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International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8 is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. Originating in 1911, with the first gathering supported by over a million people, the day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Building on its 2021 theme, #ChooseToChallenge, IWD asks, “How do you choose to challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes, and help forge an inclusive world?”

To answer this question, you might be drawn to one IWD’s 2021 missions, such as championing women in technology, like Sonia Castellano.

Sonia’s journey into technology began when she came across a connection’s testimonial about a coding boot camp they had attended at the University of Denver.  

“It was so powerful to see this post come from a Black woman like myself,” said Sonia. “It’s unfortunate that diversity still isn’t the norm in tech roles. This woman, my friend, was successfully challenging that.”

Sonia made the decision to enroll in that same program, the , and dove in completely — gaining confidence, honing in-demand skills, and eventually, landing a role at a company that shares her values and honors her voice. 

For Sonia, discussing the lack of representation in tech isn’t about having a perfect answer. It’s about starting the conversation.

“It’s tough, and it’s challenging, but it’s amazing,” she said. “We hear so much about the ‘typical’ person in tech, and I didn’t fit that. Succeeding was a process of learning all over again how to believe in myself and measuring myself up against my own yardstick. For anyone who is considering following a similar path: do it. Take a bet on yourself.”

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