54 - From silence to satellites: reclaiming my place in tech - Cécile Deprez
Episode SummaryWhat does it mean to grow up in a world that told you who you should be — and then choose to become yourself anyway?In this episode, Hlulani sits down with Cécile Deprez, a scientific researcher at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) working on Europe’s next-generation satellite systems. Cécile shares their journey from a childhood shaped by gender expectations in Belgium to a career designing the future of space navigation.They talk about breaking free from patriarchal norms, navigating queerness and neurodivergence in STEM, and finding belonging in spaces that weren’t built for them. This conversation is tender, honest, and deeply human — a reminder that self-acceptance can be the most radical act of all.🪐 In this episode✅ Growing up under rigid gender expectations ✅ Finding the courage to study science despite fear ✅ From geomatics to Galileo: how satellite systems shape our world ✅ Why Cécile left their PhD to protect their mental health ✅ Building inclusive workplaces and Employee Resource Groups that truly support people ✅ Challenging the “colonizing space” narrative and re-imagining exploration ✅ What real diversity and belonging look like in techMemorable quote“Belonging is not a slogan. It’s a practice.” — Cécile DeprezConnectListen now on your favorite podcast platform. Follow Cécile on LinkedIn to learn more about their work.💡 Follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast for more stories that elevate women and gender-diverse voices in tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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53 - Laid Off to Lift Off: How Julia Arpag Built Aligned Recruitment
Laid Off to Lift Off: How Julia Arpag Built Aligned RecruitmentEpisode SummaryFrom being a shy bookworm to founding a thriving recruitment firm, Julia Arpag shares her journey into tech, navigating layoffs, and building Aligned Recruitment with faith, grit, and integrity. We dive into A-player teams, using AI wisely, and the skills every founder and job seeker needs today.HighlightsBreaking out of shyness and finding her voicePivoting into tech recruiting and rapid upskillingGetting laid off on maternity leave and starting her own firmWhat it really means to hire A-playersWhy communication and integrity matter more than everMemorable Quote“You can do hard things.”ConnectJulia Arpag on LinkedInAligned Recruitment https://www.alignedrecruitment.com/Follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast and on LinkedIn for more stories of women in tech. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52 - How I Built A Career By Helping Others Win - Omotola Omotayo
In this episode of She Talks Tech, I sit down with Omotola E. Omotayo — a woman who turned her dream of becoming a doctor into a mission to build communities that transform tech.✨ What you’ll hear in this conversation:How Omotola helped She Code Africa grow from 200 to 50,000 membersWhy she believes tech thrives in communities, not silosThe pivotal moment she discovered her path in tech and community buildingHow volunteering became the launchpad for her global careerThe power of open source as an entry point for underrepresented groupsHer strategies for getting partners to say yesThe mindset that turns every challenge into a stepping stoneIf you’ve ever wondered how to create real impact in tech, Omotola’s journey will inspire you to dream bigger, start where you are, and build with people.🎧 Tune in and be inspired.👉 Also follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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51 - You Are Not Too Much: Jessica Brieger on Neurodiversity, ESG, and Turning Curiosity Into Superpower
In this episode of She Talks Tech, I sit down with Jessica Brieger, a bold voice in ESG, social impact, and AI. Jessica’s journey is anything but linear. From her early love of biology to a career spanning automotive, mining, sustainability, and advocacy for neurodiversity, she has embraced curiosity as her compass.We talk about what it means to grow up different, to discover her autism later in life, and to navigate spaces that were not always built with inclusion in mind. Jessica opens up about the role her mother played in shaping her love for tech, her winding path across industries, and why she believes being “too much” is actually a superpower.What we cover in this episode: ✅ Jessica’s childhood in Germany and her early curiosity for science ✅ Lessons from her mother, a self-made CEO and constant source of inspiration ✅ How she discovered her neurodivergence and what neuro-inclusive workplaces should look like ✅ The beauty of being a “scanner personality” and refusing to live a linear career path ✅ Building impact across sustainability, diversity, and ESG ✅ Why AI excites her and the importance of tackling bias in technology ✅ Her letter to her younger self and the reminder that you are never “too much”Jessica’s story is a reminder that difference is strength, and that our curiosity and uniqueness can shape not just careers but entire industries.🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Jessica’s journey.Also follow us on instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this inspiring episode of She Talks Tech, I sit down with Marie‑Josée Turgeon, President & CEO of C2MI — Canada’s leading microelectronics and semiconductor innovation hub. From her early curiosity as a young girl who needed to understand how things work, to leading cutting‑edge teams shaping the future of sustainable tech, Marie‑Josée’s journey is a masterclass in purposeful leadership.We talk about:✅ Why teamwork and diversity are the real drivers of innovation in semiconductors✅ Navigating 20+ years at IBM and stepping into the CEO role at C2MI✅ Making sustainability a core part of tech innovation — from product design to cleanroom operations✅ Staying grounded while leading high‑impact R&D teams✅ Advice for women in STEM: “Nothing’s stopping you — you can do it all”Whether you’re in engineering, leadership, or just curious about how semiconductors shape our everyday lives, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to embrace the challenges ahead.🎧 Listen now and discover how Marie‑Josée is shaping the future of semiconductors — with purpose, people, and planet in mind.Also follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to our podcast, where we profile women in technology and STEM careers. Our aim is to elevate and amplify their stories, and inspire more women to join these fields. Through in-depth interviews with successful women in technology and STEM, we explore their career paths, challenges, successes, and advice for aspiring professionals. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of women in technology and STEM and discover the diverse and exciting opportunities available in these fields. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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