The tech industry has a well-documented gender gap. The Department of Labor is dedicated to promoting inclusivity and diversity, both across the nation’s workforce and within our Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). Creating a space where diverse voices are heard and valued empowers women and creates a balanced tech industry that benefits everyone.
Expanding equity in the IT workforce
Women make up more than half the country. They also make up more than half of the workforce, but the latest studies find women only account for about a quarter of technology-related jobs in the U.S. At OCIO, it's 39% year-to-date – and we're still recruiting!
It's been a sustained effort to foster a diverse labor force. Between 2019 and 2023, the percentage of women working in OCIO rose 29 percent!
Championing women in technology
Mangala Kuppa is our new Chief Technology Officer. As OCIO's key adviser on enterprise-wide IT plans, she oversees emerging technology development and operations, including our responsible use of artificial intelligence to enrich jobs at the department and for America's workforce.
Akanksha Sharma is the department's head of digital transformation. Her main focus is to improve the user and customer experience in support of our mission to provide benefits and services to workers, job seekers and retirees.
Paige Lindsay is OCIO'S new branch chief for human capital and general administration. She says overall, 37 percent of women in OCIO are in what's considered higher level or managerial positions, GS-13 through senior executive service (SES). Worldwide, 28 percent of women are in tech leadership roles, according to DDI's 2023 Global Leadership Forecast.
Hearing from our OCIO team
Some of the women working at OCIO say the efforts to reach gender parity results in a more supportive work environment, which contributes to more successful outcomes for projects that drive our mission delivery.
After many years in IT and often as the only woman in management, I love looking around at the Department of Labor and seeing so many diverse women. I can’t remember working anywhere with so many women in leadership roles, in IT and throughout the entire Agency. The examples, encouragement, and mentoring by these more experienced women to those who are newer to the workforce is inspiring. I am very happy to be part of this dynamic and empowering team.
- Rebecca Sheehan, supervisory IT specialist for the enterprise service desk
It is rewarding working for an organization that is committed to the advancement of talented women in IT and those that support it. In fiscal year 2023, 41% of new hires were women, reflect this commitment of advancing that representation, and ensuring equitable, sustainable and desirable career opportunities for all.
- Michelle Katz, branch chief for OCIO strategic outreach and communications
I love working with and leading a team that is passionate about artificial intelligence (AI) and enriching our customers' jobs through our solutions.
- Lattrice Goldsby, branch chief of emerging technology
Check out this video from OCIO to learn more about the challenges and rewards of being a woman in tech.
If you're interested in a tech career that values diversity and serves the public, apply to work with us at OCIO!