Honoring Extreme's Exceptional Women in Engineering — Inspiring Stories that Redefine Our World

"Talent and capability transcend gender."

At Extreme Networks, we don't just believe in it, we live it every day. Advancing equity in the networking industry requires a deliberate and consistent effort. We recognize and celebrate the women in our ranks, tirelessly striving to provide them with optimal conditions for professional growth, not only for themselves but also for their teams and colleagues.

An environment that fosters diversity and inclusivity is the very bedrock upon which the edifice of success and progress is constructed. For us, inspiration is never too far away. Many of our wonderful women engineers, from those who are just starting to those who have been with us for a while, inspire us every day with their creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence.

As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we remain excited to have the opportunity to highlight their accomplishments, share their stories, and rightfully place them in the spotlight they deserve.

Sowjanya Kotha, Principal SW Systems Engineer

Can you share an experience that helped shape your perspective on the impact women in engineering have in transforming society and business?

At the start of my career, as part of a volunteering activity, I was part of a group visiting a school. As it was a rural area, the goal was to share the importance of education and encourage students to continue school. There were a few speeches given to the students who were intently listening. Behind me, I could hear a few girls whispering, "There are women in the group who came in today!!!". When I turned around and looked at them, they were a little scared but confident enough to talk to me a little later. That was a moment I realized that our presence had a major impact on them, on what they could achieve, and what they could dream for.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in engineering, and what advice would you give to other women who are facing the same challenge?

Challenges for women can range from stereotyping, gender-bias, work-life balance, and more. The ripple effect of each of these, and what I consider the biggest challenge, is lack of confidence. Many times, we may feel that we must be an expert on a topic to speak up. My advice to anyone would be to advocate for yourself and to not let the fear keep you from an opportunity.

You are capable of a lot more than what your mind can perceive when in self-doubt. Believe in your strengths, and the challenges on your path will seem smaller.

Alyssa Mun, Systems Engineering Manager

Can you share an experience that helped shape your perspective on the impact women in engineering have in transforming society and business?

Early in my career, I had the opportunity to attend a training session aimed at enhancing my sales tools and presentation skills. One particular insight that has stuck with me is the recognition by the VP of Engineering of the significant positive impact of women in sales engineering. He emphasized that women often foster an environment where customers and colleagues feel open and vulnerable, leading to deeper trust and stronger relationships. This powerful insight has continued to resonate with me and has reaffirmed the significant positive influence of women in engineering.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in engineering, and what advice would you give to other women who are facing the same challenge?

In my career, I've encountered significant challenges due to underrepresentation and the struggle to gain professional credibility. Despite being one of the few women in my field, I've used these experiences to build resilience and determination. For instance, during my Electrical and Computer Engineering degree, where only four women graduated in my cohort, I worked hard to pave the way for future female professionals in the industry. As the sole SE Manager at Extreme, I'm actively working to promote gender diversity and demonstrate that women can excel in similar roles. While the scarcity of female peers has presented obstacles, I've channeled this into efforts to establish credibility, secure a place at decision-making tables, and showcase my capabilities effectively. These experiences underline the broader challenge of gender diversity in our industry and the need to encourage and empower more women to pursue careers in this field. My advice is to advocate for yourself, build relationships, speak up, and recognize the incredible value you bring.

Lakshmi Keesaru Nataraj, Associate Wireless Software Engineer

Can you share an experience that helped shape your perspective on the impact women in engineering have in transforming society and business?

In my experience, I have seen women demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills and responsibility under pressure. We didn't see the project merely as a source of income but poured our heart and soul into it, driven by a passion for the work. This dedication highlighted how crucial the collaboration and contributions of both men and women are for success, bringing diverse perspectives and strengths that lead to innovative and well-rounded solutions. Our approach not only advanced the project but also inspired a culture of inclusivity and excellence. Women in engineering play a pivotal role in driving societal and business transformations through their unique perspectives and unwavering commitment.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in engineering, and what advice would you give to other women who are facing the same challenge?

The biggest challenge for women in engineering is often being judged for their skills and facing doubts about their work-life balance. Despite our efforts to prove these misconceptions wrong, such common perspectives can be hurtful and demotivating. My advice is to stay confident, focus on your strengths, and build a supportive network to help navigate and overcome these challenges.

Thank you to the wonderful women who shared their stories with me. Your experiences, work ethics, and commitment to excellence illustrate that women can succeed in any area including STEM. We must all strive for a world where everyone is inspired and empowered to do their best.

If we are to ever reach the apex of innovation as an industry or as a society, we need more women to be part of our journey. And we can all play a part in sharing their stories and amplifying the voices of those that truly deserve it.