“Science is so much about how you approach problems and science isn’t served when you have a more singular mentality in doing so. It’s really to everyone’s benefit having a more diverse group of scientists behind the keyboard.”
The 2x Women in Tech Podcast with Chelsea Behrens
Liz Coufal, Senior Director of Growth & Impact at Valkyrie
The tech industry offers not only lots of opportunities for women but, as we learn on this episode of the 2x Women in Tech Podcast, it also represents a huge opportunity to advance social impact projects.
Liz Coufal talks about her path from the nonprofit world to a start-up company whose playing field changes daily. If you’re looking for growth, then the workplace environment at a place like Valkyrie is a definite fit. See a gap or room to innovate? Liz says that’s an invitation to shine, and you needn’t be a hardcore math or science person to do so.
She wants non-technical women to know that they’ve got the skills tech companies need in Austin, where she’s based, and beyond. It’s an exciting time to jump on board, especially at young start-ups that encourage team members to take ownership, try, and fail.
Liz says, “Because of the lack of structure, you get to create your own structure and your own definitions of success – and prove that out.” You’ll enjoy learning about some of the programs Liz has initiated at Valkyrie to advance diversity and seeing first-hand the very real impacts that result when we work from within the tech sector to ensure accessibility, inclusivity and social responsibility.
Key Takeaways:
All about Valkyrie: A purpose-driven team offering customized high-level AI solutions for a range of clients, from the federal government to Fortune 500 to family-owned companies.
The genesis of the company’s name: It’s a nod to women in tech rooted in Norse mythology.
Focusing on Impact: Liz reflects on a common denominator throughout her varied career – the desire always to be broadening the playing field and serving the greater good, including through inclusivity and democratizing technology.
Breaking Down Barriers: About the Valkyrie initiatives Liz has spearheaded to make AI more accessible:
Donating high-end AI and modeling consulting services pro bono to nonprofits.
Partnering in various ways to invest in a diverse group of future scientists.
Valkyrie’s services deliberately integrate a wide range of voices, which translates into better insights and communications among stakeholders and clients.
Justice has been a primary driver throughout Liz’s career, which has centered around social impact in both the nonprofit and tech space.
Migrating from the nonprofit to the startup space was a culture shock, but it provided Liz a great opportunity to integrate justice principles into a corporate environment, including instituting volunteer programs and partnering with nonprofits.
Just Raise Your Hand: Liz loves that anyone at any company can put social impact on the agenda, offering colleagues a point of entry for doing well by doing good.
The Climate in Austin: The burgeoning tech scene is driving gentrification but liberal arts majors don’t have to be marginalized! These companies offer all kinds of opportunities, including project management, client communication and account management.
Liz shares her perspective on what it’s like to work at a very young start-up, especially the open playing field and the opportunity to see a gap and figure out a way to fill it. Young companies want to hire candidates who will take initiative, collaborate and drive growth.
Want a steep learning curve? Start-up culture offers a myriad of places to demonstrate proactivity, stretch, and grow.
Liz shares thoughts about how the tech industry can do better – particularly in the realm of diversity, equity, and barriers to entry.
Liz’s wishes for the tech industry:
Level the playing field by ensuring that kids at every socio-economic level have access to great STEM education from K-12 and beyond.
Transcend check-box DEI programs to incorporate top-down commitment to diversity and representation at all levels of the enterprise.
Parting Thought: There is space for everyone in tech! It’s a new industry and the playbook is not set in stone. Women wanted! There’s room for innovation and a variety of voices.
Episode Resources
To listen to more incredible interviews with Women in Tech, click here.