In the ever-evolving landscape of digital technology, Allegra has carved out a niche for herself in a field often characterised by a significant gender imbalance. A 33-year-old Italian chemical engineer turned digital product manager, her story is one of resilience, introspection, and passion—a journey marked by the challenges and triumphs of being a female in a traditionally male-dominated arena.
The Only Woman At The Table
Allegra’s professional journey began in the realm of engineering, a domain where female voices are scarce, often among predominantly male colleagues. Throughout her career, Allegra has frequently found herself as the sole woman at the table, an experience that has both tested and strengthened her resilience. She reflects on these experiences with a sense of recognition for her inner strength, aware of the complexities these dynamics introduce. “I know where my strengths are,” she asserts, underscoring her determination to maximise her abilities and make her mark in spite of the odds.
Finding Advantage in Disadvantage
Sometimes, Alessa admits, being under-estimated creates the possibility of leveraging perceived disadvantages to her benefit. “When I do good things, they’re like, ‘Oh, wow, she can do that,’” she remarks with a blend of irony and realism. This duality captures the essence of navigating spaces where women are underrepresented—transforming prejudice into platforms for proving capabilities beyond doubt.
Yet, Allegra’s journey is not without its frustrations. She has had moments where her gender has seemingly excluded her from opportunities, recalling times early in her career when perceptions overshadowed merits. “I remember getting ready for a client meeting in India only to be told they needed an ‘older man with white hair’. It was bizarre,” she shares, highlighting an all-too-common experience of women in business. Through these experiences, Allegra has grown from accepting societal perceptions to challenging them.
The Confidence to Challenge
Today, rather than stepping quietly aside, she counters outdated views with confidence and a touch of humour, questioning those who question her, from the comments on her wardrobe choices to the undercurrents of exclusion that linger in boardrooms. Allegra’s reflections extend beyond her personal journey, considering how embracing differences could reshape industry cultures altogether. She wonders if true impartiality is achievable and whether being aware of diversity or being blind to it serves better in leadership. She argues for a balanced view—recognising that diversity enriches team dynamics and drives innovation.
Fun as a Career Prerogative
Despite the hurdles, Allegra’s spirit shines through, an embodiment of her belief in the power of fun and enjoyment as essential ingredients in her professional life. For Allegra, the road ahead is about seeking further growth and nurturing potential. She yearns for mentorship and guidance that align with her dynamic aspirations, understanding that to maintain joy in work, her next steps must allow for fun and creativity.
In Allegra’s journey, we find both a reflection and an inspiration—a candid portrayal of a woman’s experience in the male-dominated spheres of engineering and digital technology. It’s a tale of resilience, courage, and the unwavering pursuit of driving change from within.