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In a field traditionally dominated by men, Elisabeth Escribano Cerdan has carved out an impressive career as a software architect. Raised by a pioneering mother who was the first female informatics specialist in their province, Elisabeth's early exposure to computers ignited a passion that would drive her professional journey. In this interview, Elisabeth shares her experiences of overcoming skepticism and bias, the importance of resilience, and her views on promoting diversity and inclusion in IT.
You’re a rare female software architect in the IT world. Can we start by talking about your background and how you got into this job?
I was raised with computers because my mother was the first female informatic person in our province. I spent summers in her programming classes, despite her telling me not to pay attention. At home, surrounded by computers, I would experiment and think about how to make the computer do specific tasks. My mother was worried I’d become too introverted, so she was cautious about my computer use. But I loved it and continued learning, which naturally led me into the IT field.
Do you have siblings, or are you an only child?
I have sisters, but my first sister was born when I was 14, so I was essentially raised as an only child. It felt more like they were my children than my sisters. Growing up as the only child for so long gave me a sense of independence and responsibility. I often found myself in a caretaker role, which I think helped me develop strong nurturing qualities. This background has influenced how I approach team leadership in my professional life.
Do you think your parents would have treated you differently if you were a boy?
No, I don’t think so. I had the luxury of playing with both Barbies and cars. My mother always encouraged me to explore my interests, whether they were traditionally considered feminine or masculine. Navigating a male-dominated field definitely influenced her parenting style. She understood the challenges firsthand and wanted to ensure I had the confidence to pursue my interests without limitations. This freedom allowed me to develop a wide range of skills and interests without feeling constrained by gender expectations.
Software engineering is quite male-dominated. Have you faced any challenges?
Yes, especially in Spain. When I was a young adult, a teacher told me that informatics was not for women. That motivated me to prove them wrong. Despite initially wanting to be a psychologist, I pursued IT because it was practical and available locally. Facing doubting teachers only fueled my determination. Their skepticism pissed me off and pushed me to work harder and prove my capabilities.
One of my professors, a former student of my mother's, didn't believe in me at all. He outright said that informatics wasn't for women, which made me furious. It was like a slap in the face, especially since I knew I had the skills. That doubt from him made me more determined to excel. I would stay up late, practicing and learning on my own, to ensure I was the best in the class. I proved myself by finishing assignments quickly and even improving upon them. It wasn't just about proving them wrong; it was about showing myself what I was capable of. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of hard work.
You lived in the Netherlands for a while. What attracted you to this country?
It was love that initially brought me there, but the economic crisis in Spain made it a practical decision. Learning English and having a Symfony background helped me find a good job in the Netherlands.
The Dutch culture was more progressive and inclusive, which was refreshing. However, navigating workplace dynamics with colleagues from other nationalities who didn’t appreciate working with women was often challenging.
In your opinion, what steps can organizations take to improve the inclusion of women in IT?
I’m divided on this. I don’t agree with quotas as I feel like they overcompensate. Instead, we should promote the choice to pursue IT careers from an early age through education and mentorship. Skills and attitude should matter more than gender. Creating an environment that encourages women to enter and thrive in IT is key. It's about long-term cultural change rather than quick fixes.
I remember when a manager once commented, "You must be really happy to have so many women on your team," as if their gender was the most notable thing about them. I replied, "I'm happy because they're good at their jobs." That’s the crux of it – it shouldn’t matter if a colleague is a man or a woman; what should matter is their competence and attitude. Companies need to focus on creating pathways for women to enter IT, like internships and scholarships, and offer mentorship programs that connect young women with experienced professionals. We need role models who can show the younger generation that success in IT is possible for anyone, regardless of gender.
What advice would you give to a young woman wanting to pursue an IT career?
Don’t let anyone stop you because of stereotypes or limiting beliefs. If you love something, follow it. Believe in yourself and your abilities, not what others say. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your potential. Keep pushing forward, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo.
That’s very inspiring.
Thank you for sharing your story, Elisabeth.
How can companies balance the need for diversity with the emphasis on hiring the most qualified candidates, and what role does mentorship play in supporting women in traditionally male-dominated fields like IT? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Resources for further reading
Women in Tech: Take Your Career to the Next Level with Practical Advice and Inspiring Stories by Tarah Wheeler: A comprehensive guide for women in tech, featuring stories from successful women and practical career advice.
Women in Tech Stats: A Website that provides data and insights into the representation and experiences of women in the tech industry.
Diversity Matters Even More (McKinsey & Company): An article that explores the importance of diversity in the workplace and its impact on business performance.
Women Who Code: A global non-profit organization that provides resources and support for women in technology.
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