Last week, I had the honor of being nominated for the Liva Echwald Award at the Nordic Women in Tech Awards 2023, a recognition that took place in Iceland.
The event celebrated the accomplishments of women making significant contributions to the tech industry in the Nordic region.
The nomination came as a surprise yet served as a humbling acknowledgment of my work, particularly in championing diversity and inclusion. The Liva Echwald Award, named after a trailblazer in the field, actively dedicates itself to honoring women who exemplify exceptional leadership and impact.
This experience has prompted me to reflect on the significance of these awards, the inspiring atmosphere during the event, and how we can collectively contribute to fostering diversity and inclusion in the Nordics.
The Nordic Women in Tech Awards seek to spotlight the achievements of women often overlooked in the male-dominated tech landscape.
But why do these awards matter and why should you care about these recognitions?
These awards serve as a platform to honor the exceptional women driving change in the tech industry across the Nordic region. From developers and designers to leaders and innovators, these accolades spotlight the talent and dedication of women breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries in tech.
But why is it crucial?
Simply put, representation matters.
Recognizing diverse faces and voices inspires others to pursue careers in fields where they might have felt unwelcome before. These awards play a pivotal role in narrowing the gender gap and encouraging more women to contribute to the tech sector, bringing in fresh perspectives and ideas.
Moreover, the Liva Echwald Award, named after a pioneering woman who made significant contributions to the tech industry, specifically acknowledges individuals demonstrating outstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the tech community.
It’s about making a tangible impact in creating workplaces that embrace and celebrate differences.
Being nominated for this award was an honor, but the real reward was being in a room filled with passionate individuals working towards a common goal – making the tech industry more inclusive and diverse.
The energy at the event was contagious, reminding me of the collective power we have to drive positive change.
Now, you might be wondering, “Why should I care about these awards?” The answer is simple: because diversity and inclusion benefit us all.
Diverse teams are more innovative, more creative, and ultimately more successful.
By supporting initiatives like the Nordic Women in Tech Awards, you’re not just cheering on individual achievements; you’re contributing to the transformation of an entire industry.
But awards aren’t the only way to make a difference. Each of us has the power to foster diversity and inclusion in our workplaces and communities. It starts with acknowledging and challenging our own biases, creating inclusive environments, and amplifying underrepresented voices.
Small actions lead to big changes, and we can all play a part in making the Nordics and beyond a more welcoming place for everyone.
So, here’s to celebrating diversity, recognizing achievements, and continuing the journey toward a more inclusive tech community. Let’s make a difference together.
Cheers,
Kamilla Sultanova
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