Who Runs the (Tech) World? Girls! How Mentorship is Changing the Game

Let’s be real—tech hasn’t always been the most welcoming space for women. For years, it was like an exclusive club where the unofficial dress code included hoodies, sneakers, and a strong resistance to social interaction. But times are changing, and women are making their mark, breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations as they carve out their place in the industry, one line of code at a time.

However, breaking into tech (and thriving in it) still comes with its fair share of challenges. That’s where mentorship swoops in like a Wi-Fi connection when you’re on the verge of a breakdown—absolutely essential.

"The role of supporters, sponsors, and mentors is huge across your career." Delphine Donné, VP and General Manager at Logitech

Mentorship isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a game-changer. Let’s talk about how it’s shaping the future of women in tech and why it might just be the secret ingredient to success.

Why Mentor Women in Tech? Breaking Barriers & Building Futures!

Aside from the obvious answer—because women in tech are awesome—mentorship is crucial for career growth, confidence-building, and staying sane in an industry where “bro culture” still lurks in the shadows. After all, who doesn’t want a personal tech fairy godmother to guide them through the chaos of APIs and workplace politics?

"I have very personally felt the overwhelming loneliness, self-doubt, and frustration that often comes with the minority status of a woman in engineering. As much as I can help others get through or avoid those difficult stretches that I myself had to weather, I'd like to." Tracy Chou, CEO at Block Party

Studies back this up. According to a study by the Anita Borg Institute, women in tech who have mentors are 77% more likely to stay in the industry after three years compared to those without mentors (WomenTech Network). That’s a big deal when retention is a major issue in the field. A good mentor can be a guiding light, helping to navigate everything from debugging spaghetti code to handling a meeting where you’re the only woman in the room (and resisting the urge to flip a table when someone repeats your idea as their own).

Beyond the technical know-how, mentorship fosters community and collaboration. When women lift each other up, it creates an environment where we’re not just surviving—we’re thriving. Because let’s face it, the only thing better than breaking barriers is doing it together. It’s like forming an elite squad—except instead of fighting villains, we’re fighting pay gaps and outdated stereotypes.

Mentorship also helps women gain access to leadership roles. Research shows that women with mentors are more likely to get promotions, salary increases, and recognition for their contributions. A report by Lean In and McKinsey found that women who receive mentorship are more likely to advocate for themselves and pursue high-visibility projects that boost career growth. Translation? Having a mentor isn’t just great—it’s like having an industry cheat code.

Moreover, mentorship isn’t just about professional development—it’s about emotional resilience. Women who have strong mentorship relationships report higher job satisfaction and a greater sense of belonging in their workplaces. Having a mentor to share experiences, validate concerns, and strategize next steps can make a significant difference in an industry where many women still face bias and underrepresentation. And let’s be real—sometimes you just need someone to reassure you that you do belong here and that the bug in your code isn’t actually a personal attack from the universe.

Mentorship Magic: How One Connection Can Transform an Industry

Mentorship doesn’t just benefit the mentor and mentee—it has ripple effects across the entire industry. Research shows that mentorship plays a critical role in retaining women in tech. According to a study by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), mentorship and sponsorship programs have been shown to increase the retention and advancement of women in technical roles.

When a woman in tech mentors another, it sets off a chain reaction. More representation leads to more young girls seeing tech as a career option. Because if they can see it, they can be it.

"Women no longer have an 'if I can' mindset. Now it's more about 'how I can'—be in tech, start something in tech, fund something in tech. That shift is exciting!" Shaherose Charania, Co-Founder and CEO of Women 2.0

Mentorship also helps break the cycle of underrepresentation in leadership roles. Women in tech who are mentored are more likely to advance into leadership positions, influencing policies and decisions that create more inclusive workplaces. Research shows that 89% of individuals who have been mentored go on to mentor others, creating a powerful cycle of support and growth (Mentorloop). This expands the impact of mentorship across generations, strengthening the pipeline of women in tech and ensuring long-term success.

"To create a more diverse and inclusive tech world, we need to inspire and empower the next generation of female role models to pursue and develop their career in technology and become innovators, leaders, and entrepreneurs." Anna Radulovski, Founder & CEO at WomenTech Network

Moreover, mentorship fosters professional confidence. Having a mentor provides access to valuable industry knowledge, career guidance, and a network of connections that can open doors to new opportunities. Women who receive mentorship are more likely to take risks, negotiate for higher salaries, and pursue promotions.

Take Sheryl Sandberg, for example. Her rise to COO of Facebook and founder of LeanIn inspired thousands of women to claim their seat at the table (and maybe even build the table themselves). But mentorship isn’t just for executives—anyone in tech can support and uplift the next generation.

"The word ‘female,’ when inserted in front of something, is always with a note of surprise. Female COO, female pilot, female surgeon—as if the gender implies surprise... One day there won’t be female leaders. There will just be leaders." Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Facebook

Breaking Into Tech: Overcoming the Hurdles to Entry

Let’s address the not-so-fun part: The obstacles.

Imposter Syndrome: Many women in tech experience impostor syndrome, with 60.6% of female software engineers reporting frequent to intense levels of impostor feelings, significantly higher than their male counterparts (arxiv.org). Additionally, a KPMG study found that 75% of female executives across various sectors have experienced impostor syndrome at some point in their careers (shecancode.io). Impostor syndrome can make even the most qualified professionals feel like they don’t belong, despite their skills and accomplishments. The reality? Women in tech bring immense talent, innovation, and expertise to the industry—mentorship helps reinforce that truth.

"Perfectionism prevents us from taking double steps in our career. We think we have to be perfect, but we don’t." Reshma Saujani, Founder of Girls Who Code

Gender Bias: Other challenges include lack of representation, gender bias, and the dreaded “you’re so articulate for a woman in tech” comment (seriously, what does that even mean?). Women are still underrepresented in leadership, with many facing stereotypes that impact promotions and career growth. From performance biases to being mistaken for administrative staff, these hurdles can make advancement feel like an uphill battle.

"Recognize and embrace your uniqueness. Being a Black woman, being a woman in general, on a team of all men, means that you are going to have a unique voice. It's important to embrace that." Erin Teague, Head of Product at YouTube

Unequal Access: There’s also the reality of unequal access to opportunities, where women are often overlooked for high-impact projects, promotions, or leadership roles. Studies show that men are often given more “stretch assignments” that lead to career growth, while women are left handling executional tasks. And let’s not forget the classic manterruption—when a woman is cut off in a meeting before finishing a thought.

"If we do not share our stories and shine a light on inequities, things will not change." Ellen Pao, former CEO of Reddit

This is why mentors are so important. They’ve been through it. They know the struggles, the awkward networking events, the feeling of being underestimated—and they have the roadmap to get through it. They can also provide strategies to navigate common obstacles, like how to negotiate a raise, advocate for promotions, and counteract biases in hiring and evaluations.

A mentor can offer advice like:

✔ "You belong here." (Because you do.)

✔ "Advocate for yourself." (And never apologize for taking up space.)

✔ "Here’s how to respond when someone explains your own idea back to you in a meeting." (Pro tip: A well-timed, 'Thanks for reiterating my point!' works wonders.)

✔ "How to push back when your contributions aren’t being acknowledged." (Receipts matter—keep a record and speak up!)

✔ "Why you should document your achievements and share them unapologetically." (Because if you don’t, who will? Own your success!)

A tech career isn’t a straight path—it’s more like a maze with surprise twists, roadblocks, and the occasional imposter syndrome detour. That’s why having a mentor is a game-changer—they help navigate the chaos, cheer you on at every milestone, and remind you that you absolutely belong here.

Mentorship Matchmaking: Finding Your Perfect Tech Guide

So, you’re convinced mentorship is important. Now what? Finding a mentor can feel like dating—except with less ghosting and fewer awkward coffee meetups.

Here’s where to start:

• Networking Events: Go to tech meetups, conferences, and workshops. Yes, even the ones with dry sandwiches and awkward icebreakers.

• Online Platforms: LinkedIn isn’t just for job hunting. Reach out to women in tech who inspire you—you’d be surprised how many are willing to help.

• Educational Institutions: Professors, career advisors, and guest speakers can be great mentors.

• Professional Organizations: Groups like Women Who Code, AnitaB.org, and Girls Who Code have mentorship programs designed for you.

• Shoot Your Shot: Admire someone in the industry? Send a thoughtful message. The worst they can say is no (or ignore you, but let’s manifest good vibes instead).

Mentorship Glow-Up: How to Maximize the Experience

Finding a mentor is just step one. Here’s how to build a solid mentoring relationship and make it truly impactful:

📝 Set Clear Goals – What do you want from mentorship? Career advice? Skill-building? A roadmap to take over the tech world? (All valid.) Be specific about what you hope to gain so your mentor can provide the right guidance.

📆 Schedule Regular Check-Ins – Even if it’s a quick virtual chat, consistency matters. Treat mentorship like a gym membership—the more you show up, the better the results.

🗣 Be Honest & Open – Share your challenges, celebrate your wins, and don’t be afraid to admit when you’re feeling lost. A good mentor is there to help you navigate the rollercoaster of tech life (and trust me, there are loops).

📚 Do Your Homework – Mentors appreciate when you take initiative. Come prepared with questions, updates, and action items. No one wants a meeting filled with awkward silence and vague small talk—come prepared and make it count.

🎯 Be Coachable – Feedback is a gift! Be open to suggestions and willing to step outside your comfort zone—growth happens when you stretch yourself.

🙌 Give Back – Even if you’re just starting out, mentorship is a two-way street. Share what you learn, lift up others, and keep the cycle of support going.

From Talk to Action: How Companies Can Champion Women in Tech

Companies that care about diversity need to put their money where their mouth is. Talking about mentorship is great, but real change comes from action. Tech leaders, the time to step up isn’t tomorrow—it’s today.

Here’s how organizations can take real action to support mentorship:

🌟 Formal Mentorship Programs – Structured pairings between senior and junior employees can be a game-changer. Organizations should establish mentorship initiatives with clear goals, support resources, and incentives for participation to ensure long-term success.

🤝 Inclusivity Initiatives – Create spaces for women, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to access mentorship. This includes networking events, affinity groups, and sponsorship programs that actively connect women with experienced leaders who can advocate for their careers.

📈 Leadership Development Opportunities – Companies should go beyond mentorship and invest in leadership training, stretch assignments, and sponsorship programs that help women gain visibility and experience needed for career advancement.

🏆 Celebrate Women in Tech – Highlight their achievements and make it clear that success isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey. Recognizing women’s contributions—whether through awards, promotions, or media spotlights—helps normalize and reinforce the importance of female leadership in tech.

🔄 Measure & Improve – Companies need to track mentorship program participation, gather feedback, and measure its impact on retention and advancement. Regular assessments help refine strategies and ensure mentorship remains a high-impact initiative rather than a checkbox exercise.

By embedding mentorship into the company culture, organizations can create a lasting impact that supports women at every stage of their careers—ensuring that the tech world isn’t just inclusive in theory, but in practice.

Mentorship: Your Cheat Code to Thriving in Tech

Sure, mentorship helps with career advancement, but its impact goes beyond landing promotions. It’s about building confidence, expanding networks, and learning from each other.

Mentorship is a two-way street:

• Mentees gain knowledge, encouragement, and industry insights. They receive guidance on navigating challenges, access to new opportunities, and the reassurance that they’re not alone in their journey.

• Mentors gain fresh perspectives, leadership skills, and maybe even a reminder of why they got into tech in the first place. Teaching and advising others often leads to personal and professional growth, reinforcing expertise and deepening connections within the industry.

But let’s not forget—mentorship isn’t just about professional networking and career strategies. It’s about creating a support system that helps women overcome the unique challenges they face in tech. A mentor can be the person who tells you, “Yes, you should go for that promotion,” or “No, you’re not overreacting—your contributions deserve recognition.”

At the end of the day, mentorship is about lifting as you climb—creating space, opening doors, and pulling others up alongside you. The more women we support in tech, the more we reshape the industry—one mentorship at a time.

As the saying goes, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." By fostering mentorship, we’re not just helping individuals succeed—we’re building a future where equity, innovation, and diversity drive the tech world forward.

So, whether you’re a mentee looking for guidance or a mentor ready to pay it forward, now’s the time to jump in. Tech isn’t just for the boys’ club anymore—it’s for all of us.

And in case you need a little extra push, just remember: The future of tech is female—and when we uplift each other, we all rise.