We, at Anaytics Vidhya, believe in the power of storytelling. Celebrating Women’s Day, we have dedicated the month of March to honoring some of the trailblazing women in AI, by sharing their inspiring stories. Today, let’s explore the journey of the founder of ‘International Women in Tech’, Jeevantika Lingalwar, in her own words.
A Woman Wearing Many Hats
As a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, founder of International Women in Tech, M.Sc. in Cloud Computing, and a B.E. in Computer Science Engineering, my journey in Data Science and AI has been nothing short of transformative. It’s been a path filled with challenges, achievements, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.
My passion for technology ignited during my undergraduate years, where I delved deep into the world of Computer Science Engineering. It was here that I realized the immense potential of technology to shape our future and drive innovation. Fuelled by this passion, I pursued further studies, obtaining a Master’s degree in Cloud Computing – an area that continues to revolutionize the way we approach data management and analysis.
My journey into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) began as I explored the possibilities within my role as a Cloud Solution Architect. I seized every opportunity to delve into AI projects, leveraging the power of data to drive insights and solutions for our clients. One of my proudest personal achievements in AI was spearheading a project that utilized machine learning algorithms to optimize cloud resource allocation—a project that not only delivered tangible results but also sparked my passion for AI even further.
A Determined Woman in a Man’s World
However, this journey was not without its challenges. As a woman in a predominantly male-dominated field, I faced my fair share of obstacles and biases. But each challenge served as a catalyst for growth, pushing me to work harder, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for future generations of women in tech.
Why is it that not many women choose AI as a field? One reason is the lack of representation and role models in the industry. Additionally, there may be perceived barriers to entry, such as a belief that AI is too complex or requires advanced mathematical skills. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort to showcase the diverse opportunities within AI, provide mentorship and support for women entering the field, and create inclusive environments where women feel welcome and valued.
Jeevantika on the Latest Developments in AI
One of the most exciting trends in the market is the emergence of OpenAI, which promises to revolutionize the field of AI with its advanced capabilities. OpenAI offers a glimpse into the future of AI, with its ability to generate human-like text, images, and even code. This technology has the potential to transform industries ranging from healthcare to finance and beyond, opening new possibilities for innovation and creativity.
Despite these advancements, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women are equally represented in the field of AI. My Initiatives like International Women in Tech and many other forums play a crucial role in inspiring and empowering women to pursue careers in AI by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to support their professional development.
Inspiring Young Minds into Quantum Computing
In addition to AI, another emerging technology that holds great promise is Quantum Computing. As a technical speaker on Quantum Computing, I’ve had the privilege of teaching young minds about the incredible potential of this technology to revolutionize computing as we know it. Quantum Computing harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform calculations at speeds far beyond what traditional computers can achieve. This opens new possibilities for solving complex problems in fields such as cryptography, materials science, and drug discovery.
Hey Journey in Retrospect
My journey as a woman in tech in the world of Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing has been a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Let us continue to push boundaries, defy expectations, and pave the way for a future where diversity and inclusion are not just aspirations, but lived realities.
Together, we can shape a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the transformative power of technology.
About Jeevantika Lingalwar
Jeevantika Lingalwar is a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft, podcast host of “The Unplanned Journey,” and founder of International Women in Tech. With accolades including the WomenTech Ambassador Global Award and the Mentor Of the Year Global Award in 2021, she champions diversity and innovation in tech.
With a background in Computer Science Engineering and Cloud Computing, she combines technical prowess with leadership and a passion for making a difference. Her expertise spans Microsoft Azure DevOps, Quantum Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and more. Beyond her professional roles, Jeevantika is a mentor, influencer, and advocate for women in technology, fostering community and empowerment. This Women’s Day, she stands proud as a true inspiration to youngsters and women in STEM.
Click on her LinkedIn profile here.
Summing-up
Jeevantika Lingalwar’s journey from Computer Science Engineering to Cloud Computing to AI and beyond is a guide for young techies to follow and explore. She’s laid down the pathway for many and continues to be a guiding light.
You can also share your story or nominate someone who has inspired you by filling out this form.
Let’s continue to celebrate and empower each other in the journey towards a more inclusive and innovative future in AI.
