#BreakTheBias with IDEX women in tech on International Women’s Day
#BreakTheBias is the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD). IDEX Biometrics being a global fintech company with technology leadership at heart, diversity and inclusion is part of our DNA and our diverse team of engineers has pioneered the industry. Out of a total of 120 staff around the world, more than 12 languages are spoken and we operate across 13 different locations around the world. And whilst there is more to be done, we are pleased to count a growing number of women in this cutting-edge technology business.
Catharina Eklof, Chief Commercial Officer at IDEX Biometrics, says: ‘I am very proud to work alongside our talented women engineers at IDEX as they bring our technology solutions forward.’
‘Biometrics is a highly specialized field and as we are expanding our engineering team, I would like to introduce two of our talented women engineers: Alma Delic Ibukic, within Mixed Signal Design Engineering and Sheila Rajan, Product Engineering.’
Alma Delic Ibukic, Sr. Staff Engineer, Mixed Signal Design.
‘I am a mixed-signal design engineer, working on the next generation silicon for biometric sensors.
After graduating and after a short period of teaching, I decided to join a start-up company. IDEX Biometrics is my second start-up company and there is a never dull moment. The learning curve with start-ups is exponential since you will contribute at multiple fronts and collaborate with different groups within the company.’
“For me, International Women’s Day is all about celebrating women’s achievements from all walks of life and making sure younger generations are reached and inspired by these female leads. If you look at the gender diversity within the tech and engineering sector, the numbers are unfortunately not in our favour. You may need to go outside of your company and join Women in Engineering and/or Science Societies to find a support group that can help you in accessing your full potential when it comes to your career path. Companies need to invest in girls/women interested in engineering at an early stage of their education and continue this support throughout their education. Looking back, I believe that my career path has been determined since young age. My dad is an electrical engineer, and I grew up watching him bring to life broken household appliances as a hobby.
“Female leads within the company are important role models to show to any aspiring female engineer. Fostering relationships early on with other female engineers may also help in retention of women in engineering and in turn help in improving gender diversity within tech and engineering sector.
“If I could offer one piece of advice to others, it would be ‘Your perseverance and curiosity have already brought you this far. Make sure your thirst for knowledge is always present, find a good mentor and don’t let self-doubt get in your way’.”
Sheila Rajan, Senior Product Engineer
‘My current role at IDEX Biometrics is Senior Product Engineer. I got to where I am today by earning a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering plus 17 years of work experience’
“I was drawn to the engineering industry through my love of math and science. To attract a more diverse level of talent into the sector, it really begins with engaging people as early as school. Teachers and schools can get students engaged in math and science by teaching it well and making it interesting. Diversity will then follow.
“My advice for young women entering the sector would be to study hard, do well in school, take work seriously. Although you will have some additional challenges, if you do honest, good work you will ultimately be successful.
“Keep pushing for excellence in everything that you do. Don’t be intimidated by the unknown. Have confidence in your abilities and have faith that everything will work out.”
With biometric technology acceleration, IDEX is looking forward to welcoming more highly qualified diverse team member including more women engineers.
