Mums in Tech: advice from women who get it

The Technology industry has made progress on flexibility and inclusion. But for many mums working within it, the day-to-day reality of balancing a career with raising a family is still something they largely figure out as they go, often without a clear roadmap or the right support around them.

MotherBoard asked the mums they’ve spoken to as part of our Mums in Tech series what advice they would pass on to other mothers working in tech.

Here’s what they said.

Rebecca Supriya Prasangi, Platform Engineer/Technical Lead at NCS Group:

“Don’t let a temporary pause convince you that your story has peaked. Some of my proudest professional moments—including leadership opportunities, industry recognition, publishing through NASSCOM, and contributing to global technology communities—happened after becoming a mother. Your career may not follow the timeline you originally imagined. That doesn’t make it smaller. Sometimes it makes it far more meaningful.” Full Interview here

Joanne Santos, Strategic Service Manager at Intercity Technology Limited:

“Give yourself grace and recognise that every mother’s journey is different. Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, returning to work quickly or taking more time, there is no single measure of success. Focus on finding what works for you and your family, and don’t be afraid to advocate for the support you need. The more openly we share our experiences, the more we help create workplaces that better support future generations of women in tech.” Full interview here

Angharad West, VP Marketing, Global Strategic Alliances at Kyndryl:

“My advice to other mothers in the tech industry is to remain confident in your ambition and clear in your value. Motherhood does not diminish your leadership potential; if anything, it strengthens it through added resilience, perspective, judgement, and empathy. Seek out environments and allies that recognise your contribution, be intentional about the support you need, and do not allow outdated perceptions to define what is possible. A meaningful career in tech and motherhood are not mutually exclusive—it is entirely possible to lead, grow, and succeed in both.” Full interview here

Hiroko Nishimura, Technical Writer:

“While I’m only in my 4th year on this journey myself, one thing I’ve learned over the past few years is that most things are not permanent. I tend to become the most depressed and anxious when something “happens,” and I fear that it is “forever.” Most things are not permanent, and even if they were, you tend to figure out how to live with them, or work with the challenges.” Full interview here

Laura-Jayne Adamson, Data Engineer at Purple Frog Data Analytics:

“Keeping rocking, and showing that working mums are incredible, juggling so many different hats on a daily basis. Be proud of what you have achieved, what you will achieve and the example you are setting for your children too 💜” Full Interview here

Lisa Treasure, Head of Marketing at Chorus:

“Don’t let yourself slide to the bottom of the list. It’s easy to do and easy to justify, but it catches up with you. Also, talking to others who are in the same boat is genuinely one of the most helpful things I’ve found.” Full Interview here

Lydia (Deboub) Butler, Brand Marketing Manager at Advania UK:

“Don’t try to do it all, at least not all at once. We can have everything we want, but the timeline doesn’t have to be right now, all at the same time, at full intensity. Give yourself permission to pace it.

And please, give yourself some grace. Having children is one of the biggest life shifts a person goes through, and we’re already navigating more external pressure than we should be. The last thing we need is to pile even more onto ourselves. You’ve changed, and that’s okay!” Full interview here

Cleone Nuttgens-Wright, Principal Programme Manager at Snap Analytics:

“It’s a really fantastic industry to be a part of, and as an older woman I can see it changing and improving for women and parents before my eyes. I promise you, things are markedly better now than they were 20 years ago, and in another 20 years they will be even better. Keep the faith, keep talking, keep pushing for true flexibility!” Full interview here

Dr Julia Dietlmeier, Postdoctoral Researcher at Dublin City University:

“Raising my children has been the most challenging and rewarding research project of my life. My ultimate advice is never to let the fear of a demanding tech career eclipse your life at home; jobs and tech opportunities will always come and go, but your family is the most permanent and valuable asset you will ever build.” Full interview here

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