Beyond the Binary: Women's Voices in Tech

Hosted by Asmita Puri and Sally Wahba

Technology Society Culture Personal JournalsInterviews guests

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Latest episode

Nov 2025

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EN-US

About the show

Tech is for everyone , but the industry doesn’t always reflect that. Beyond the Binary: Women's Voices in Tech is a podcast where Asmita Puri and Sally Wahba —two tech professionals passionate about equity and representation—highlight voices that are often overlooked in the industry. From navigating bias to celebrating wins, our guests share real stories about breaking barriers and reshaping the industry. Whether you’re in the field or just tech-curious, these conversations will inspire, inform, and maybe even fire you up. 🎙️ Listen, learn, and join the conversation.

Listen to episodes

14 recent

November 26, 2025Episode 641 min

How Women In Tech Redefine Success With Sally Wahba

The growing presence of women in tech is not only transforming the industry but also inspiring future generations of female tech leaders. In this episode, Asmita Puri talks with Sally Wahba, a tech leader who reflects on her journey and the unique challenges faced by women in tech. Sally shares her journey from Egypt to a successful U.S. career, offering insights on mentorship, career choices, and nurturing future engineers. She talks about the cultural shocks of being a woman in tech, the importance of nurturing young talent and balancing her passion for teaching with leadership. Sally’s story highlights the resilience of women in tech and the power of mentorship to shape careers and industries.

June 25, 2025Episode 351 min

Breaking Through Imposter Syndrome: Preeti Yadav's Journey Of Growth

It is easy to get trapped in imposter syndrome, especially if you are in a fast-paced and ever-evolving space such as the tech industry. Preeti Yadav refused to be stuck in her limiting beliefs, accepted her mistakes, and unleashed her fullest potential. In this episode, she joins Asmita Puri to look back on how she flawlessly handled several career transitions in the tech industry. From her early days in India to working in Berlin, she shares how she overcame imposter industry and experienced personal and professional growth. Preeti also offers candid insights about the courage to face risks, learning from your mistakes, and the power of having a supportive network of like-minded people.

May 28, 2025Episode 242 min

Interview With Donna Kolnes

A law degree may seem out of place in the world of tech, but Donna Kolnes begs to differ. In this conversation with Asmita Puri, she looks back on how her legal expertise allowed her to bring refreshing perspectives to the development of various tech products. She explains how her unique technical skill is vital in the tech industry, which is full of equally technical elements as well. Donna also shares valuable advice for women who are navigating careers in both technology and law, emphasizing how they can showcase their talents while navigating issues on diversity and inclusivity.

April 30, 2025Episode 140 min

The Right Kind Of Obsession: How Passion Fuels Meaningful Change With Vicky Demas

We all have obsessions, but are yours helping or hindering you? Discover the power of embracing the right kind of obsession—one that fuels your growth, empowers your journey, and elevates your life. In this episode, Asmita Puri engages in a captivating conversation with Vicky Demas, the visionary CEO of identifeye HEALTH. Vicky shares how her lifelong hyperfocus to learning and problem-solving has driven her journey in healthcare technology. Get ready to be captivated as Vicky shares key moments from her early passion for space and engineering to her groundbreaking work in AI healthcare. Don't miss this inspiring conversation – tune in now and unlock the potential of your positive obsession!

July 25, 2024Episode 947 min

The Immigrant Experience: A Career Journey Towards Embracing The Stars With Maria Varmazis

Ever dreamed of ditching your computer science career and launching a podcast about space? Buckle up, because that's exactly what our guest did! This season, we're diving deep with inspiring women in tech, and our first episode features the incredible Maria Varmazis. Maria's journey is anything but linear, and she gets real about the challenges of navigating societal expectations, the immigrant experience, and unexpected life detours. From mental health struggles to career pivots, Maria's story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and embracing the power of failure. Whether you're a woman in tech or simply someone who's ever felt like you didn't quite fit the mold, this episode is a must-listen.This content discusses topics related to suicide and suicidal thoughts. If you are struggling with suicidal feelings, please know you are not alone. There is help available, and reaching out for support is a sign of strength.You may contact: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (US) (https://988lifeline.org/current-events/the-lifeline-and-988/)Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (US) (https://www.crisistextline.org/)If you are outside the US, please search online for suicide prevention resources in your country.Remember, you are not alone. There is help, and hope.

July 11, 2024Episode 845 min

Painting My Way To The Top: An Artist's Journey To Tech Leadership With Rachelle Mohtadi

Art and engineering might seem like opposite ends of the spectrum, but they share a surprising connection. In this episode, Asmita Puri interviews Rachelle Mohtadi, who discusses her unconventional career path from an art history major to a successful VP of Engineering for a real estate technology startup. Rachelle shares the challenges she faced as a woman in the tech industry, from self-teaching HTML and CSS to navigating her first engineering job after a tech boot camp. Tune in to uncover the fascinating journey of blending creativity with technology, and be inspired to explore your unique career path. Don’t miss out—listen now!Rachelle's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachmohtHere are some of the resources shared by Rachelle:Python (40 - 60 hours for the core chapters but can take +100 hours if you're thorough)Depending on your learning style, it can be helpful to read the exercises first, take notes on vocabulary that is unfamiliar to you, and then go back and read the chapter looking for definitions. Working from the digital version of How to Think Like a Computer Scientist*, the following are the most important chapters. How to Think Like a Computer Scientist: https://runestone.academy/ns/books/published/thinkcspy/index.htmlSimple Python DataStringsListsSelectionPython Turtle GraphicsFunctionsHTML and CSS Codecademy's web track is good; you can scroll down and filter by Free, and it keeps track of your progress. www.codecademy.com/tracks/web

April 18, 2024Episode 732 min

Tech Freelance Work With Maddy Osman

Maddy Osman discovered her deep love for all things digital back when she was doing freelance work in tech. Finding her purpose in this space, she strived to grow her skills and build her network, eventually starting her own B2B content SEO agency. In this episode, she joins Asmita Puri to share the genesis story of The Blogsmith, as well as her strategies for maintaining a collaborative team and setting the right business standards. Maddy also discusses how she mastered the art of work delegation that allowed her to step away from the daily operations that consume a huge chunk of her time.

January 25, 2024Episode 636 min

Navigating Career Transitions And Embracing Creativity In Tech With Jillian Funes

Tech innovation is successful when we appreciate everyone's input, encourage creativity, and foster a culture where ideas can grow, leading to a brighter future through breakthroughs. In this episode, Jillian Funes discusses the narrative of creativity, resilience, and passion in the tech world, particularly on her transition from software engineering to Technical Product Manager. She explores the importance of cultivating a creative atmosphere within teams, with a special focus on how psychological safety plays a critical role in fostering innovation. Jillian shows that building genuine connections and valuing every voice has the power to transform. Tune in now!

January 11, 2024Episode 540 min

Pixels And Purpose: The Artistry Of Front-End Engineering And Inclusivity In The Tech World

Front-end engineering is the canvas where pixels meet purpose, crafting digital experiences that shape our online world. In this episode, software engineer Stacey Shkuratoff takes us to the world of front-end engineering as a neurodivergent individual in the tech field. She dismantles stereotypes and underscores the vital role that pixel-perfect attention to detail plays in crafting exceptional user experiences. But more than her experience in the tech world. Stacey also candidly discusses how she champions diversity and inclusion initiatives within her organization. She emphasizes the importance of amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups and promoting an environment where everyone's ideas are valued. Tune in to unravel the mysteries of front-end engineering, personal growth, and the strength of community.

December 7, 2023Episode 451 min

Empowering Teams And Championing Diversity: A Tech Leadership Journey With Ruth Lee

Tech leadership is about empowering teams, building trust, and championing diversity—creating an environment where everyone's voice is heard and valued. In this candid discussion, we sit down with Ruth Lee, CTO of Wave Mobile, to delve into the world of tech leadership, team dynamics, and the unique challenges faced by underrepresented individuals in the industry. Ruth discusses how she builds trust and empowers her teams, shedding light on the intricate process of evolving from micromanagement to a more self-driven approach. Moreover, as a queer woman in a predominantly male industry, Ruth touches on the challenges of being a diverse leader. She reveals strategies to create a safe space where team members from all backgrounds can thrive. Throughout the episode, Ruth reveals the tech world, the struggles of engineering management, and the need for change in the industry. Tune in to learn about tech leadership, and get inspired to champion diversity and positive change in your own professional journey.