Women engineers urge broader view of technical intelligence
Sat, 20th Jun 2026 (Today)
Technology and design leaders are using International Women in Engineering Day to call for a broader definition of engineering intelligence and sustained efforts to attract and retain more women in technical roles.
This year's awareness day, themed "Engineering Intelligence", has prompted senior figures in software and product companies to connect artificial intelligence, diversity and workplace culture.
At Kantata, Vice President of Engineering Paulette Carlson said leading distributed engineering teams has reshaped how she understands expertise in the field.
"AI is forcing a reckoning with what engineering intelligence actually is. Leading global teams has taught me the same lesson: technical expertise gets you in the room, but it's curiosity, cultural humility, and the ability to build trust across difference that moves the work. Women in engineering have been developing that intelligence out of necessity for a long time. The field is finally catching up to what we already knew," said Paulette Carlson, Vice President of Engineering, Kantata.
Her comments connect the rise of AI in software development with the interpersonal and cross-cultural skills that support complex engineering work.
Design professionals are also challenging narrow views of engineering. At Object First, Senior Product Designer Mariia Rymar said many people still equate it with coding alone.
"Many people see engineering as primarily about development and coding. However, as a product designer, I believe engineering is ultimately about understanding people and creating meaningful solutions to their problems. To do that effectively, diverse perspectives are essential. That's why International Women in Engineering Day is so important, not only to me, but to the industry as a whole. I love this year's theme: #EngineeringIntelligence. Some of the most insightful and brightest engineers I've had the pleasure of working with have been women, and their contributions should not be undervalued. I encourage young women and girls considering a career in engineering to pursue their dreams. While challenging, it's a fulfilling career where you continuously learn, innovate, and create solutions that make a real difference in the world," said Mariia Rymar, Senior Product Designer, Object First.
Rymar's view underscores how user understanding, problem framing and diversity of thought sit alongside software development in modern engineering teams.
Industry leaders also say recognition must be matched by structural change. At insurance technology company Socotra, Chief Product and Technology Officer Sonny Patel said the sector must widen access and advancement paths for women.
"The future of technology depends on attracting and developing exceptional talent, and that means creating more opportunities for women in engineering. International Women in Engineering Day is a chance to recognize the contributions women are making across the industry while acknowledging that more progress is needed. Encouraging more young women to pursue STEM careers is an important step, but so is supporting their growth and advancement over time. Diverse teams bring broader perspectives to complex challenges, helping organizations innovate, make better decisions, and deliver stronger results for customers," said Sonny Patel, Chief Product and Technology Officer, Socotra.
Patel's comments reflect a broader push across the technology sector for measurable diversity outcomes and workplace environments that retain senior women in engineering and product leadership roles.