Totes Isotoner, Senior Director of Information Technology: Lack of Women in Technology Doesn't Make Sense

(US and Canada) Cathy Coletts, Senior Director of Information Technology, Totes Isotoner, speaks to Ryan Grace, Market Director, Staffing & Consulting, Vernovis sheds light on the gender Colettsisparity in technology and the necessary measures to address the problem.

Cathy Coletts, Senior Director of Information Technology, Totes Isotoner, speaks to Ryan Grace, Market Director, Staffing & Consulting, Vernovis, about her career trajectory and gender equality in technology.

Coletts started in technology because of her father’s love for technology. She was inspired by the office computer while working as a secretary for a government office in Washington, DC.

“There was a single computer in our office at that time, and I was fascinated by the programming aspect and problem-solving capabilities of that computer. I left my job and enrolled in college to get my degree in computer science. I took classes at community college and transferred those into the university and did everything I could to keep the costs down and finish in three years, and got right back to working full-time in technology,” she says.

Sharing a piece of advice for women interested in technology careers, she says that they should participate in technology events and network with other professionals in the field, particularly women. She mentions that not networking, participating in events, and connecting with other departments, were mistakes she committed early on in her career.

“Every chance you get to connect and talk with women in the industry and others that want to work in technology, most people are willing to at least talk to you about their career, and some are even willing to mentor you. I quickly learned that networking and letting others know what I could do and what I wanted to do was crucial to advancing in my career,” Coletts adds.

She goes on to mention that there isn’t sufficient effort to get more women into the field of technology. She also says that women already established in technology aren’t doing enough to help other women enter the field and advance in their careers.

“Considering the huge emphasis on gender equality throughout the United States, a lack of women in technology just doesn't make sense. The environment, social beliefs, stereotypes — all of that determines how likely girls are to retain their interest and motivation in technology and to pursue those passions. But unfortunately, most people still view the technology industry as mostly masculine. Society places far too much emphasis on other things for women besides a career in technology,” she explains.

She also cites the lack of media attention on women in technology, which leaves young women without role models or mentors. Citing statistical studies, she mentions that only 25% of women in the workforce are in STEM occupations and only 20% are in technology, and that 50% of women leave their technology jobs by the age of 35.

“The most common reason why women leave their technology jobs is weak management support or a lack of opportunity, or a lack of work-life balance. With the recent pandemic and economic issues, the percentage of women in technology is dropping even further. And in most technology settings — I can say this for myself — men still outnumber women at a ratio of 5 to 1.”

Coletts further adds that grade school programs for girls interested in technology, and high school continuation of those programs, are necessary to change these statistics. “And women like me already in the industry, you need to continue to find opportunities to reach out and give back to other women wanting to enter or advance in those technology careers,” she concludes.