Interview: Susanne König on Her Volunteering Experience in Hack’n’Lead
I n this interview, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Susanne König to explore her journey as a volunteer at Hack’n’Lead. Her story provides valuable insights into the positive impact that volunteering can have on personal and professional growth, making her an inspiration for those interested in bridging the gender gap in technology and innovation. Join us as we explore her experiences, challenges, and successes.
Can you first tell us about your professional background?
Sure, I originally worked as a web developer in various agencies and companies, and now I’m involved in VEP development.
Did you have any specific education related to this field?
Yes, I studied Media Engineering in Germany, which covered not only development but also media production, including digital media, audio, video journalism, and even some analogue aspects.
Have you had any previous experience with volunteering before joining women++?
I’ve volunteered before, but it wasn’t related to my profession, technical or hard skills. Nothing IT related. It was more in different associations I was part of. While it wasn’t directly related to my profession, it was within my area of expertise.
How did you come to be involved with women++?
It’s been a while, and I honestly can’t recall exactly how I first heard about women++. It might have been through a network like Women Tech Makers, a meetup, or some other kind of event. In one of these networks, they were looking for volunteers for Hack’n’Lead, and I found it really interesting, so I volunteered.
What aspects of women++ and Hack’n’Lead do you find particularly appealing?
I liked how women++ organizes hackathons (Hack’n’Lead). They’re are different than most of known hackathon, it’s healthier. It’s a great initiative.
In your professional experience, have you personally encountered any discrimination as a woman in the workplace?
Fortunately, I’ve been quite lucky. I haven’t had any issues with my male colleagues; they’ve always respected my skills and haven’t discriminated based on gender. The discrimination that I’ve heard of typically came from individuals in different positions, who weren’t directly working in IT. Comments like, ‘Oh, you can code too?’ were occasional. However, compared to many others, I’ve been fortunate not to face major issues.
Thank you for sharing that. What are your thoughts on the current state of diversity in the tech industry?
It’s good that diversity and inclusion are on the agenda, but it often seems like more talk than action. There’s still a lot of untapped potential. I hope the industry moves from just talking about diversity to actively implementing it because diverse teams are more creative and efficient.
Has your experience with women++ had any significant impact on your life?
Yes, in a way it has. Volunteering with women++ was my first experience volunteering in a field related to my professional background. This experience influenced me to volunteer for Powercoders, the organzation where I currently work. So, it has definitely changed my life in a positive way.
Lastly, is there anyone you’d like to say hello to, perhaps a fellow woman in tech?
Of course, I’ve met some great women through women++, like Luisa, Aleksandra, and Yvonne. It’s interesting to see how people’s career paths evolve. I remember Yvonne saying she wanted to retire early, and now she’s very active in the tech industry. It’s always fascinating to see how things change over time!
Thank you Susanne for your inspiring testimonial!
Hack’n’Lead 3rd edition is just around the corner, taking place in Zurich on November 11 and 12, and you can learn more about it here.
About the author:
Maria João Silveira is a Social Media Coordinator Volunteer at women++. She has over a decade of experience in customer service and management and has demonstrated exceptional abilities in leading and coaching teams, solving complex problems, and maintaining high standards of customer satisfaction. She’s alsobecoming IPMA certified. When not working, Maria loves spending time with her dog, exploring new destinations and cultures, writing, nurturing her green thumb by taking care of her plants, and meditating.
