A Q&A with Pavithra Shetty for International Women's Day

An International Women’s Day Q&A with Pavithra Shetty, Power BI Developer at MPowerUp

To mark International Women's Day and this year’s theme, Give to Gain, we are sharing Pavi’s story and perspective on building a career in technology and data. 

Pavi is part of a generation shaping the future of STEM. In this Q & A, she reflects on her path into data, the realities of working in technical teams and what meaningful progress for women in tech could look like over the next five years. Her perspective is honest, forward focused and rooted in lived experience, offering insight for those at the beginning of their careers as well as for leaders shaping the environments in which they develop. 

What first drew you to tech as a career?

It was not a fixed plan. My career in technology emerged naturally from my strengths and interests as I progressed through education.

I have always enjoyed logical thinking and structured problem solving. I studied BTech in Computer Engineering in India and later completed an MSc in Data and Decision Analytics at the University of Southampton. During that journey I realised that while I found coding interesting, it was not where I felt most energised long term. Data, however, felt like the right fit. It combines intellectual challenge with creativity and practical problem solving. It allows you to think analytically while also shaping insight and direction.

I attended all-female educational institutions throughout school, college and university in India. Learning in that environment meant there was never a narrative around whether women should pursue STEM subjects or concerns about underrepresentation in my educational setting. Women were consistently modelled as leaders. Capability was never framed through gender. We were taught that women are intelligent, focused and capable of leading in any field.

Because of that, I never questioned whether I should be in technology. I never asked myself if I belonged. I was interested in the possibilities the field offered, not whether it was male dominated. That foundation gave me confidence before I even realised how valuable that confidence would be.

What has your experience been like working in technical teams?

My experience has been varied and positive. I have worked in on site, fully remote and hybrid environments, each with different team structures and dynamics. What has remained consistent is the intellectual stimulation.

Technology is a field where you are constantly learning. There is always a new problem, a new perspective or a new way of thinking. I enjoy the challenge of solving complex issues and the process of exploring different routes to a solution. One of the most important lessons I have learned is that there are no true dead ends. With the right support and collaboration, there is always a way forward.

Mentorship and community have played a significant role in my development. I have been supported by both male and female leaders and I have felt equally encouraged by both. I have also benefited from women in data communities who openly share knowledge and create space for discussion and growth.

There is still a perception that tech is a “male” profession. What would you say to that? 

Representation wise, I recognise that many technical teams remain male heavy. In the area I specialise in, data, I have found that stereotypes feel less entrenched than in some more traditional technical disciplines.

In my experience, I have been valued for my abilities rather than my gender. The core attributes required in data are logic, creativity and resilience. None of these qualities belong to one gender. They are human capabilities. When we focus on skill sets and impact rather than assumptions, the perception begins to shift naturally.

At the same time, I am aware that women are still underrepresented in the field overall and that continued progress matters.

Some women describe tech as “tough but worth it.” Does that resonate with you? 

Yes, it does, with nuance.

Technology can be demanding and cognitively intense. There are moments when problem solving feels draining. It requires persistence and a certain robustness to continue refining solutions when the answer is not immediately visible.

There is also the challenge of visibility. Often, non-technical stakeholders only see the final product, not the hours of exploration and iteration behind it. The effort that goes into building a robust solution is not always obvious.

However, that is also why it is so worth it. When something works, when a solution delivers value, when insight drives better decision making, the sense of satisfaction is significant. You can see the tangible result of your effort and you grow with every challenge. It is a field of continuous learning,  it is embedded in the work.

For me, that combination of challenge and reward is deeply motivating.

“You can’t be what you can’t see.” What does that mean to you? 

I strongly agree with that principle. Representation matters.

Personally, I was fortunate. I grew up in an all-female educational environment and I consistently saw women in leadership positions. I saw women excelling in STEM subjects. I saw women presented as capable and ambitious. That visibility meant I entered my career without questioning my place.

Not everyone has that experience. When you see people who look like you leading, influencing and succeeding, it changes what feels realistic. It shapes your ambition.

What does the tech industry need to give in order to gain real parity?

The industry needs to continue increasing the visibility of women across data, software development and the wider technology landscape. Representation in schools is particularly important. There are so many pathways within this sector and greater awareness would allow more women and girls to see technology as an exciting, viable and impactful career option.

I believe mentorship and sponsorship are such an important part, of what the tech industry can give. I have benefited from female and male allies who supported my growth and valued my contribution. The industry needs to keep actively challenging unconscious bias whilst maintaining a culture that allows people the opportunity to share ideas and make mistakes. 

When the industry gives visibility, mentorship and psychological safety, it gains broader thinking, more innovative problem solving and stronger retention. It gains women who not only enter the field but stay, progress and lead.

What would you say to a woman considering software development but unsure she belongs? 

I would say, “ Attagirl. You got this!”

Do not let being in the minority discount what could be an interesting and rewarding career. If you are there, you belong. That is enough.

Skills can be developed. Confidence is built through action. You do the work or solve the problem. The works gets done. Then you realise you did it. Confidence grows from evidence, not from waiting to feel ready.

There are supportive networks available. Many women in technology actively share their experiences and encourage others. You are not alone, even if at times you feel outnumbered.

One of the best things about this industry is that you can be yourself. Established ways of working are starting points, not restrictions. Ultimately, technology is about solutions. If you can help create them, you are valued.

Five years from now, what does meaningful progress look like for Women in technology? 

It looks like more women entering and staying in the industry. I hope to see more women taking up space at every level, including senior leadership and entrepreneurship. An industry where unconscious bias being recognised and actively dismantled. I’d like to see a future where more leadership teams reflect the diversity of the talent pool.

Beyond the workplace, I’d like to see greater progression in schools from a careers perspective, with parents feeling confident discussing careers in tech because they understand the opportunities, particularly for girls and young women.

Closing reflections

There is space for women at every level in this industry. When we give visibility, support and encouragement, we gain stronger teams, better solutions and more confident leaders. And when you can see what is possible, it becomes much easier to believe you can achieve it.