Community Member Spotlight
Building Confidence and Community: Our Experience with She Loves Data
In today’s tech industry, women often face unique challenges. At “She Loves Data,” we empower women through community, mentorship, and skill-building. In this post, we feature an interview with two of our community members, Khad Sanari, Analyst and Shad Sanari, Project Manager, who share how our programs have transformed their confidence and career paths. Discover their inspiring journeys and the impact of “She Loves Data” on their professional growth.
Interview with Khad and Shad Sanari, Community Members based in Singapore
We are Khad and Shad, a pair of identical twin sisters from Singapore. After establishing our careers in the financial services industry, we made a significant pivot into the world of data analytics. Recently we embarkedembark upon a short career break to enhance our technical skills whilst taking the opportunity to travel to some of the most exciting places.
As avid photographers and video editors during our downtime, we find creative expression in capturing and crafting visual stories from our travel adventures and sharing it with our close friends and family. Outside of our work, we like to keep active by playing netball once a week.
Through our story, we aim to inspire women who have stepped away from traditional corporate careers, regardless of the reasons for their decisions. Our journey demonstrates that one should never be afraid to return and pursue meaningful work that aligns with their evolving aspirations and values.”
Q1) How did you first hear about She Loves Data?
We learned about SLD through an event, “The Impact of a Mentoring Culture,” held at the Visa Singapore office last October 2023. The event also marked SLD’s 7th anniversary. Since then, we have followed SLD on a professional networking platform to ensure we are kept abreast of any events which can participate in and expand our network.
Q2) What motivated you to start participating in our programs/events?
As women pursuing a career in data analytics, we were eager to get more involved in the local tech community. We had heard great things about the SLD initiative and were excited by the opportunity to connect with other women who shared similar interests. Our primary motivation is to enhance our skills, expand our professional network, and gain insights from more experienced practitioners.
Q3) Can you describe your experience with these programs?
Our experience with the SLD programs has been incredibly valuable. The workshops and events have provided us with a supportive, collaborative environment to learn new data analysis techniques, deepen our understanding of emerging technologies, and sharpen our presentation skills. We have especially enjoyed the panel sessions, where we have been able to receive advice from women who have successful data careers. It’s been empowering to be part of a community that celebrates and uplifts women in data.
Q4) What were some of the most valuable skills or knowledge you gained from our workshops?
The workshops we have attended have really helped strengthen our understanding of data as a critical asset in the modern digital landscape. It is a powerful tool to drive business decisions and improve operations.
It also provided us with a solid foundation in the core concepts, tools, and best practices essential for building and maintaining robust data engineering systems. These skills would be valuable for a career in data engineering or for anyone working with data in an organizational context.
Q5) How have the skills and knowledge you gained from SLD influenced your career?
Participating in the SLD programs has had a direct, positive impact on our career trajectory. The technical skills that we have gained will allow us to tackle more complex projects at work. But just as importantly, the confidence and sense of community we have gained have inspired us to be more proactive about taking on leadership roles and new challenges. We feel better equipped to navigate the male-dominated tech industry as women.
Q6) Have you noticed any changes in your confidence or approach to work since completing our programs? Did SLD help you address any specific obstacles or barriers in your career?
Before getting involved, we sometimes struggled with imposter syndrome and would hesitate to speak up in meetings or social settings. Now, we feel much more self-assured in our abilities in public speaking. We are more willing to voice our ideas, knowing that we have a strong support network behind us. The programs have profoundly impacted our level of confidence. The network of women we’ve connected with has provided us with mentors, collaborators, and cheerleaders. We can reach out to other members for advice, job leads, or moral support when facing challenges. We’ve gained a profound sense of belonging and camaraderie that makes us feel empowered as a woman in tech.
Q7) How important do you think networking and community are for women in data-related fields?
We firmly believe that networking and community are essential for women in data-related fields. The tech industry can still be quite male-dominated and insular, so having a strong support system of other women is critical. Networking helps us discover job openings, business partnerships, and mentorship opportunities. Being part of a community provides a sense of belonging, validation, and accountability.
Q8) Have you made any lasting connections or friendships through our program?
It’s early days yet as the program is usually online but through the in-person event we are always excited to meet Jana in person. She has been absolutely warm and authentic towards us. We never miss capturing a group photo or a selfie every time we meet!
Jana Marle-Zizkova (Co-Founder She Loves Data) with Khad and Shad at event in Singapore – The AI Mindset: How to Prepare for an AI-Fueled Future, May 2024
Q9) What are your future goals and aspirations in the field of data?
Our long-term goal is to continue growing as a data leader and innovator, driving positive change within our organization and the broader industry. We aspire to one day take on a leadership or management role. We are passionate about using data to address social and environmental challenges. We’d love to explore opportunities to apply our data science skills towards improving the environment and climate-related issues.
Q10) What advice would you give to someone considering joining SLD?
Our advice to anyone considering joining the SLD community would be to take the leap and get involved! These programs offer an unparalleled opportunity to build both your technical skills and your professional confidence as a woman in data. Even if you’re just starting out in your career, we encourage you to participate with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Beyond the skills development, being part of this supportive community can be truly transformative. You’ll gain a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and empowerment that will serve you well throughout your data journey.
Q11) Do you have any closing thoughts or messages for the She Loves Data community or to the organizers and volunteers who make these programs possible?
We’d like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to the SLD community and the incredible volunteers who make these programs possible. Your tireless efforts to create such a welcoming, empowering, and enriching space for women in data have had a profound impact on our professional and personal growth. The knowledge, skills, and confidence we’ve gained through our involvement have been invaluable. What we value most is the sense of belonging and sisterhood that SLD has fostered. The camaraderie, mentorship, and mutual support we’ve experienced have been truly transformative.
To the organizers and volunteers – your passion, dedication, and vision for empowering women in data are truly inspirational. Your work is making a real difference in the lives of so many.