Women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics don’t just have to deal with pay gaps — they have to grapple with a “confidence gap,” too.
A study conducted by Adina Sterling at the Stanford Graduate School of Business revealed that women engineering graduates have lower levels of self-efficacy on average compared to their male counterparts. As a result of this disparity in confidence, many women in STEM careers tend to doubt themselves more often when completing technical tasks and, in many cases, receive lower salaries than men.
While many women in male-dominated fields like engineering struggle with asserting their value in the workplace, many have found ways to overcome such obstacles. For instance, when Brandie Burditt entered the engineering field later on in her career, she struggled with feeling “behind,” but over time, she learned how to turn uncertainty into curiosity.
“That perspective shift helps keep me grounded and moving forward,” the senior software engineer at Zocdoc told Built In NYC.
According to Burditt, Zocdoc’s culture has also helped her build confidence, empowering her to embrace a sense of ownership over her work. Senior Software Engineer Angel Zhang feels similarly about MarketAxess, where she has been supported to pursue her career goals. From taking on stretch projects to mentoring junior engineers, she has had countless opportunities to further refine her technical and leadership skills while leaning on a network of inspiring women.
“It’s been rewarding to be part of an environment where growth isn’t just encouraged — it’s expected,” Zhang shared.
A company’s culture can make or break a woman’s ability to thrive in engineering. That’s why Senior Engineering Manager Kelsey Kernan recommends that women who are seeking engineering roles prioritize companies with supportive people and a focus on inclusion, which is exactly what she has found at GameChanger.
“What matters most is that leadership and peers at the organization are committed to supporting diverse perspectives and helping you grow your skills and your career,” she said.
To celebrate Women’s Equality Day, Burditt, Zhang, Kernan and two other women engineers caught up with Built In NYC to share how they’ve overcome obstacles in their careers, how their current employers enable them to thrive and their advice for other women engineers looking for their next role.
Zocdoc’s platform enables people to book appointments with nearby in-network physicians.
Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
Switching careers into engineering later than most, I’ve sometimes felt like I was “behind” and unsure if I’d ever measure up to the engineers I admire. But instead of letting that feeling derail me, I try to turn it into curiosity: What makes them so impactful, and what can I learn from their approach? I also make a point to track my own progress by reminding myself that a year ago, I wouldn’t have known where to begin on projects I now complete confidently. That perspective shift helps keep me grounded and moving forward.
I’ve also learned to speak up, stand by my technical decisions, and be persistent in using my voice. Staying consistent in my approach has helped others see the value I bring. When I need support or perspective, I’m grateful for the community of women in tech around me. It makes a difference to know I’m not navigating it all alone.
What are your professional goals, and how has Zocdoc enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources/opportunities are available?
I began my career primarily as a front-end engineer, but I set an early goal to grow into a full-stack developer. I’ve been able to make that transition thanks to teammates who were generous with their time by pair programming with me, answering questions and offering guidance as I took on more back-end responsibilities. Our team culture strongly supports growth and curiosity, and I’ve benefited from both formal and informal mentorship as well as the freedom to explore new areas without fear of failure.
One of the things I value most is the sense of ownership I have over my career path. When I express interest in a new area or skill, I’m met with encouragement and genuine effort to connect me with opportunities that align with that interest. We’re also empowered to experiment with new tools and technologies, with dedicated time throughout the year for hands-on exploration. This environment has helped me expand my skill set and grow into a more well-rounded, confident engineer.
“When I express interest in a new area or skill, I’m met with encouragement and genuine effort to connect me with opportunities that align with that interest.”
What advice do you have for women in engineering or other technical roles regarding how to identify a company and team that will support their growth and development?
Look beyond mission statements and into structure: Does the company have ERGs for women in tech or caregivers? Are those groups supported with leadership buy-in and real resources? Are mentorship and learning opportunities embedded into the culture? Pay attention to representation. Consider, are there women in leadership and in the roles you admire? A healthy team will be one where growth is encouraged and supported through real mechanisms, not just good intentions. Ask how people have advanced internally, and look for signs that the company invests in developing its talent.
MarketAxess’ platform is designed to make bond trading more accessible.
Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
My journey as a woman in engineering, particularly within the financial services industry, has come with both exciting opportunities and meaningful challenges. Early in my career, I often found myself in spaces where few people looked like me or shared similar lived experiences. At times, I had to work twice as hard to build credibility or make sure my voice was heard. What helped me overcome those hurdles was building a strong network and being intentional about creating space for others, too. I now lead a global community focused on supporting women in technology within our organization called Woman in Tech. We’ve hosted workshops, roundtables and mentorship initiatives that not only empower individuals but also shape our company culture to be more inclusive and forward-thinking. Being part of this effort has given me a deep sense of purpose and allowed me to grow as both an engineer and a leader.
What are your professional goals, and how has MarketAxess enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources/opportunities are available?
I’m passionate about continuing to grow as a technical leader while also empowering others to do the same. One of my personal goals has been to stay ahead of emerging technologies while developing the kind of leadership skills that can scale impact across teams. MarketAxess has been incredibly supportive of those goals. I’ve had the opportunity to take on stretch projects, mentor junior engineers, and even pursue graduate-level education while working full time. There’s also a strong culture of support here, from technical learning resources to communities that foster connection and career/professional development. It’s been rewarding to be part of an environment where growth isn’t just encouraged — it’s expected.
“I’ve had the opportunity to take on stretch projects, mentor junior engineers, and even pursue graduate-level education while working full time.”
What advice do you have for women in engineering or other technical roles regarding how to identify a company and team that will support their growth and development?
Look for more than just the job title or perks; pay close attention to how the organization supports its people. Do you see women in leadership roles? Are there communities or mentorship opportunities that help elevate different voices and ensure everyone has a seat at the table? During interviews, don’t be afraid to ask about professional development, team dynamics and how success is recognized. Also, trust your gut. A culture of respect, openness and continuous learning is one where you can truly thrive and grow not only as a professional but as an individual. Find a place that not only values your technical skills but also encourages you to grow beyond them.
Narmi’s platform enables financial institutions to offer digital banking solutions.
Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
As a woman in engineering, I’ve definitely experienced some subtle challenges, including things as minor as feeling hesitant to openly mention something like menstrual cramps when I explain to my manager as to why I am not feeling well. Although no one has explicitly discouraged these conversations, sometimes I’ll prefer to be proactive, and shield myself from potential awkwardness or misinterpretation. As such, I’ve found that simply stating, “I’m not feeling well,” is sufficient and requires no further justification.
I like to be proactive about organizing group activities, like board game nights, among my entire team, which help build connections in a relaxed and clearly defined social setting. Being in a group context can take a lot of the awkwardness out of informal interactions with coworkers, allowing me to comfortably get to know everyone better.
What are your professional goals, and how has Narmi enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources/opportunities are available?
My primary professional goal is continuous learning through engaging in varied and challenging projects that allow me to expand my skills and grow personally and professionally, such as transitioning into management roles. My managers actively listen to my interests and provide opportunities aligned with my growth objectives, granting autonomy and trust in my work. I’ve been able to work on projects that have helped me develop new skills, and when I’ve expressed a preference not to participate in certain projects, my managers have supported me and assigned alternatives. I was also asked about my career interests and given the opportunity to lead a new team. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is also important to me, and Narmi supports this by establishing clear expectations around working hours and consistently approving PTO without requiring detailed justification.
“Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is also important to me, and Narmi supports this by establishing clear expectations around working hours and consistently approving PTO without requiring detailed justification.”
What advice do you have for women in engineering or other technical roles regarding how to identify a company and team that will support their growth and development?
When evaluating potential companies, I’d recommend looking for diversity within the team; ideally, you shouldn’t be the only woman engineer unless the team is very small. Pay attention to the diversity of your interviewer panel, as it often reflects the company’s commitment to inclusivity. Most importantly, speaking directly with current female engineers can provide insightful perspectives on the team’s culture, support structures and the company’s genuine investment in your professional growth.
One thing I did during my interview process here was that I asked to meet a bunch of the team together in a group setting. This was in the days of fully remote interviews, but it’s relevant even if you’ll be interviewing in person. The main thing I wanted to see were the group dynamics between everyone I’ve been talking to. How do they show respect to one another? Do they seem to enjoy each other’s company? Could I see myself integrating into this dynamic?
Order.co’s business-to-business e-commerce platform is designed to enable brands to streamline purchasing, strengthen their financial operations and maximize spend efficiency.
Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
I’ve been an engineer for over 10 years. When I first started, I was very focused on building credibility and proving myself in environments where I was often one of the only women on the team. Over the years, my experience in engineering has been incredibly transformative, not just in terms of technical growth but also in how I approach collaboration, leadership and resilience.
Early in my career, I often had my technical input questioned more than my peers’ and lacked access to the informal mentorship channels that could help accelerate my professional growth. At times, it also meant working harder to ensure my contributions were visible and recognized. These experiences have made me more intentional about creating inclusive, collaborative spaces where everyone’s ideas can be heard and evaluated fairly. I see it as part of my role to actively mentor others, advocate for transparency, and set a tone where technical merit is recognized, regardless of who it comes from.
What are your professional goals, and how has Order.co enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources/opportunities are available?
My long-term goal is to grow into an engineering leadership role, with the aspiration to serve as a vice president of engineering eventually. I want to lead teams not only to deliver high-quality technical solutions but also to create an environment where engineers can thrive.
At Order.co, the leadership team has supported me in pursuing technical leadership opportunities by entrusting me with managing projects, driving initiatives and coordinating cross-team collaborations. I’ve also mentored less experienced engineers through these roles, which has brought me closer to my leadership goals. Order.co encourages engineers to take ownership of their learning and growth. Engineering leadership has fostered mentorship through leadership example and direct support, which has been instrumental in helping me develop both technically and as a leader. These opportunities have strengthened my ability to guide teams through complex challenges, and I’m excited to continue growing toward that vice president role while contributing at a high level in the meantime.
“At Order.co, the leadership team has supported me in pursuing technical leadership opportunities by entrusting me with managing projects, driving initiatives and coordinating cross-team collaborations.”
What advice do you have for women in engineering or other technical roles regarding how to identify a company and team that will support their growth and development?
My advice is to look for companies where growth and inclusion are genuinely part of the culture, not just on paper. Seek teams that foster mentorship, offer impactful roles, and have leaders who listen and support their teams. Additionally, ask direct questions during interviews about learning resources, promotion paths and how the company supports professional development. Also, having a broader network of engineering professionals can provide valuable insights into companies you’re considering. It will help you make a more informed decision about whether they truly support their teams.
GameChanger’s youth sports platform makes it possible to livestream games, schedule practice, review season statistics and more.
Describe your experience as a woman in engineering. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced, and how have you overcome them?
I’ve been in engineering for nine years and am now a senior engineering manager at GameChanger. While software engineering remains a primarily male-dominated field, I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from many strong women engineering leaders throughout my career. I’ve often been the only woman in the room or the only woman on a team, but I’ve never let that bother me.
One of my personal challenges early on was coming out of college with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biomedical and electrical engineering while being surrounded by opportunities in software, for which I didn’t have a computer science background. I’ve had to teach myself much of what I know about software, and that pressure to “prove myself” pushed me to gain deep expertise over time.
Mentorship and coaching has also played a huge role in my growth. I’ve been supported by great mentors, managers and coaches, and women-led networks have helped me build confidence and community. Today, I try to give back by mentoring others and supporting women in tech programs, including at my alma mater. I believe seeing people like you in leadership makes a difference as it helps others know they belong, too.
What are your professional goals, and how has GameChanger enabled you to pursue them? What career growth resources/opportunities are available?
My professional goals center around growing into senior leadership by developing other leaders, shaping engineering culture, and coaching others to build high-impact products that users love. I’m passionate about creating teams that are both a joy to be a part of and high-performing, where people feel supported, motivated and proud of what they build.
“I’m passionate about creating teams that are both a joy to be a part of and high-performing, where people feel supported, motivated and proud of what they build.”
GameChanger has supported my growth through meaningful opportunities, such as attending the SheTO conference for women engineering leaders and the DICK’S Sporting Goods Women’s Conference, where I heard from many inspiring executives. I’ve also been trusted to lead important initiatives at the organizational level, such as leading a restructure of our on-call processes, which has expanded my influence across teams. Internally, I started a monthly Women in Tech water cooler conversation to connect other women at GameChanger, which has been running for a year now. I’m also staying hands-on by experimenting with new AI tools and continuing to grow as both an engineer and leader.
What advice do you have for women in engineering or other technical roles regarding how to identify a company and team that will support their growth and development?
When evaluating a company or team, I look for signals that growth is genuinely supported. Representation matters, so seeing women in leadership roles, like GameChanger’s senior vice president of engineering, Ami Kumar, was a strong signal for me. I had the chance to chat with her in the interview process, and I appreciated the clarity she brought to the company’s mission, unique challenges and opportunities for employee growth. In interviews, is it helpful to ask about growth opportunities, training and development support and how decisions are made to get a sense of the culture. What matters most is that leadership and peers at the organization are committed to supporting diverse perspectives and helping you grow your skills and your career.
