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At Blackford we take immense pride in fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where women thrive. We are committed to creating an environment where talent, dedication, and ambition are recognised and celebrated—especially in an industry that has been traditionally male-dominated.
Women play a crucial role in shaping our success, bringing innovation, leadership, and fresh perspectives to every level of our business. Through recognising the challenges that can exist, we are dedicated to breaking down barriers, championing gender equality, and ensuring that every woman in our organisation feels valued and empowered.
To celebrate our woman here at Blackford, in light of IWD (International Womens Day), our People Resource Lead, Laura Crichton, spent time with some of the women in the Blackford team to learn more about their experiences in the work place, read about their experiences below!
Today and every day, we celebrate the incredible women in our workforce!
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Ayme Jones
Solutions Architect
What made you want to work at Blackford?
The job description at Blackford immediately caught my attention because it was the first one I’d seen that encouraged applicants to apply even if they didn’t meet 100% of the requirements as they valued candidates could be a cultural fit as well, which made me feel comfortable applying - especially as a woman in tech.
This is my first role as a Solution Architect. A friend encouraged me to pursue the training, believing I’d excel in the role. Stepping out of my comfort zone was challenging, but having someone advocate for me and recognize my potential gave me the confidence to go for it. When I first started in Healthcare IT, there were very few women, particularly in leadership roles. I looked up to a senior female developer who showed me that balancing work and home life was possible. Many of my friends struggle with the logistics of being a working parent, which is why I love that Blackford allows me to be both a full-time mum and a full-time girl boss!
What valuable lessons have you learned as a woman in tech?
One challenge I’m personally working on is being more open. Imposter syndrome is real, especially as a woman in Healthcare IT - where some people still assume you’re a secretary or blatantly would rather speak to a man. Having supportive male colleagues who actively advocate for you and ensure your voice is heard makes a huge difference. This is the first role where I’ve worked in a truly mixed-gender team, and it’s been refreshing to feel less stereotyped and less alone. I try to be a positive influence on my little girl, ensuring she knows she can achieve anything regardless of her gender.
How can we further enhance our efforts at Blackford to empower and support women?
Blackford has a great opportunity to further support and empower women in the workplace. I’d love to see more women in senior roles here, and one way to attract more female talent is by showcasing our strong commitment to work-life balance. That’s something that truly sets us apart.
Any advice?
Women should empower and uplift one another - we’ve worked hard to have our voices heard, and rather than competing, we should support and uplift each other.
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Sridevi Srinivasan
Senior software Test Engineer
As a woman in the tech industry, I’ve learned that confidence and continuous learning are key to growth.
My time at Blackford has reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and resilience. I feel there’s incredible support and opportunities for women who are passionate about making an impact.
To aspiring women in tech - have confidence in your abilities, actively seek mentorship, and embrace continuous learning. Your voice and contributions matter more than you know!
Alison Forrest
People Manager
Bridging the Gap: Encouraging Diversity in Male-Dominated Industries
Having spent my career in male-dominated industries, I’ve witnessed a growing appetite for diversity—especially in STEM. Organizations are more open than ever to fostering inclusivity, yet systemic challenges persist. The desire for change is there, but education, industry structures, and internal processes sometimes lag behind.
Diversity isn’t just about representation—it’s about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Change takes time, but by being intentional and proactive, we can create a more inclusive future for all. To truly drive diversity, we must be aware of the barriers and take proactive steps to break them down.
My own personal experience was having worked in such male dominated environments I didn’t see myself as any different, and never felt treated as such either, and I think that was both a positive and a negative - now with more life and work experience I see where being supportive is good, but not enough. We can't treat each other the same because we're not all the same, we have to understand and appreciate the many complexities and nuances of the world we live in before we can be real champions of change. We need to be meaningful and proactive in our advocacy for greater diversity. Many aren’t aware of the challenges others face so they're not in an educated position to support making meaningful change. I've seen a wonderful shift throughout my life and career and believe there are many positive changes that continue to happen every day, but there's still work to be done for our generation and future generations to come.
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Apeksha Agarwal
Senior software Test Engineer
As a woman from a diverse background, a mother, and a professional, I’ve found Blackford to be an incredibly supportive workplace. The flexible work culture has been a game-changer for my work-life balance, allowing me to:
- Pursue my passions without compromising other responsibilities.
- Learn new technologies without worrying about the time lost in travel.
- Give my best at work while prioritizing my mental and physical well-being.
The people at Blackford are truly amazing- they listen, take action, and create real opportunities for growth. Whether it’s traveling, learning, or exploring new domains, I’ve felt supported and encouraged every step of the way.
A Celebration & A Call to Action
International Women's Day is more than just a celebration - it's a reminder of how far we've come and the work still ahead to push for inclusivity and diversity. It reminds us of:
- Breaking Barriers – Overcoming challenges that once held us back.
- Inspiration & Empowerment – Learning from those before us and lifting up the next generation.
- Community & Support – Creating a network where we mentor, share experiences, and uplift one another.
- Aspiration – Encouraging confidence, curiosity, and continuous learning while embracing what makes us strong.
- Resilience – Learning from setbacks, staying open to new ideas, and using diverse perspectives to build better solutions and stronger relationships.
Today, on International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate our progress and keep pushing toward an even brighter, more inclusive future!
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Mandy Marciniak
Sales Development Representative
Inspiring Women Inspire Women
As a young woman starting my career in the workforce, I am inspired each day by an influential woman at Blackford who continuously demonstrates a selfless dedication to the people around her, consistently putting the needs of others before her own, and exemplifying a strong work ethic. Lety Jimenez is a truly remarkable leader whose impact on the workforce goes beyond her professional achievements.
As a leader, Lety leads by example, always prioritizing the growth, well-being, and success of her team. She listens attentively to her colleagues, offering guidance and support whenever needed. Her ability to empower those around her is unparalleled, creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and motivated to do their best.
One of the most admirable qualities of Lety is her genuine care for the people she works with. Whether it’s offering words of encouragement, stepping in to lend a hand when help is needed, or ensuring that her team has the resources to succeed, she always puts others first. She is a mentor and a friend to her colleagues, always ensuring that their needs are met without hesitation.
Lety’s dedication to getting the job done is unwavering. She doesn’t just meet expectations—she exceeds them, often working long hours and taking on additional responsibilities without hesitation.
Lety’s work ethic is contagious—her dedication encourages those around her to strive for the same high standards. She has created an environment where hard work is not just expected but celebrated. Thanks to Lety’s example, we all feel empowered to give our best, knowing that our contributions matter and that we are part of a team led by someone who is deeply committed to success.
In every quarter, every meeting, and every challenge, Lety Jimenez’s work ethic shines through. She is a true role model, and I feel incredibly fortunate to work alongside someone with such an inspiring and dedication to our company and to the people around her.