Celebrating Women in Tech: Meet CEO Monica Rommel
Empowered women empower women. And blazing the trail of empowerment at Specialty Materials is CEO Monica Rommel, a third-generation business owner and pioneer in the tech industry.
Being a woman in the tech industry comes with its own set of challenges. According to a report from TrustRadius, 72 percent of women working in tech report being outnumbered by men by 2:1 in business meetings, and 26 percent report being outnumbered by 5:1 or more. The report also reported 72 percent of women stated they have worked in a company where “bro culture” was commonplace. “Bro culture” is defined as anything from an “uncomfortable work environment to sexual harassment and assault,” according to TrustRadius. Additionally, 78 percent of women in tech reported that they feel they have to work harder than their male counterparts in order to prove their worth in the workplace.
Monica is taking over this male-dominated industry while inspiring other women and girls that, with perseverance and determination, success in tech is possible and worth being celebrated.
We interviewed Monica about what it means to her to be a woman in tech, how other women and girls can succeed in the industry, and where her motivation comes from. (Spoiler alert: You will be inspired.)
Q: Is your role at Specialty Materials one that you expected to be in when you entered the workforce? If not, what were your goals as a young professional?
A: I never expected to own a small business. I grew up in a family business and saw the impact it had on my parents and our family life. There was significant financial stress especially when it came to medical and dental care. My dad also worked six days a week along with being on call 24 hours a day. It was difficult to take vacations. I expected to get a college degree and wanted to be a vice president of engineering at a large aerospace company.
Q: Who are some women you admire?
A: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Marilynn Hewitt (former CEO of Lockheed Martin), Marie Curie and my mom.
Q: If you could have dinner with any famous woman (dead or alive), who would you choose and why?
A: Elizabeth, Queen of England. She has been a leader for over seven decades and has been through many social changes. It would be fascinating to hear her point-of-view on how her leadership style changed.
Q: What is the most empowering part of being a female business leader in the tech industry?
A: Being able to help other women in the industry and showing young women that they can succeed in the tech industry.
Q: What qualities make a great leader?
A: Empathy, honesty and adaptability.
Q: What are some challenges that you’ve encountered being a woman in tech and a woman in a leadership position?
A: Men underestimating my capabilities and talking over me in meetings. I recall many incidents when I would suggest an idea and it would be discarded, only later to hear that a male peer suggested the same idea and it was quickly adopted as the agreed-upon technical approach.
Q: What advice to you have for women and girls who want to be leaders, specifically in the tech industry?
A: Stay with it and put in the work required to succeed, as the work is extremely rewarding.
Q: What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for younger generations of women?
A: Many men will feel you are getting promoted due to gender. Ignore the chatter and focus on developing the skills to be a great leader.
Q: What is something you want people to know about being a woman in tech?
A: Eventually, if you are hardworking and develop your technical skills, the gender bias inherent in the industry will vaporize.