Nine women in Cyprus tech share their keys to success

Having defied the odds to establish successful careers in tech, nine remarkable women from seven companies in Cyprus have shared the secret to their professional achievements.

Driven by a passion for numbers, systems and problem-solving and speaking to GOLD magazine as part of a recent cover story celebrating women in tech, the professionals also talked about how they have not only embraced the tech industry but they remain dedicated to continuing to develop and innovate.

The Keys to Success:

Apostolia Evagorou, Senior Software Engineer and Maria Savva, Senior Software Engineer, ECOMMBX

L-R Apostolia Evagorou and Maria Savva

Apostolia Evagorou: For women starting their journey in tech, my advice is to build a solid foundation in technical skills and never stop learning because the industry is continuously evolving. Connecting with other professionals, finding mentors and joining tech communities can provide invaluable support and opportunities. By staying focused on your goals, standing up for yourself and learning from each experience, you can successfully overcome these challenges and break through the barriers of stereotypes. I believe companies need to create inclusive environments that support diversity. This includes implementing fair hiring practices. Mentorship and sponsorship programmes can be incredibly valuable in guiding women through their careers and opening doors to leadership opportunities. It’s also important for companies to celebrate the achievements of women in tech – by promoting and recognising the contributions of women, organisations can inspire others and create role models that future generations can look up to. I’m excited about the future and optimistic that, as more women enter the tech industry and companies take steps to promote women in tech and leadership roles, we will continue to see positive change. Together, we can build a more equitable and innovative future in technology.

Maria Savva: For those new to the tech industry, my advice is simple: stay curious, keep learning and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Building a strong network is crucial – mentorship and sponsorship programmes can be invaluable in navigating your career and accessing leadership opportunities. And most importantly, remember that resilience is key. The road may be tough but, with determination, you can overcome the challenges and carve out your own successful path. Looking ahead, I’m hopeful that as more women join the tech industry and companies commit to fostering inclusive environments, we’ll see even greater progress. By working together, we can create a tech industry that is more diverse, equitable and innovative.

Click here to read the full interview with Apostolia Evagorou and Maria Savva.

Charikleia Zachariade, Senior Software Developer and Irene Lambrou, Senior Software Developer, iSPIRAL

L-R Irene Lambrou and Charikleia Zachariade

Charikleia Zachariade: One crucial aspect for women beginning their careers in technology is establishing a healthy work-life balance. It’s important to set clear boundaries and manage stress effectively to prevent work from encroaching on personal life. By maintaining this balance, they can stay focused and productive in their

professional and personal spheres, thereby advancing their goals more successfully. However, companies should foster work environments that better support women and address their needs, enabling them to thrive at every stage of their lives. This includes offering specialised sick leave and facilitating a smoother return to work with flexible hours. Additionally, companies should actively combat any discrimination related to salary increases or promotions that may occur from maternity leave.

Irene Lambrou: Women starting in tech should focus on building strong technical skills, work on personal projects to gain hands-on experience, find mentors, and participate in industry communities. Companies can support women by offering flexible work schedules, adequate maternity leave, and childcare support. Creating a supportive environment that understands and accommodates family responsibilities will help retain and advance women in tech roles.

Click here to read the full interview with Charikleia Zachariade and Irene Lambrou.

Maria Kuzmenko, Senior Quantitative Researcher, Exness

Maria Kuzmenko

If you’re a woman starting in tech, focusing on growth and development is key. Set clear goals and work hard to achieve them. Finding a mentor can be incredibly helpful – they can offer insights and knowledge that make a real difference. Additionally, be sure to build a strong professional network and continually seek out learning opportunities to stay ahead in this fast-paced industry. Companies that want to attract and retain more women in tech should create a supportive and inclusive environment. Offering interesting and meaningful work that challenges and motivates women is important, as is ensuring work-life balance through flexible schedules, remote work options and family-friendly policies. Exness is a great example of this. Right from the start, they were very welcoming to me and my family and helped us settle into our lives in Cyprus. As a mom, having a company car and help with school tuition makes a huge difference. It shows me that they care about my whole life, not just my work. Even during the interview process, I felt I was treated fairly, with no bias at all.

Click here to read the full interview with Maria Kuzmenko.

Alexandra Gladilina, Head of Internal Product and Ops Automation, Capital.com

Alexandra Gladilina

I would recommend building a strong foundation in technical skills, staying curious about the latest industry trends, seeking mentors, building a support network and actively participating in communities that focus on tech. Don’t be afraid to take on challenging projects or to ask questions – growth often comes from stepping out of your comfort zone. Success in tech comes from combining technical expertise, curiosity and the ability to collaborate effectively with others. Companies can greatly benefit from these qualities by creating environments that support and nurture women in tech. It includes offering flexible working arrangements, recognising the value diverse perspectives bring and fostering a culture that values results over hours spent at a desk. By appreciating the strengths women bring to the workforce and offering the support they need to balance work and life, companies can attract and retain top talent, leading to greater innovation and success.

Click here to read the full interview with Alexandra Gladilina.

Eftychia Frangeskou, Senior Technology Sales Manager, Oracle Cyprus & Malta

Eftychia Frangeskou

Women entering the tech industry should focus on continuous learning and skills development, building a strong professional network, being confident and assertive, seeking out supportive environments and advocating for themselves. At the same time, companies should implement strong diversity and inclusion initiatives, offer flexible work arrangements, promote women into leadership positions, create safe and supportive work environments and showcase success stories. These combined efforts can help create a more equitable and empowering landscape for women in tech. In addition, the role of government in promoting gender equality and supporting women in the workforce across all industries, including the tech sector, is multifaceted and crucial. By enacting and enforcing policies that promote gender equality, providing funding and resources for women's empowerment programmes and leading awareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and biases, governments can create an environment where women have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.

Click here to view the full interview with Eftychia Frengeskou.

Panayiota Georgiou, Professional Services Engineer, NCR (Cyprus) Ltd

Panayiota Georgiou

Women new to tech should focus on building a solid technical foundation and continuously seek opportunities for learning and growth. Networking with other professionals and finding mentors can provide valuable guidance and support. Companies should create inclusive cultures that value diversity and provide equal opportunities for advancement. Implementing mentorship programmes, offering flexible work arrangements, and actively addressing any biases in hiring and promotion processes can help attract and retain more women in tech roles.

Click here to view the full interview with Panayiota Georgiou.

Chrystalla Savva, Network Services Specialist, Kyndryl

Chrystalla Savva

For women entering the tech industry, long-term success hinges on building a strong foundation in technical skills, committing to continuous learning and developing effective communication and leadership abilities. Networking, seeking and providing mentorship and staying adaptable to new technologies are critical for career advancement. Additionally, building a personal brand, advocating for diversity and inclusion, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are essential for sustained success. To attract and retain more women in tech, companies should focus on fostering an inclusive culture, offering flexible work arrangements, ensuring pay equity and implementing transparent career development paths. Highlighting female role models, addressing unconscious bias and establishing supportive networks and mentorship programmes are also key strategies for creating a more equitable and supportive work environment. I’m grateful that Kyndryl actively supports the empowerment of women through a culture that prioritises diversity and inclusion. Kyndryl provides numerous opportunities for women to thrive, including leadership development programmes, mentorship and strong support networks. The company is dedicated to promoting gender equity by offering flexible work arrangements and clear career progression paths. By celebrating the achievements of women within the organisation and fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to excel, Kyndryl is deeply committed to supporting the long-term success of women in technology.

Click here to view the full interview with Chrystalla Savva.

(The interviews appeared in the September edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view the Cover Story, by Adonis Adoni and Marianna Nicolaou, in full.)