gave me space to find my voice. I’ve also learned to support ideas with data and preparation, especially when I’m not the loudest in the room. That persistence has helped me earn trust, advocate effectively and continue to grow.

What are your professional goals and how has your current company enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources/opportunities are available?
At Caxy, professional growth follows clear and supportive paths. After moving from junior tomid-level developer, I expressed interest in leadership during a check-in with operations and HR. I was given a 123 Grow Plan, a roadmap of the skills and experiences needed to reach the next level. Through hands-on work and focused self-learning, I became a Dev Lead in training and was later promoted to development lead. I’ve since advanced to a technical director and continue to grow through mentorship, coaching and goal setting. My next goal is a senior leadership role, and I believe that is achievable with the support and resources at Caxy.  

One of the most impactful parts of growth at Caxy is the consistent feedback cycle. Project-based teams keep communication flowing and ensure feedback is timely and actionable. Performance reviews are never surprises and are based on merit. Promotions aren’t limited by role caps, so anyone who meets expectations is eligible. We also use a role numbering system that adds clarity. Combined with mentorship, robust self-learning resources, and frequent exposure to new tools and technologies, growth is constant. After nine years, I’m still learning every day. 

What advice do you have for women in engineering or other technical roles regarding how to identify a company and team that will support their growth and development?
When looking for a company that supports career development, I focus on a few key areas. First, I ask about available career paths. Some flat organizations lack clear growth tracks, which can limit development. That said, some flat structures still allow you to carve out your own role, so it is worth exploring further. I also look at female representation. Are there women in engineering leadership or technical roles, or only in non-technical positions? It helps to see others who have navigated similar paths, even if they are not direct mentors. Representation can also lead to advocacy and sponsorship. External communities for women in tech can be another great support system. When scanning a job posting, I look for terms like professional development budget, collaborative, pair programming, ownership and feedback-driven. These signal a growth-oriented, team-based culture. During interviews, I ask about tenure and how feedback is delivered. If no one stays or if feedback is unclear, that may be a red flag for long-term opportunity.