This International Women’s Day, imagine a gender-equal world, one that’s free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. Imagine a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive, one where difference is valued and celebrated. That’s what each of us is being asked to do as part of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Break the Bias.

At 8x8, we celebrate role models in this regard, and a perfect example is an amazing 8x8 customer, Lisa DeLapo, who currently serves as the Director of Information and Instructional Technology at Union School District in San Jose, California. Lisa has recently been honored with a Women in Enterprise Communications Spotlight Award, which celebrates women who demonstrate outstanding qualities of leadership and expertise in technology. The award is also intended to encourage and recognize women who have chosen to make a career as technologists or technology leaders in the enterprise, a personal passion of Lisa’s.

In talking with Lisa, she notes, “I want to see more women going into STEM. There have been studies that show that around the third to fifth grade, girls lose that passion and curiosity because of the way STEM is traditionally taught. But their ability to critically think and collaborate naturally as women make them really strong candidates for STEM careers. So, I want to build that and give them the confidence and safe space to learn.”

Lisa is also passionate about encouraging women to pursue tech careers. Her advice to other women: “Don't let anyone dissuade you from doing it. I would say that this field is something that we're naturally good at, and we just need to be seen doing it and being good at it. It is no longer a traditional white male role.

“Being in technology, there's a lot of critical and out-of-the-box thinking, as well as collaboration, and women are so good at doing those things. So go for it. Don't fret, and just know that you'll have a network of other strong women out there that are supporting you and cheering you on.”

Hear from Lisa on her career, her role models, and more in the interview below, and thank you to all the women out there breaking the bias each and every day, in both large and small ways.