International Day of Women & Girls in STEM

In the spirit of the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM, we sat down with Lisa Ni (System Support Manager), Sadaf Asadollahi (Developer) and Elham Veisouei (Developer), three of our amazing team members to ask them how they decided to build a career in science and technology, what motivates them and what advice they have for the next generation.

What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM, and who were your role models growing up?

EV: My passion for STEM began with a love for math—the logic, problem-solving, and structure always fascinated me. Over time, that passion evolved into an interest in technology and software development, where I saw the same principles come to life in a dynamic and creative way. I found inspiration in pioneers like Ada Lovelace, who laid the foundation for programming, and Grace Hopper, whose work revolutionized computing. But more than anyone, my husband played a pivotal role—always encouraging my curiosity, challenging my thinking, and pushing me to grow. Becoming a developer allowed me to combine my analytical mindset with the excitement of building and innovating in the tech world.

LN: As a child, I spent my summers with my grandparents, and my grandfather would challenge me with elementary-level Olympiad math problems. It became a fun summer tradition—solving puzzles together, debating strategies, and pushing the limits of my problem-solving skills. He always encouraged me to think outside the box and approach challenges with curiosity rather than intimidation. That early exposure made me realize how much I enjoyed tackling complex problems, which naturally led me toward STEM.

SA: Honestly, it wasn’t anything crazy; just curiosity! I kept wondering how all the websites and apps we use every day were built. So, I started reading about it, tinkering with code, and when I saw that first ‘Hello World!’ on the screen, it just felt so cool and I wanted to keep going!

Do you have any hidden talents or hobbies that might surprise people?

EV: I have a few hobbies that might surprise people. I love solving puzzles, especially jigsaws—they challenge my patience and problem-solving skills, much like coding. Writing is another passion of mine; it’s my creative escape from the structured world of programming. As for a hidden talent, I have a knack for recreating dishes just by tasting them—no recipe needed! Cooking, like coding, is a mix of intuition, experimentation, and getting the details just right. These interests may seem different, but they all reflect my love for patterns, creativity, and problem-solving.

LN: I have a talent for finding the best deals online—whether it’s online shopping, cruise packages, or flight deals. I enjoy the thrill of researching, price-matching, and figuring out the most cost-effective way to get something. My friends often joke that I should start a blog with all my deal-finding tips.

SA: I don’t know about hidden talents, but I love reading and baking! Picture this: you’ve just put your goodies, made with love, into the oven. The smell starts filling the room, and you get all cozy with a book. My little slice of heaven! Haha.

What advice would you give to young girls and women interested in pursuing STEM careers?

EV: To young girls and women in STEM—stay curious, ask bold questions, and don’t let self-doubt hold you back. You don’t need all the answers; just the drive to learn and adapt. STEM is about problem-solving, creativity, and resilience. Find mentors, build a support system, and see setbacks as stepping stones, not roadblocks. Most importantly, take up space—own your talent, your ambition, and your place in this field.

LN: There are many paths you can take in STEM; you might start in one area and end up somewhere completely different and that is ok! Try new things and don’t be afraid to change directions if something else sparks your interest. 

SA: Ask questions and make mistakes! It’s how you grow. Everyone starts somewhere, and every mistake is a chance to learn something new. Keep exploring and have fun with it.

What was your favourite subject in school and why?

EV: I’ve always loved math—it just made sense to me. There was something satisfying about solving a problem and knowing there was a right answer. It taught me to think logically and break things down, which is exactly what I do as a developer. But I also had a soft spot for literature. I enjoyed how it let me explore different perspectives and express ideas in a way numbers couldn’t. In a way, both subjects balanced each other—math sharpened my logic, and literature gave me a creative edge.

LN: Math, specifically combinatorial optimization—it’s the study of how to make the best choices in complex situations. I love efficiency, and this field felt like solving a giant puzzle where you balance constraints, trade-offs, and strategy to find the best possible outcome. This passion extends beyond academics—I apply the same mindset when organizing work, planning daily routines, or even making online purchases!

SA: Math! Give me rules, logic, and numbers, and I’m hooked.

What do you think are the most exciting developments in your field right now?

EV: Tech is evolving fast, and that’s what makes it exciting. AI is changing how we code, debug, and automate tasks, making development faster and smarter. Low-code and no-code platforms are also opening doors for more people to build software. At the same time, cybersecurity is more crucial than ever, as AI is making both innovation and hacking easier. The constant change keeps things interesting and being in this field means always learning and adapting—which is exactly why I love it.

LN: Prime numbers have been studied for centuries, yet they continue to reveal new surprises. The latest record-breaker (2024), stretching over 41 million digits, is proof that math is far from finished—there are still undiscovered giants hiding in the infinite. Every breakthrough isn’t just about numbers; it’s a step deeper into the unknown.

Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

EV: Every time a project is completed, I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. Being part of a team, solving challenges, and seeing our work come together is always rewarding. It’s not about doing the impossible—it’s about continuous learning, improving, and contributing to something meaningful. Each project brings new experiences, and that’s what keeps me excited about what I do.

LN: My team has grown significantly over the years, but I still hold the record for the most support calls resolved to date, with a total of 7700+ calls and counting.

SA: Can I just say solving bugs without AI’s help? Haha! That moment when everything finally works? Pure magic, and totally worth the headache!

What’s one piece of advice you would give to the next generation of women entering STEM?

EV: Trust yourself and follow your dreams—every success starts with believing in them. Doubt and imposter syndrome may come, but don’t let them hold you back. Take on challenges, speak up, and never be afraid to make mistakes—they’re just steps toward growth. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, seek out mentors, and remember that your voice matters. STEM needs diverse minds, and your dreams are worth pursuing.

LN: There will be moments when you feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or face setbacks. The key is to remember that you’re not alone. Having a strong support system—whether it’s mentors, peers, or colleagues—makes a huge difference. Find mentors who can offer guidance, and don’t hesitate to pay that forward by helping others.

SA: Don’t underestimate yourself or downplay your achievements. You’re capable of amazing things, and you’ve totally got this!

What do you believe are the most important skills for success in your field?

EV: Success in tech isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about problem-solving, adaptability, and communication. Technology is always evolving, so staying curious and open to learning is key. Being able to explain ideas clearly and collaborate with others makes a huge difference. And most importantly, resilience matters—challenges will come, but pushing through is what leads to growth.

LN: Resilience – STEM careers come with trial and error, setbacks, and problem-solving under pressure. The ability to push through challenges is crucial. And communication – being able to explain complex concepts in a way that different audiences understand (whether it’s clients, teammates, or executives) is a game-changer.

SA: Problem-solving, critical thinking, and a whole lot of patience! (Trust me, you’ll need it when debugging).

How do you see the future of STEM evolving, particularly for women and underrepresented groups?

EV: STEM is evolving, and real change is happening. More women and underrepresented groups are entering the field, not just as participants but as leaders, innovators, and decision-makers. Companies are realizing that diversity isn’t just a checkbox—it’s essential for better ideas and solutions. Access to education, mentorship, and opportunities is improving, but the biggest shift is in mindset. More young girls are seeing role models in STEM, more voices are being heard, and more barriers are being broken. The future is changing because the people shaping it are.

LN: STEM has made progress in diversity, but there’s still work to be done. More organizations are recognizing the need for inclusive hiring, mentorship programs, and supportive work environments. As more women and underrepresented groups enter the field, we’ll continue to see fresh perspectives, stronger innovation, and a more collaborative STEM landscape.

SA: The future of STEM is looking more diverse, with more women joining the field. It’s exciting to see the change and all the potential it brings!