I am a software engineer with a passion for finding technical solutions to daily problems, programming and friendly competitions.
My journey into the tech industry was driven by curiosity and a love for problem-solving as well as a desire to learn, experiment, and build meaningful tech solutions.
Can you share your journey into the tech industry and what inspired you to pursue a career in software engineering?
I have always had a wide range of interests, but technology was always something that captivated me, from websites to mobile apps to robotics and automation. My journey into the tech industry began with a curiosity about how to make my life easier with automating daily tasks, as well as tracking habits digitally, and a general curiosity about how things work. This interest gradually turned into a passion for problem-solving, for which I established an academic foundation by completing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences.
Realising I wanted to deepen my knowledge and explore more advanced concepts, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of St. Gallen, which was made particularly interesting by the fact that I was part of the very first cohort of students in this newly established program. I was excited about the opportunity to help shape and contribute ideas to a brand new program, which also included a lot of possibilities for innovation and collaboration, something I find to be extremely important in the tech industry, and something which furthers my passion for the tech field.
To me, software engineering is a fascinating blend of continuous learning, analysing and solving complex problems, and being part of a constantly evolving industry. So, after I finished my degree I decided that rather than continuing in Academia, I would like to enter into the workforce in the tech sector and that is how I ended up at Zühlke Engineering AG.
What motivated you to participate in #herHACK 20.24, and could you tell us about your experience at the hackathon?
#herHACK is a female-led hackathon in Switzerland, dedicated to empowering women and underrepresented groups in tech through collaboration, innovation, and community-building. Over an intensive 2-days event in November 2024, small teams came together to brainstorm ideas, build prototypes, and present creative solutions to the real-world challenges aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while addressing the gender gap and talent shortage in the technology sector.
I have previously taken part in several hackathons with close friends from university, and have always kept my eye out for new events I could take part in. When I found out about #herHACK, the focus this hackathon puts on emphasising women’s participation and sustainability really stood out to me. My personal experience from previous hackathons has been quite standard for the tech sector, where there are a lot of friendly faces, but not a lot of women or girls. The promise of a different atmosphere and a chance to make new connections and collaborate with other women in the same industry convinced me to put together a team of like-minded and driven women at my workplace, most of whom I hadn’t had a chance to work closely with before.
Participating in #herHACK was both exciting and challenging at the same time. Each of us had to be able to step out of our comfort zones and contribute in areas that we typically staff with specific expert profiles in our client projects. The hackathon provided us with a rare platform and opportunity to try this out in a new, risk-free environment and gain valuable experiences. I also really appreciated that the challenges set up for the event addressed current and relevant topics such as children’s exposure to fake news, gender inequality in media reporting, and sustainability in IT. It was impressive to see what creative solutions other groups came up with to solve these problems in the final presentations.
How did participating in #herHACK 20.24 impact your perspective on teamwork, communication, and the importance of women in tech?
Since this was my first time participating in an all-woman team at a hackathon, it gave me a fresh perspective on how teams with diverse backgrounds can bring unique energy and creativity, and an altogether fresh approach to problem-solving. What stood out to me was how open and collaborative the atmosphere was from the get-go. There was a strong sense of mutual support, and everyone felt encouraged to share their ideas and inputs, even outside their usual areas of expertise. This openness made communication more fluid and fostered a sense of psychological safety that is often talked about but not always achieved in technical environments.
The hackathon also reinforced the importance of visibility and representation of women in tech. It was empowering to be surrounded by so many talented women working towards common goals, and it made me reflect on how crucial it is to create spaces where women can lead, innovate, and grow together. It wasn’t just about the solutions we built, it was about building confidence, networks, and a sense of belonging in an industry where women are still underrepresented.
As a software engineer at Zühlke, how do you see your role contributing to fostering inclusivity and supporting other women in tech?
I believe representation matters, and as a female software engineer at Zühlke, I see my role as one not only to contribute technically, but also to help shape a more inclusive and supportive tech environment. Being visible in a technical role may already challenge outdated stereotypes, but I further believe in trying to become a role model to the best of my abilities for women in tech and brushing off old ideals, whether in code reviews, meetings or even just chats by the coffee machine. But beyond that, I believe in actively creating space for others to grow, starting by creating safe environments where all voices are heard, where people feel encouraged to ask questions, take up space, and move past the self-doubt that often comes with working as a minority in one‘s field.
I’m especially passionate about encouraging people to push through challenges like imposter syndrome, fear of speaking up, or navigating an environment where one feels under-represented. Sometimes, just knowing someone’s in your corner can make a real difference, and I try to be that person to whomever needs the support by being open, approachable and honest about the struggles we all face. Whether it’s through mentoring, peer support, or facilitating conversations around diversity and inclusion, I want to help build teams where everyone feels safe, heard, and motivated to reach their potential.
What advice would you give to aspiring female software engineers who are looking to participate in hackathons or similar tech events?
The value of the experience you stand to gain by attending these kinds of events, no matter your level of knowledge and skills, is immense and there is always something to take away. These events are perfect to form new connections as networking comes quite naturally since you already share at least one common interest, and speaking to coaches/hosts or chatting with other participants during sessions or coffee breaks is always welcomed throughout the event.
Keep learning and stay creative. Hackathons are not just about competing. They are incredible opportunities to challenge yourself, explore new technologies, and test your ideas in a low-risk environment. Every event is a chance to learn something new, whether it’s a coding technique, a new framework, taking the time to try out a new programming language or simply figuring out how to manage time under pressure.
Embrace the process, ask questions and for help or guidance and experiment with unconventional solutions. Don’t be afraid to fail, as that’s often where the best learning happens. Most importantly, bring your authentic self to the table and trust that your perspective is valuable. Your creativity and curiosity are just as important as your technical skills. Simply put: Just Do It.
In your opinion, how can organizations like Zühlke and initiatives like SheCanCode further promote diversity and empower women in the tech industry?
I believe creating environments that offer equal access to opportunities and fostering a culture of belonging and where everyone’s input is valued are the most effective ways to nurture diversity. Organisations play a crucial role in this by supporting initiatives that focus on mentorship, visibility, and education, not just for women in tech, but for anyone who may not fit the conventional image of a “tech person”.
To me, a very important part of advocating for diversity and inclusion is doing so in a way that avoids tokenism. Including or highlighting individuals from underrepresented groups superficially, without genuinely valuing their voice, expertise, or contributions does not only undermine the individual, but also fails to address the deeper systemic issues in place that lead to inequality and marginalisation in the first place. The goal should not be to “add diversity” for the sake of appearances and checkboxes, but to build teams that thrive because of the different ways people think, communicate, and solve problems together. This benefits not only the affected individual, but the entire organisation and the quality of work. It’s about making sure that people aren’t excluded unintentionally.
That translates into building inclusive hiring processes, investing in diverse role models, encouraging open dialogue around bias, and creating platforms for skill-building and collaboration. Ultimately, encouraging participation in events such as #herHACK reflects on a company’s commitment to turning values into action and help build a more inclusive and forward-thinking tech community. This way organisations and initiatives alike can drive real, lasting change in the tech industry. Diversity isn’t just a checkbox! It’s a strength that leads to better problem-solving, richer team dynamics, and more innovative outcomes. When people from different backgrounds feel empowered to contribute fully and authentically, everyone benefits.
