UP3 - Representation is not representative enough in tech 

Representation is not representative enough in tech

“If you can see it then you can be it” – the legendary quote of tennis icon, Billie Jean King.  

The problem is I still can’t see it in the tech industry when it comes to representation for all. Yes, we’ve made undeniable progress, with more women entering the tech industry than ever before. But we’re still falling short when it comes to truly representative representation. 

As a senior woman in the industry, I sometimes struggle to connect with the stories I see about women in business, let alone tech. And if that’s the case for me, it must surely be true of those exploring tech as a career choice!

It isn’t that the stories of CEOs, of founders and of leaders are not incredibly important to tell. Or that shining a light on the challenges faced by women (including myself!) in our industry is not vital to much needed progress and accountability. They absolutely are.

I would just love to see more diversity in how we represent what being a woman in tech can be and to celebrate the rich tapestry of inspiring, amazing stories from everyone, for everyone.

Representing success, not just presence.

In my own team, 65% of us are women. We’re engineers, project managers, and everything in between. We come from diverse backgrounds and our route into the industry differs one to the other. And our combined knowledge, influence and impact is helping to digitally transform some of the largest organisations in the UK.

When I interview people for roles at UP3 or even talk to my daughters about what I do, it is the stories of these women that I share. Because yes, I want as many women as possible to see themselves in our industry, but I also want them to understand what they can achieve and be a part of.

I see my role as a champion of their achievements and to represent more than their presence in the industry but rather their impact, value and success.

Let’s get real (stories).

Success in tech is multifaceted. And it is so important that the next generation of women entering tech know that there is no one way to be successful. That they see themselves but that they also see the opportunity. And it is the role of women already in tech to ease the path for those coming after them.

At UP3 we’ve recently launched an inspiring content series, Unlocking My Potential, which showcases the fantastic female talent we have at UP3, and the difference they are making at every level in the business. 

As part of this, Debs, a junior engagement manager at UP3 who works with National Highways and Nuffield Health and a true go-getter, has shared her inspiring story on the setbacks she has faced in her career and the grit and determination she has overcome them with. Meanwhile, Sara, who is a Managed Service Technical Team Lead and an utter powerhouse, has shared how her experience as a teacher has helped shape her technology career and equipped her to empower her team. There both remarkable women with fascinating stories to tell which I’m sure will resonate with many. If you do have a moment, then do give them a read! 

So, let’s commit to representation that’s truly representative.

Let’s make sure we go beyond just representing presence in the industry but also value and success; that we don’t only look to female leaders as examples of that success; and that we make sure that every woman can see herself thriving in our industry. Because when women see other women like them innovating and succeeding in tech, it sends a powerful message that everyone belongs here.  

Thank you to Becci for this fantastic insight, if you want to bring your passion to a ServiceNow partner who can appreciate it and support you, check out our careers page.

Rebecca Copley

Written by:

Rebecca Copley

Director of Professional Services

03 February 2025

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