Hook 42 on Women's Equality Day: Facing Challenges In Tech

August 26th is a special day for the owners of Hook 42. As a woman-owned company, we are very familiar with the adversity women face in the workplace. We’re even more familiar with how intense that can get depending on the industry you’re in.

Our inspiration for starting Hook 42 was a culmination of many different things, but one of those things was creating our own voice outside of a male-dominated workforce. The signs were clear that everywhere we looked we found areas of improvement, so our owners took things into their own hands and built a business to solve those problems. 

Hook 42 strives to be a fully inclusive workplace, and we encourage our team to voice their opinions and work towards a better version of themselves, no matter what it takes. 

But what does this philosophy have to do with today specifically?

National Women’s Equality Day and National WebMistress Day fall on August 26th. Both of these topics are influenced by a history of inequality and strive to create an inclusive space that gives everyone an equal opportunity. We’d like to take time to recognize the fights that were won and those we’re still fighting today with the celebration of these two holidays.

A Little Bit of History

The United States Congress passed the 19th Amendment to the Constitution granting women full and equal voting rights on this day in 1920. [ source ]

“Later, On July 30, 1971, Rep. Bella Abzug (D-NY) presented a bill designating August 26th as Women’s Equality Day. That year, rallies, celebrations and political debate filled the country on August 26th. By 1973, Congress passed a joint resolution declaring the day to be observed on August 26th of each year. Every year since each president declares this day as Women’s Equality Day commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution.” [ source ]

We’re predicting that it is no coincidence Kat Valentine founded National WebMistress Day on this very same day quite some years later. In only its third year, National WebMistress Day is putting a more granular focus on supporting equal rights for women and recognizing the adversity women face in the technology industry.

As members of that industry, we want to share our support for every woman in tech that is fiercely making an effort to leave their mark and find their place in a chaotic environment. We’re 100% behind supporting the wave-making, change-inducing women of tech and cultivating that same culture right within our company.

We talked to the ladies within Hook 42 to gather some insights into their journey within tech so far, and what the future holds. Let’s continue to drive change, and support those who are advocating these rights.

The Women of Hook 42

Aimee

What would you tell your younger woman-self if you had the chance to give her advice based on what you know now about the tech industry?

Don’t dress down. You don’t need to compromise your personal appearance to fit into the “hoodie and t-shirt crew”. If you want to rock your comfort wear then embrace it!

Believe in yourself. You are the only one that can affect change around you. Make goals, strive to reach them, and calibrate when you need to. You are the only one that can improve yourself and your life.

And enjoy the journey. 

How can people be an ally to women in tech?

Be supportive in all aspects of a woman’s life. The tech industry has long days, off-hours, and overtime baked into its core. This combined with the added mental and physical workload we may experience outside of work thrives on a supportive culture.

What helps you push boundaries in tech?

Technology is one of the fastest platforms to implement and execute change. I love bringing peace to chaos and to create new “things” that help improve our lives. Being able to leverage technology for good is a big driver for me.

Is there a woman in tech you look up to, maybe a mentor? (Can be someone you've never talked to but are just inspired by)
Gerri Sinclair. She balances a loving family and a wonderful extended group of friends while bringing bold technology changes through the years. Thank you for all of your energy and impact on technology Madame Modem!

What are you looking to accomplish with your career in tech?

I like to have a place where people can feel they can work safely where they can grow in their personal and professional lives. I like to build cool things. My goal is to have more people be able to have positive interactions which said cool things. :) I’m working to extending the tech environment beyond the tech to include the human side of things, like growth, authenticity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Were there struggles in your journey? Do you still face them? How did you push past it?

There are and have been many struggles in my journey. Some struggles have changed over time, some are still the same. Struggles include breaking through glass ceilings, having to work harder / smarter / stronger / faster than men, and being criticized for having the courage to lead the charge and search out brave new worlds.

Mentors, friends, professional guidance, education, and grit got me through the struggles. Once again, a person (me) is fully responsible for my own actions, regardless if I’m advised in one way or another.

Kristen

What would you tell your younger woman-self if you had the chance to give her advice based on what you know now about the tech industry?

Even though you hear a lot about bad things about being a woman in tech, you can find nice communities who will welcome you and be supportive. If you are in a bad environment in tech (no matter what gender), try to talk to other people in tech who are in healthy environments and consider switching before leaving.

How can people be an ally to women in tech?

Be a good person and call out bad behavior. Try to show that you welcome others in your groups with your words and actions (e.g. the "Pac-Man Rule"). Be open to differing opinions when offered respectfully.

What helps you push boundaries in tech?

Having a supportive community helps us stand on the shoulders of giants and continue to innovate.

What fuels your passion to keep doing what you do every day?

Seeing something I helped build used by real people, in real life.

Is there a woman in tech you look up to, maybe a mentor? (Can be someone you've never talked to but are just inspired by)

Although there are a lot of great people in the Drupal community, there are 3 people who are amazing role models for all genders who immediately pop into my head: Angie Byron, Amanda Gonser, and Gábor Hojtsy.

What are you looking to accomplish with your career in tech?

Using the skills I have for giving back to the greater good and improving humanity.

Were there struggles in your journey? Do you still face them? How did you push past it?

Yes, often. Some things that may help: stay away from toxic people, give yourself permission to fail, give yourself permission to say "no" without guilt, be kind to yourself, and talk to people who have gone through similar things so you know you aren't alone.

Alona

What would you tell your younger woman-self if you had the chance to give her advice based on what you know now about the tech industry?

Keep learning and never give up.

How can people be an ally to women in tech?

Support, mentor, and encourage.

What fuels your passion to keep doing what you do every day?

I like working in tech. I’m passionate about what I do and am looking forward to learning new things and grow professionally. I have a dream to become a successful woman, and this dream keeps me going.

Ellen

How can people be an ally to women in tech?

Start nurturing curiosity at a young age. Encourage the girls and young women in your life to have bold dreams, because that’s the age where kids start conceptualizing what is “possible” and “impossible.” When I was little, I wanted to be an actress or a ballet dancer, but I never dreamed of being a scientist, astronaut, engineer, or inventor. Young people need to hear and see that women totally belong in every sector of public life.

What fuels your passion to keep doing what you do every day?

I’m lucky to have a strong network of family and friends who are my cheerleaders. My community has supported me every step of the way, and so far I’ve had a diverse, and storied career. I’m a career-changer, and my background is primarily in education, so I didn’t find my way into the tech world until recently. My passion comes from knowing who I am, where I come from, and the community that’s helped me along the way.

What are you looking to accomplish with your career in tech?

Build amazing websites and web applications! Make the digital universe a little more accessible with every project I touch. Along the way, I hope to encourage other underrepresented folks in the tech industry to keep chasing their curiosity.

Kris

What would you tell your younger woman-self if you had the chance to give her advice based on what you know now about the tech industry?

Do more research. It’s amazing to see how many companies flourish in the tech industry. I didn't know how well rounded it was until I got into it myself.

How can people be an ally to women in tech?

I feel there is a stigma around women in the tech industry that they aren't as smart or as innovative as a lot of men. I feel that if women were given the chance to prove themselves, that they are willing to improve their skills and show they want to learn and progress, there would be a lot more women in the industry and a lot more women-owned companies.

What fuels your passion to keep doing what you do every day?

My passion to do what I do every day comes from the great people I work with. Not only do they support me and encourage me to expand my knowledge, but they give me opportunities every day. My coworkers, leaders, and bosses all work hard to make this company run smoothly, and I strive to work like them. I want to prove that I am capable of taking on challenges and exceeding expectations. I want to be a better me everyday.

Lindsey

What would you tell your younger woman-self if you had the chance to give her advice based on what you know now about the tech industry?

Confidence from a woman might seem to be threatening, but continue to show your value and stand tall. Make sure the words you use are thoughtfully crafted before raising concerns and contradictions. The strong voice of a woman is often mistaken, so delivery is important. Take the time to think before you react in conflicting situations. 

How can people be an ally to women in tech?

When you see something awry, say something. If a woman confides in you, listen with the intent to help. See us based on our level of experience, not based on our gender. Fight our fights with us, and support our equality in the workplace.

What fuels your passion to keep doing what you do every day?

There are two parts of this for me, the first being the people around me. If it wasn’t for the support system I have inside and outside of the office, it would be much harder to hold my head high in the moments of struggle. 

I also thoroughly enjoy what I do and had the luxury of choice in deciding where my career would take me. Every career path comes with struggles, and being able to work through them and come out with something to show for is very rewarding for me and makes the work even more enjoyable.

Were there struggles in your journey? Do you still face them? How did you push past it?

There have always been struggles. My confidence is quite frequently confused with attitude. Things men often receive praise for, like telling it like it is and not backing down, are things women get reprimanded for. Not letting that defeat me, and keeping my head held high is what helps push past the discrimination. It’s not just men that take offense to it either, other women are often threatened by frequent requests to do better, and be better for all of us. There is a fine line between intimidation and confidence when conversing with women, and its a struggle I face daily and work to eliminate. It's in part learning how receptive people are to certain words, and others being open to strong opinions coming from a variety of people.

Knowing who I am and keeping sight of my worth, not letting other people’s opinions of me think any differently of myself, and knowing that my experiences and education are just as valid and just as those around me are how I stay my course. That confidence that gets "in the way" is also what keeps me going every day.

What About You?

Do you want to share your support for the women around you? It's imperative that we cultivate an environment of acceptance and one where everyone feels welcome. Take a moment to give a special shout-out to a woman in tech, or any woman you know that deserves some recognition.