Equifax Leaders Featured on Women in Technology Forum

DEVELOPING WOMEN LEADERS IN STEM is a key priority for Equifax as a leading global data, analytics, and technology company.

Currently, women are underrepresented in many science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, particularly in leadership positions. By investing in the development of women leaders in STEM, we can help create a more equitable and effective workforce and help to ensure that women have the opportunity to not only succeed, but thrive in these fields.

Equifax works with many groups, internal and external, to help develop the next generation of women leaders.  

Value of Mentorship 

Women in Technology (WIT), an Atlanta-based non-profit committed to promoting gender diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, held a forum in February, “The "We" in C-Suite - Critical Sponsorship and Mentors” featuring Equifax leaders as a part of a panel which highlighted the importance and benefits of female mentorship in the technology industry. Cecilia Mao, Global Chief Product Officer and Megan Barney, VP, Product were one of the pairs of mentors and mentees on the panel.

The panelists shared their personal experiences and insights on how mentorship has played a pivotal role in their careers and how having a mentor who understands the unique challenges faced by women in technology and can provide guidance and support in navigating through them. The event was a testament to the power of female mentorship in breaking down gender barriers and promoting diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry.

For Cecilia, she recognized the importance of giving back and what a mentor can do for a mentee. 

“Throughout my career, I have had many mentors and know that it's a trusted relationship and it is how you can give back,” Cecilia said. 

She also recognized that for a mentee progressing in their career, a consistent resource can be helpful. 

“I think I had 11 managers during a time in my career and it is really hard to get progression when you jump from manager to manager. So it helps to have someone with a view that can see growth in a person.” 

Megan shared her experiences and benefits of being a mentee. 

“You have somebody that you can have a trusted relationship with so you feel like you can ask the questions about how the company's operating or higher team is doing. They also give you that confidence to feel that you can continue to go forward with their guidance throughout your career.”

Partnering with Women in Technology 

Equifax is a longtime partner of WIT and actively supports their efforts to create a more equitable and diverse workforce. Among the WIT Programs Equifax supports are the WIT Girls Job Shadow program and the WIT Single Mothers Program. The Job Shadow program is a week-long event which has Equifax hosting high school girls interested in the STEAM fields. The girls meet with Equifax employees who present on panels, demo their work, host STEAM games and activities, and inspire the students with stories of their career journeys.

The WIT Single Mothers Program benefits 20 adult single mothers per semester, living in poverty, who are interested in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) workforce education and employment. Participants are looking to improve the quality of their lives and the lives of their children and through the program can earn a Cyber Security Certification through Emory University.

Women Supporting Women at Equifax

Women Advancing Technology Together (WATT), the women’s network within the Product, Data & Analytics and Technology (PDAT) division at Equifax, aims to empower one another through personal and professional development, working to ensure successful representation and impact within relevant industries. 

“To fully live our values at Equifax, we have to foster an environment in which women can promote and empower each other – and celebrate their achievements,” said Alejandra Torchia, Senior Vice President, Technology International at Equifax. “This includes everything from being transparent as leaders with hiring and promotion processes, to promoting dialogue and creating an inclusive environment for our colleagues. As Executive Chair and Champion of WATT, part of our Global Women’s Network, I’m honored to support our leaders and women in furthering these efforts every day at Equifax.” 

With over 500 members globally, WATT provides various opportunities throughout the year for women at Equifax to share their experiences and gain exposure to incredible opportunities, helping them to grow, lead and be their best not only at Equifax, but for years to come.

For more information on how inclusion and diversity plays a large role in the Equifax culture, visit our website.