Fora Career Growth & Development

Describe your career journey so far. What skills and/or experiences have you acquired along the way that have helped you get to where you are now?

I began my engineering career at Microsoft, where I learned industry best practices, was mentored by exceptional people and developed a deep appreciation for building products at scale. I then joined Toast, a mid-sized company, where I strengthened my technical foundation, expanded my knowledge of modern technologies and began stepping into lead roles.

At Microsoft and Toast, I also explored product management on the side, guided by inspiring female mentors who introduced me to the field. Although I ultimately chose not to pursue that path, the experience made me a better engineer and leader. It taught me how to effectively tailor information to different audiences, bridge technical and business goals, and empathize with the customers.

Most recently, I joined Fora, a fast-growing startup in the travel space, as an individual contributor. I was drawn to the opportunity to have greater impact, build faster and stay close to the customer. As the company scaled, my team split into two, and I transitioned into an engineering manager role, where I’ve learned that effective communication and collaboration are just as critical as strong technical skills.

What support did you receive from individuals and/or resources that helped you step into a leadership role?

My manager at Fora was instrumental in helping me transition into leadership. It was the right mix of timing, opportunity and self-advocacy. I expressed my interest in pursuing the management track, and when the team split into two, my manager supported me in stepping into the new role. He acted as both a mentor and sponsor, bringing me into the conversations and creating space for me to contribute at a higher level.

The other engineering managers at Fora were also an incredible source of support. Each had made the same transition from individual contributor to manager, and learning from their experiences was invaluable. I realized that there’s no single “right” way to manage; every leader brings their own style to the job. Drawing inspiration from what I admire most about others has helped me shape a management approach that feels authentic to me.

To prepare for the manager role, I also invested time in reading management books. I particularly enjoyed “Radical Candor” and “The Making of a Manager,” which changed the way I think about providing positive and constructive feedback to my direct reports.

How do you encourage other women on your team to become leaders themselves? Are there any stories you can share that showcase how you’ve done this?

I always make a point to build relationships with the other female engineers on the team and reach out to female candidates who are considering joining Fora. I’m also deeply passionate about advocating for women in tech and fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to grow. As the only female engineering manager at Fora, I’ve experienced moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome, so I understand how challenging it can be to feel like the “only one.” My goal is to use my position to support and uplift others and to pay forward the mentorship and advocacy that helped me step into leadership myself.