Women’s History Month is nearing its end. But the lessons learned during this time don’t stop when the calendar flips to April. The month serves as an important checkpoint for us all to reflect on the countless accomplishments and achievements women have pioneered, and the work that remains to be done in reaching an equitable experience for everyone.
As we wrap up a busy few weeks of celebration, with Clouderans reflecting on their own experiences, engaging in conversations, and hearing from leaders, we spoke with several individuals to learn more about why this month holds such significance for them. Here’s what they had to say.
“Women’s History Month and International Women's Day strike a deep chord with me as they highlight how urgent it is to achieve true diversity and inclusion. It’s a time to celebrate female achievements but also remind everyone of the value and distinct capabilities each person contributes. Throughout my life, women have taught me to be strong, given me the confidence to speak up, and the power to believe in myself. The people who have inspired me are those that value competencies and expertise regardless of background.”
- Sara Lewis, Director of Communications, EMEA
“This month is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on how we can accelerate action toward a more inclusive and equitable workplace. It serves as an important reminder that representation matters—when women see other women leading, innovating, and breaking barriers, it fuels the next generation. A good friend and mentor once taught me that leadership isn’t about having all the answers, but about empowering others to find them. That perspective reshaped how I support my team and show up as a leader.”
- Laura Hughes, Manager - R&D, EMEA
“For me, Women's History Month and International Women’s Day are about celebrating the impact women have made across every field. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside and learn from talented women who continue to drive innovation and leadership in the technology space and have benefited from strong female mentors and role models throughout my journey, each shaping my career in meaningful ways. My mom was my first inspiration. She encouraged me to pursue engineering and computer science, always believing in my ability to take on new challenges and excel.”
- Praveena Ram, Senior Product Manager, AMER
“It’s a dual emotion—on the one hand it’s wonderful to spotlight equality, women who have mentored me, women who inspire me, women who fought for the rights and privileges I enjoy today. But on the other hand, I wish we didn’t need initiatives like these. This month is a great reminder for me to step up and do all I can to support the women in my life. My first manager did so much for me, training me in a trade, giving me the opportunity to rise from her assistant—sweeping hair and shampooing customers—to eventually managing the 30-stylist salon.”
- Amanda Allan, Manager, Cloudera Executive Briefing Program
“Women's History Month is a powerful celebration of the incredible legacies of women who have made unparalleled contributions across all fields. It’s a time to reflect on the achievements of women like me—a mother, an author, an entrepreneur, and an athlete. For me, these celebrations are not just about looking back at history, but also about amplifying the voices of women today. The women in my life have been a constant source of inspiration and mentorship. I've gained so much from their strength, resilience, and creativity. Whether through their words of wisdom or by observing how they navigate life's challenges, they've taught me to approach every situation with courage and perseverance.”
- Jasmine Fambro, Global Program Manager - Enablement Operations, AMER
“Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day are powerful reminders of the resilience, creativity, and impact of women across the world.To me, they’re about honoring the trailblazers—those who’ve shattered ceilings, defied norms, and built foundations for progress, often against steep odds. In a way, every woman who’s dared to question, invent, or lead has indirectly “mentored” me by fueling the knowledge I draw from.”
- Puja Singh, Staff Program Manager, US Security and Compliance, AMER
“International Women's Day, to me, is a reminder of our continuous efforts toward building a more equitable world, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive regardless of gender. I've been fortunate to have great friends who embraced my imperfections and offered unwavering support. They never tried to change me but instead motivated me to work harder, helping me become a better, more refined version of myself. Together, we continue to grow, supporting and uplifting each other as true allies on this journey.”
- Glitty Jacob, Staff Software Engineer - ML, APAC
“For me, IWD is a celebration of women for the different roles we play. We don’t just give birth to life; we shape the future with resilience and strength.
I have been deeply inspired by the women in my life. Starting with my mother, who held our family together with so much grace. She spent most of her life away from her own family, raising both of us without any support, and she did it all selflessly, never expecting anything in return. We often think being a homemaker is the easiest job, even a luxury. But in reality, it’s one of the toughest, and we (including myself) rarely acknowledge the effort women put in every single day.
My ex-boss & mentor, Rani Belliappa - She has shown me what it means to never give up, to focus on the solution and not ponder over the problem. The way she multitasks so effortlessly—balancing both professional and personal commitments—is something I admire. No matter how much she has on her plate, she always makes time for what truly matters.
My sister, Anju Mohan who manages a full-time career while raising a four-year-old son, never compromising on her own well-being—her dedication to fitness even earned her a title of the top 10-fittest woman in India in CrossFit.”
- Asha Mohan Chandran, Learning and Enrichment Partner, APAC
Reflecting on a Month of Learning and Recognition
These are just a few examples of some of the incredible women that make Cloudera such a special place to work. At Cloudera, we are committed to fostering a work environment where women are supported and empowered to thrive in their careers.
Whether it’s through the Women Leaders in Technology, Women+ ERG, or celebrating important milestones like International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, ensuring we are taking the time to recognize every Clouderan is critical to our success.
Discover about how Cloudera is accelerating action and growing its commitment to supporting every Clouderan in their own career journeys. To learn more about Cloudera’s Women Leaders in Technology, visit here.
