Every year on August 26th, the U.S. celebrates Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the day the 19th Amendment was ratified and women received the right to vote. It reminds us of the hurdles and obstacles women have had to overcome to progress the women’s movement. Fast-forward to today, when women’s rights are in jeopardy, and the right to vote is more important than ever.
As we recognize and celebrate Women’s Equality Day, join us in highlighting some of the Veeamazing women in sales and marketing and the sense of community and belonging that Veeam is proud to have cultivated over the years.
Emily Tellez: Sr. Systems Engineer, 8 years at Veeam
As a woman in a traditional male-dominated industry, how do you feel Veeam follows through on making you feel welcome and that you belong?
In the beginning, I knew I was entering a field in which not many women were involved. However, I feel like Veeam has made me feel welcomed, and I have had opportunities to showcase my value and skillset. I also give back and talk with women entering the workforce, particularly in the technology field.
What led you to choose sales for your career path?
I originally went to college to be a sports agent – before transitioning to supply chain – and now my career in systems engineering – where I have always been passionate about technology. I first started at Veeam as Sr. Inside Sales Associate. I transitioned to the systems engineering side in 2016 as an inside systems engineer. Since then, I have had three promotions, and I will be moving into Product Strategy as a technologist on October 1, 2022. I have been very fortunate in my 8 years here to have inspiring leadership that has recognized my potential and pushed me out of my comfort zone.
What are some of your favorite TV shows?
The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Ted Lasso, The Office, Game of Thrones, Westworld, Only Murderers in the Building, The Bear, and anything Marvel on Disney+.
Ebony King: Manager, Inside Sales, 1 1/2 years at Veeam
As a woman in a traditional male-dominated industry, how do you feel Veeam follows through on making you feel welcome and that you belong?
Leadership has been very supportive. Later this year, my manager approved me to attend the Girls in Tech conference to expand my knowledge, gain and share new ideas, and network with others in the industry. I truly appreciate the support from my manager. I am also in a core leadership role in Veeam’s African Heritage in Tech Employee Resource Group [ERG]. This group has been a great resource for navigating as a minority woman in this industry.
What are some positive differences working at Veeam compared to your previous employer(s)?
I have been fortunate in my career to work for two leading IT companies before Veeam. Those companies helped mold me into the sales professional I am today. However, what I love most about Veeam is that I feel valued for the contributions I bring to my peers, team, and company. I feel seen and heard. That is the culture of Veeam, and for me, it makes work feel less like work and more like purpose.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
Spending time with my family and hosting women empowerment tea parties.
Ashleigh Skuse: Inside Sales Director, 12 years at Veeam
As a woman in a traditional male-dominated industry, how do you feel Veeam follows through on making you feel welcome and that you belong?
Being a woman in a male-dominated field has always had challenges, and Veeam does a wonderful job making sure we feel empowered, valued, and equal to our male peers. The best way to overcome this adversity is in your mindset. I never go into a room thinking I am the only woman. I go into a room knowing I am a fierce, strong, capable leader at Veeam that happens to be a woman.
What led you to choose sales for your career path?
I always knew I wanted to be in IT sales after I graduated college. I started at Veeam in 2010 as an Inside Sales Associate; from there, I spent 7 years working in and leading Channel Sales and have now spent the last 5 years leading Enterprise sales. I was lucky enough to find my home at Veeam quickly – the rest is history!
What is your favorite social media platform?
Instagram. I enjoy seeing all the pictures and stories posted by old/current friends and many past co-workers. It’s a great way to stay connected and celebrate exciting things happening in the lives of those I care about!
Julie Zhang: Sr. Manager, Cloud Marketing, 11 years at Veeam
As a woman in a traditional male-dominated industry, how do you feel Veeam follows through on making you feel welcome and that you belong?
Veeam provides career development training to help me grow my business and financial acumen skills. Advancing these skills demonstrate Veeam’s dedication to employee’s professional development. When I speak in meetings and collaborate with departments outside of marketing, I feel confident in myself knowing my voice is heard. I am also part of the Women in Green Employee Resource Group [ERG]. Our ERG’s make a big impact to the Veeam culture to make sure we have an inclusive workplace.
What led you to choose marketing for your career path?
As a marketer, we are here to help people to address challenges and solve issues. I’m very competitive; I like to challenge myself in different ways to improve and grow. That is why it led me to choose marketing as my career path.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of work?
I like to travel around the world or bike the trails when the weather is nice. I’m also a foodie and am always looking to try new restaurants. I even have my own foodie hashtag for Instagram, #bonappetitwithjewels.
