Follow these inspiring women in tech
While jobs in data analytics and data science continue to hire at record rates, women remain an underrepresented demographic within the industry. According to survey respondents of Harnham's 2021-2022 Diversity Report in Data & Data Analytics, only 27% of Data & Analytics roles in US are held by women — though this number is steadily growing compared to previous years.
We're on a mission to transform tech, and we know that having role models who look like you can make all the difference when dreaming of a career path. That's why we've gathered a list of inspiring women in data who continue to push forward and make big changes in the field — follow them on Twitter to diversify and bring inspiration to your feed!
Yeshimabeit Milner (Data for Black Lives)
Yeshimabeit Milner is the Founder and Executive Director of Data 4 Black Lives (D4BL). Established by Milner in 2016, D4BL consists of activists, organizers, and data scientists who work together to empower grassroots organizations with data they need to ignite positive, measurable change in the lives of Black people. Milner herself is a passionate activist for social change, and challenges people to abolish data as a weapon of political influence.
Cassie Kozyrkov (Google)
Cassie Kozyrkov started as a Statistician at Google in 2014. In her 8 years with the company, Cassie has moved up the ranks and currently serves as the Chief Decision Scientist. Her role oversees decision intelligence, which combines data science and behaviour science. The department works to democratize Decision Intelligence and safe, reliable AI. Kozyrkov has been yielded as a thought leader, appearing on the cover of Forbes Magazine AI Data Science Issue, and was selected by LinkedIn as the number one voice in data science and analytics for 2019.
Elena Tej Grewal (Data 2 the People)
Formerly the Director of Data Science at AirBnb, Elena Tej Grewal left the organization in January 2020 when she founded Data 2 the People, a community of data scientists who focus on using data for public good. The company offers data science services to governments and candidates running for public office who align with values such as taking action on climate change, racial and gender inequalities, and championing public education.
Jessica Gelman (Kraft Analytics Group)
Data and analytics are quickly taking over the sports world, and Jessica Gelman is at the forefront of the conversation. As a former professional basketball player, Gelman integrated her love of sports and analytics to elevate herself to the role of CEO at Kraft Analytics Group. The company helps sports and entertainment companies such as the NFL with data management and advanced analytics. In addition to her role with Kraft Analytics, Gelman is the Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, an annual gathering of some of the brightest minds in sports analytics.
Yael Garten (Apple)
Yael Garten is currently the Director of AI/ML Data Science and Engineering at Apple. Her experience in using data to drive business decisions assists Apple in improving products like Siri and Search. Garten oversees a team of data scientists who measure the user experience via data and use their findings to improve the usability of Apple products. Prior to her role with Apple, Garten spent time climbing up the ranks at LinkedIn, where she helped use data to improve consumer products.
Joy Buolamwini (Algorithmic Justice League)
Joy Buolamwini is the Founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, an organization focused on raising awareness about the bias and harms that can be caused by artificial intelligence. The movement is focused on shifting the AI ecosystem towards equitable and accountable AI — a new Netflix documentary called Coded Bias: A Documentary explores the movement, how it started, and individuals impacted. Buolamwini was also named one of the World’s 50 greatest leaders in 2019 by Fortune.
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