What challenges have you faced as a woman in tech?
It is well known that it is much harder for a woman to be established in the engineering industry than a man, even in countries with highly developed industries and significant opportunities. But it is even harder to be set in a small country with no powerful industrial life where essential options are hard to find. Over the years, this issue has gotten better; however, it still needs to be more equal and fair. My biggest challenge throughout my career was the need for more job opportunities and industry in Cyprus. The fact that I couldn’t apply what I was taught and learned through my academic career was an issue for me, and that’s why I took matters into my own hands and created my own company, AmaDema, the first high-tech, innovative company of composite materials in Cyprus.
What advice would you give to other women interested in a tech career?
When opportunities are minimal or no satisfactory job prospects are found, female innovators shouldn’t compromise their careers or ambitions. We could create opportunities, make our path to a successful career, and help other young women achieve their goals. Try to bring your ideas to life, and do not be afraid to fail, as this is a part of the path to success; test your concept, restructure it, and test it again until it is not an idea anymore but a certified innovative product. I always followed my dreams and never settled for anything less. I studied what I loved and started my own company in my home country, created professional opportunities for myself, and manufactured an innovative solution that minimizes the use of resources, energy, and materials while enabling better mechanical performance. I then opened my company’s doors so other engineers, especially women, could have promising career opportunities in Cyprus.
What are your thoughts on the future of women in tech?
Women have a bright future in tech. In the past few years, more and more of us have followed this path and started earning our place through our achievements, hard work, and dedication. I have met many female engineers at different stages of their careers. I am confident that women in tech will thrive over the next few years in Cyprus as well, as we have many worthy female Cypriot engineers who are innovative, bright, hard workers and leaders and can help develop the Cyprus technology industry.
What is your favorite part of working in tech?
My favorite part of working in tech is innovation! It is the thrill of taking an idea from a piece of paper and turning it into a final product. It is the journey to reach that goal through design, manufacturing, testing, redesign, and more failures and redesigns until success is achieved and the final product is in front of you.
What are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about life and everything that it has to offer. Humans were placed on this beautiful planet to enjoy its beauty and majestic sceneries, but we often forget to stop and enjoy life, relax, and take a deep breath of fresh air. Working toward your goals is powerful and fulfilling, but sometimes you must dance like nobody’s watching and sing like nobody’s listening.