At Coeo, our people are at the heart of everything we do. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women across our UK and Hyderabad teams who help us deliver the best for our clients every day.
From solving complex data challenges to driving innovation, their expertise and dedication make Coeo stronger. In this blog, they share their career journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and what motivates them to succeed. Their stories highlight the impact of diverse perspectives in shaping a smarter, more inclusive future for Coeo and our clients.
Let’s hear from them.
Paula McDevitt
Managed Service Team Lead
One of the biggest challenges I faced was stepping into the tech industry later in my career. Unlike many of my colleagues, I didn’t follow the traditional path into technology. Instead, I had to learn, adapt, and prove myself in a field where early exposure and years of experience often set the benchmark. I tackled this by continuously upskilling, earning certifications, and maintaining a growth mindset. Along the way, I sought out mentors and supportive colleagues who encouraged me and reinforced my belief that I belonged in this space.
Despite the challenges, I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved—leading a talented team of Data Platform Engineers, strengthening a collaborative and inclusive culture, and helping shape the next generation of tech professionals. Having a woman in a leadership role in a male-dominated space sends an important message: representation matters, and diversity strengthens teams.
Beyond my personal journey, there are wider challenges for women in tech. From an early age, girls don’t always get the same opportunities or encouragement to explore technical fields. I strongly believe that one of the main reasons we see fewer women in tech roles is the lack of initiatives at the junior school level that spark early interest and confidence in technology. By the time many women consider a career in this field, it can feel like they are already behind.
To create real change, there needs to be an effort from educational bodies early on. Schools should introduce coding, data science, and AI concepts to everyone from a young age, making technology feel accessible and exciting. Role models from the tech industry, both male and female, need to be visible and celebrated so that everyone has the opportunity to realise that this is an industry where they can grow, contribute, and lead.
Deepthi Chittari
Data Engineer
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the balance between my professional growth and societal expectations. In a male-dominated industry like IT, there’s often the added pressure of proving myself repeatedly, not just based on skills but also to combat stereotypes about women in tech. I overcame this by staying focused on my work, continuously improving my skills, and finding mentors who supported my growth and offered guidance. I also built a strong network of both women and men who believe in equal opportunity, which helped me push through obstacles.
What barriers have you encountered in your journey?
There have been instances where unconscious bias affected my opportunities. In some situations, I’ve noticed that women are often not given the same level of responsibility or recognition for their achievements as their male counterparts. I’ve also faced the challenge of being the only woman in many technical meetings, which sometimes made it harder for my ideas to be heard. However, I made it a point to speak up, demonstrate my capabilities, and actively seek out roles where I could have a more significant impact.
What can we do to better support women in tech?
We need to create a more inclusive environment where women feel supported from the start. This means providing mentorship programs, offering leadership training specifically designed for women, and ensuring equal pay for equal work. It’s crucial to have policies in place that support work-life balance, such as flexible work hours or remote working options, especially as women often face additional societal pressure regarding family responsibilities. Furthermore, it’s essential to create safe spaces where women can share experiences and learn from each other.
What is your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement completing a certification in one of the leading Microsoft technologies.
How do you see the future for women in tech in India?
The future looks promising for women in tech in India. There is a growing recognition of the need for diversity in the workplace, and more companies are creating opportunities for women to thrive in technical roles. Initiatives like coding boot camps, scholarships, and female-focused tech communities are helping women enter and stay in the tech industry. While there’s still a long way to go in terms of equal representation, I believe the momentum is moving in the right direction, and we’re seeing more women rise to leadership positions.
What changes would you like to see in the industry?
I would like to see a culture shift toward greater inclusivity. While we’ve made progress, women are still underrepresented in leadership roles and technical positions. Companies need to focus on retaining women by providing more opportunities for career advancement, creating supportive work environments, and promoting a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, I’d like to see more initiatives aimed at encouraging young girls to pursue STEM subjects, so the pipeline of women in tech continues to grow. Ultimately, a shift in mindset towards inclusivity will ensure a more diverse, innovative, and successful tech industry.
Sian Jamieson
Partner Alliance Executive
I tend to be an over-thinker and a worrier, often finding comfort in my routine. However, a colleague once encouraged me to consider why I wasn’t challenging myself more in my role. Initially, I viewed “challenging” as a negative concept, which made self-evaluation uncomfortable. They reminded me that pushing my boundaries is essential to realising my full potential. This prompted me to recognise the need to stop doubting my abilities and to take small steps outside my comfort zone—I wouldn’t know my limits unless I tried!
It’s natural to avoid challenges out of fear, and for me, the prospect of failure has always been daunting. Yet, I’ve learned that facing challenges can lead to significant achievements, whether in physical or educational pursuits. Surprising myself with accomplishments I once thought impossible has been incredibly rewarding. The encouragement I receive at Coeo to ‘ask questions, because silly questions don’t exist here’ has significantly boosted my confidence and helped me embrace challenges!
Ooha Injeti
Power Bi Developer
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I feel compelled to recognise all the incredible women who juggle so many roles, especially our super moms.
Take my mom as an example. She is a working woman, and after a long day at work, she comes home and seamlessly takes on the role of managing the household, caring for us, and making sure everything runs smoothly. Despite this, there are still some who believe that women should stay at home and only focus on housework, underestimating all the effort and multitasking that goes into it.
What many don’t realise is that moms often take on the mental load, managing not just the physical tasks but also the emotional and psychological well-being of the entire family. The emotional labor and problem-solving they do behind the scenes is something that deserves far more recognition.
I strongly believe that for women like my mom, managing both professional and personal life is no easy feat. As a working professional, I can honestly say that balancing work and home life is far more challenging than many realise. Women who look after the home 24/7 are the true champions. Their contributions are priceless and deserve to be celebrated every day.
My mom has always been an inspiration to me, and I strive to handle both my career and personal life with the same grace, strength, and commitment that she does.
So here’s to every woman who is holding it all together, whether in the workplace, at home, or both. You are seen, you are appreciated, and you are amazing.
Proud to be the daughter of such a superwoman.
Nicole Galvin
Senior Client Manager
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career journey that shaped who you are today?
One of the most defining moments in my career journey took place during my time at Pythian. I joined the company as a New Business Manager, stepping into an industry that was entirely new to me. Consulting was an unknown beast, but it didn’t take long for me to realise that I had found a space that was both exciting and dynamic, perfectly aligning with my style.
The initial phase was challenging, as I had to upskill myself in every conceivable area. I asked a million questions and sought out the right mentors who could help me develop my craft. This period of intense learning and growth was crucial in shaping my professional identity.
After a couple of years of hard work and dedication, I was promoted to Director of Sales and Account Management for the UK. This promotion was particularly significant as it made me the youngest and only female Sales Director in the company. I was extremely proud to reach this achievement, and it taught me a valuable lesson: regardless of the obstacles in front of me, with persistence, a thick skin, and a positive attitude, I could continue to grow my career into something truly amazing.
This experience at Pythian not only honed my skills but also instilled in me a sense of resilience and determination. It reinforced the belief that with the right mindset and support, one can overcome any challenge and achieve remarkable success.
What advice would you give to young women starting their careers today?
My advice to young women starting their careers today is to be the change that you want to see. If you feel that more collaboration is needed for your team to be successful, then start initiating that. If you believe your team needs to have a stronger presence in internal meetings, start speaking up. Taking the first step can be daunting, but it’s essential to lead by example.
Once you start to see the positive outcomes of the changes you are making, communicate it back to your team by sharing your experiences. It’s easy to give feedback, but taking action and making change requires a lot more effort. However, if you lead from the front, regardless of your job title, you’ll find that others are less resistant to your ideas. Your manager will appreciate the insights from the front line, and you’ll become known for presenting solutions, not problems.
Remember, leadership isn’t about a title; it’s about action. By demonstrating initiative and a willingness to improve your team’s dynamics, you’ll inspire others to follow suit. This proactive approach not only enhances your team’s performance but also establishes you as a valuable and influential member of your organization. This is something you can proactively work towards from day one or your career.