Exactly one year ago, the DataRobot Belong Community Women@DR was established to bring together women and allies at DataRobot for support, networking, encouragement, resources, and community. Over this year, we’ve celebrated successes and accomplishments, created safe environments to support each other through difficulties, and created both space for vulnerability and a sounding board for ideas and action.
We developed a mission to serve our community thoughtfully.
Women@DR seeks to create, promote and expand an inclusive culture that connects, educates and advances the needs, professional goals, and aspirations of our community of female-identifying members and allies.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month in March and International Women’s Day on March 8th, we look to our community of strong, resilient, and skillful leaders to set the tone. In our February 2023 global company kick off, five women were celebrated as DataRobot AI Legends. They were honored as the embodiment of DataRobot values and success.
We caught up with these trailblazers and asked them questions that might inspire others to become legendary.
Gillian Cheng, AI Success Director
How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?
It has been quite a journey of personal growth for me. I used to, and sometimes still do, struggle with Imposter Syndrome. The book Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg has been a game changer for me. I have read it at least three times. Building confidence starts from myself. I had to start believing in my own abilities and stop fearing challenges that might appear bigger than they seem. I also had to learn to sit at the table and be brave enough to share my opinion. Usually, the obstacles that women face come from within, and we need to learn to overcome that. It doesn’t always come easy. I’m still learning every single day but it can be done!
What advice would you give a female identifying person who is just starting their career?
GO GET IT, GIRL! Believe in yourself. You are better than you think you are. Take on any opportunities that come your way, even if you don’t believe that you are up for it. Actively seek mentors who can guide you to overcome your internal struggles. Keep an open mind. Your career is a jungle gym, not a ladder.
Erin Hoff, Director, Enterprise Applications
How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?
Every year, I give myself more grace to understand that I will make mistakes. Respecting the voices of those around me and trusting my own instincts helps me learn from those mistakes, pivot quickly to course correct projects and make different decisions next time.
What advice would you give a female identifying person who is just starting their career?
Do not be afraid to stand out and fight for your ideas to be heard. Learn from and own up to your mistakes.
Nicole LeBlanc, Director, Partner Marketing
How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?
Always be curious to learn more, to develop new skills, and to try new things. Some ideas worked well, others not so much, but learning and always continuing to try has been key. Building a good brand of being a trusted advisor and known for always getting a job done well has also helped me along my career journey.
What advice would you give a female identifying person who is just starting their career?
One of the most important things in my career has been my network of people, both men and women. These people have had a significant impact on my career throughout my various roles. Some have been mentors, some have been confidants, some are good friends that I can turn to for advice and support. Having people to support and guide you along your journey is a key factor in your success. And then later on, once you are established in your career, reciprocate by being there for others as a mentor, confidant and friend as they start their careers.
Lauren Sanborn, Director, Analyst Relations and Customer Advocacy
How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?
A strong support system has made all the difference in building confidence and resiliency—both on a professional and personal level. I’ve been fortunate to have incredible examples of strong leaders in my life and continue to meet women that inspire me to take on new challenges.
What advice would you give a female identifying person who is just starting their career?
I’d say to never give up. There will be times where your voice is overshadowed. That’s a harsh reality. Keep trying and keep pushing. No one can take away your education, the quality of your work, or your work ethic. Always remember to advocate for yourself.
Jillian Schwiep, Director, Product Experience
How have you built confidence and/or resiliency over the course of your career?
Recognize your strengths and tell everyone around you what you’re working on. Specifically, write down the kind things people tell you at work or in the rest of your life. Every time you write a new line down, you’ll be forced to accidentally see the last few nice things someone told you, and you’ll remember your own strengths. For item two, if you tell everyone what your weaknesses are, you have nothing to fear in being exposed, and most people will try to help you work on whatever you need to work on.
What advice would you give a female identifying person who is just starting their career?
Find your mentors and advocates (men or women) and seek work with people who will challenge you but make you feel at ease being yourself.
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion at DataRobot
As we continue to make strides in diversity and inclusion, the commitment to our DataRobot community is to cultivate a culture of authenticity, trust, and belonging through our core values: Be You, Dream Big, Better Together, Champion Customers, and Be Data-Driven. Learn more about DataRobot.
About the author
Marketing Operations Project Manager at DataRobot
Teresa Gearin is the operations project manager for Marketing at DataRobot. She also leads the DEIB initiative by coordinating and bringing together all Employee Resource Communities, communications, events, and strategies for Belong. Teresa has worked in the DEI space for several years prior to coming to DataRobot, launching her previous company’s DEI program and supporting large non-profit efforts. DEI is especially important to her as she continues the legacy of her great-uncle, civil rights leader, Cesar Chavez. Outside of work she enjoys the warm weather in Mesa, Arizona with her husband and 2 children.
