Today, I am excited to share the incredible journey of Upward—a venture that started just two years ago and has already grown into a million-dollar business. With a strong mission to foster inclusivity and support companies in hiring women engineers, Upward is making a significant impact in narrowing the gender gap in the tech industry, one placement at a time.
My Upward Journey:
After studying software engineering, I moved to Silicon Valley and spent a decade leading engineering teams. However, throughout my career, I often found myself exhausted and frustrated by being the only woman in the room. This experience motivated me to take action and create a platform that would empower women in tech.
Founding Upward:
Driven by my passion for creating a more inclusive tech industry, I embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure and founded Upward. Building upon my previous success in establishing an engineering team with 55% women engineers at Mindbody, I was determined to bridge the gap between companies and underrepresented tech talent.
Overcoming Challenges:
Building Upward from the ground up presented its fair share of challenges. As a single mother and a business owner, balancing the complexities of managing both responsibilities was no easy task. However, these experiences only fueled my determination to create a supportive platform for women engineers and professionals to thrive.
The Power of a Strong Mission:
At the core of Upward's growth lies our unwavering commitment to our mission of making the tech industry more inclusive. By aligning every aspect of our business with this central purpose, we attracted companies that shared our vision and were dedicated to driving positive change. Through our platform, we provided organizations with access to exceptional women engineers and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds.
The Value of Diversity:
The success of Upward serves as a testament to the value that diverse teams bring to the table. By showcasing the unique skills, perspectives, and experiences of women engineers and professionals, we shattered the glass ceiling and created new opportunities for growth and innovation in the tech industry.
Looking Ahead:
As Upward continues to thrive, our journey is far from over. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering talented individuals to reach their full potential. We firmly believe that true progress comes from creating a culture of support, where everyone has an equal chance to contribute and succeed.
Upward's journey is a testament to the power of a strong mission, resilience, and the transformative potential of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. By sharing my story and founding Upward, I am not only following my passion for advancing women in tech but also building an environment that is inclusive and supportive of underrepresented professionals.
Let's embark on this remarkable journey together and continue to shape a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Together, we can make a lasting impact and create equal opportunities for all to thrive in the world of technology.
Mariane Bekker is a passionate advocate for women in tech, an angel investor, and the founder & CEO of Upward, a premier boutique recruitment agency connecting companies with exceptional diverse tech talent. With over a decade of experience building diverse engineering teams at leading startups, she’s navigated the intricacies of the startup landscape and understands the unique needs and aspirations of founders. Follow her LinkedIn for insights, industry trends, and valuable resources about Startups, Tech, and Diversity.
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