Real Life Wonder Women: The Girls In Tech Catalyst Conference

Attending the Girls In Tech Catalyst Conference in San Francisco proved to be a transformative experience for a summer intern at PagerDuty, offering a refreshing departure from traditional professional events with its vibrant, inclusive atmosphere. The conference featured TED Talk-style presentations by diverse female leaders from various sectors of the technology industry, including PagerDuty CEO Jennifer Tejada, who spoke on "Grace Under Pressure." Tejada emphasized that the path to leadership is fraught with sacrifices and obstacles, and she shared the importance of maintaining composure, courage, and dignity—qualities she defined as grace—in overcoming challenges. This message resonated deeply with the intern, who, as an Asian woman and Filipino citizen, reflected on personal struggles with perceived femininity and assertiveness in professional settings. The conference was an empowering testament to the resilience and determination of women who have succeeded in a male-dominated industry without compromising their aspirations. The intern left the event inspired by the strength and authenticity of these leaders and reassured about her place in the tech industry, buoyed by the supportive environment at PagerDuty and a renewed belief in her potential.