Executive Summary

• International Women’s Day sparked a series of editorial features diving into what the industry needs to do to encourage more women in data centres, as well as showcasing the talented women already making positive, impactful changes.
• This article features 13 women across different seniority, job roles and disciplines, who share their experience, divulge on how the industry needs to do better and their golden rule for women wanting to enter the workforce.

 

Teresa Lanuza, Data Centre Design Director, Buildings + Places,  AECOM, has had positive experiences in the industry:

“My experience as a woman in the data centre industry has largely been positive. I’ve felt respected by my peers, and most of the time the focus is simply on the quality of the work and the ideas you bring to the table. The moment gender crosses my mind is when I walk into a technical meeting and realise I’m the only woman in a room of fifteen people. In those moments, it can feel like you’re representing more than just yourself. My golden rule is this: lean into your difference. Your perspective is your advantage, but you have to earn the confidence to use it by becoming exceptional at your craft.”

Anna Rigoli, Director of Architecture, TTSP, says “Give to Gain” is all about widening the lens and bringing together different voices, environmental responsibility and architectural thinking:

“I didn’t intentionally set out to work in data centres; I arrived through architecture and urban design, supporting clients obtain planning on complex urban sites. I have become fascinated by the scale and complexity of the infrastructure behind the digital world, especially with the incredible expansion created by AI densification. These facilities power our digital lives, yet they are often treated as technical objects.

“‘Give to gain’ is about widening the lens: bringing architectural thinking, environmental responsibility, and different professional voices into the conversation. When we do that, we don’t just build efficient infrastructure; we build places that acknowledge their civic impact and their role in the future shape of our cities.”

Dr Umaima Haider, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science & Digital Technologies, School of Architecture, Computing, and Engineering at the University of East London (UEL), says the industry needs more than classroom learning:

“As an academic, and after many years working closely with the industry, I believe inspiring emerging talent requires more than classroom learning. We must share real experiences and create meaningful connections through events, data centre tours, and skill-building workshops. The data centre sector is expanding rapidly, particularly with the growth of AI, and one of its strengths is the diversity of roles it offers. You don’t need a STEM background – whether your expertise is in finance, HR, or management, there is space to grow and contribute, and build a rewarding career. Believe in yourself, stay curious, and remain adaptable.”

Claire Jones, Senior Integrated Talent and People Communications Leader, Equinix, says when we give time, trust and opportunity, everybody gains:

“Early in my career, I didn’t always feel I belonged — and it was the quiet support of a few generous people that made the difference. They shared honest advice, opened doors and reminded me that growth isn’t about being perfect, but about being curious and resilient. My golden rule for women entering the industry is to invest in relationships and back yourself before you feel fully ready. Seek out people who will stretch and support you, and be intentional about paying that forward. When we give time, trust and opportunity, everyone gains.”

Lisa Dingwall, Senior Talent Acquisition, Equinix, says you have to be curious and seek out others who want to share knowledge, as the industry grows when we open doors for one another:

“Having spent the past five years recruiting into the data centre industry, I’ve seen first-hand that the challenge isn’t a lack of talented women — it’s that many don’t yet see this industry as a place for them. Digital infrastructure offers incredible opportunities across engineering, operations, sustainability and technology. Through initiatives that connect organisations and create clearer pathways into the sector, we can change that visibility gap. My golden rule is simple: be curious, step forward and seek out people willing to share their knowledge — this industry grows strongest when we open doors for others.”

Chhavi Nayak, Senior Manager, Deloitte MCS Ltd, says you have to advocate for yourself, speak up and gather courage to be disliked:

“Over 15 years, my career has ranged from managing metro tunnelling and commercial real estate projects to advising on data centre and giga projects internationally. Collaborating with diverse teams has taught me the value of sharing knowledge, while also revealing a common theme in how women tend to navigate the workplace.

“We are often socialised to keep interactions harmonious, be modest and maintain relationships, all valuable skills that should be preserved. But it is equally important to challenge, speak up when it matters and take credit for your work. My golden rule for women entering this field: advocate for yourself and have the courage to be disliked. Speak up, ask questions, stand by your ideas and showcase them confidently while making space for yourself and others.”

Sophie Parker, Head of People Development & Talent Acquisition, Pure Data Centres Group, talks about being bold enough to use your voice:

“I wasted many years of my career keeping quiet, it took me a long time to feel comfortable speaking up and sharing my opinion. I often assumed everyone was thinking the same things as me anyway, so it went without saying, but it didn’t. Your thoughts and ideas are as valid and important as everyone else’s in the room. Everyone has value to add, it’s not about being the loudest or speaking for the sake of it. Just be bold enough to use your voice in the room and show your value. As a mentor once told me, “Shy girls get nowt.””

Amel Steel, Founder of Ovation Search, says the barrier is more about the perception of the industry, rather than the industry itself:

“Throughout my career in talent, and now within the data centre sector, I have often worked in environments traditionally seen as male-dominated. I have been incredibly fortunate to be supported by both women and men along the way, and that support has reinforced something important: the real barrier is rarely the industry itself, but the perception of it. A big part of progress is educating young women early about the opportunities that exist across sectors like digital infrastructure. When people can see what those opportunities look like, they are far more likely to pursue them. My golden rule is simple: follow what excites you, find an environment where you feel you belong, and never let outdated stereotypes define what you believe you can do.”

Deborah Graham-Wilson, Head of Communications and ESG, Eland Cables, says International Women’s Day is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the past and the opportunities for the future:

“A broad range of skills, personalities, and experiences come together in any business – those organisations that embrace that diversity will ultimately be the ones that innovate and thrive most. Having built a career in the electrical engineering industry, and working in support of the Data Centre projects we deliver, my role is to help people better understand the products they’re procuring – from both communications and a sustainability standpoint.

If I had my time again, I’d have taken a STEM-focused path in my education – I can see a myriad of exciting opportunities now available to young men and women alike entering the labour market. It’s very different and much more accessible than when I was considering post-16 education options and I’m buoyed by that change. Women in senior leadership positions in our industry are no longer an anomaly – and that number will only continue to grow as more young women enter the industry and rise through the ranks.

International Women’s Day is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the past and the opportunities for the future – I recognise the importance of that and don’t downplay all the work it’s taken to get us where we are. Yet I like to think we’re no longer trailblazers – because we don’t need to be… we’re just part of the team.”

Melika Azhdari, Commissioning Manager, Global Commissioning, advises that confidence grows through experience:

“Like many, I never planned to end up in data centres – but that’s exactly the point. The industry has a habit of finding people who weren’t looking for it. Coming from an aerospace engineering background and ending up in Commissioning, I’ve always been prepared to have to fight my way into an industry. But with the right mindset, you don’t have to. My golden rule for any woman considering this space is simple: you don’t need to feel 100% ready. Confidence grows through experience, not before it. Rely on facts, rely on science, and trust that your perspective is exactly what the industry needs more of.”

Precious Lawrence, Marketing & SEO Manager, Data Centre Insight, says the industry needs more people to tell compelling stories:

“The truth is that the data centre industry needs more professionals who can communicate and tell compelling stories. While engineers and operators are busy building the infrastructure that powers our digital world, they need someone who can skillfully tell the world about it and help the world understand why they should even care about this ‘technical stuff’.

So my golden rule for women entering the industry is simple: don’t let the scale or technicality of the sector intimidate you. Behind the giant server racks, cooling systems, and complex infrastructure are opportunities for professionals from many different disciplines to make an impact.”

Amy Cool, Marketing Manager, Networks Centre, says it’s important to embrace the chance to learn about new tech and developments:

“With an ever-growing demand and modern innovations in technology and data centres, the opportunities for us are endless. It’s so important for us, industry newcomers or longstanding personnel, to embrace any chance to learn about new technologies and developments. Adding education to your portfolio will always help elevate your role, which is especially exciting in such a developing industry. No day is the same!”

Larissa Chanrasmi, Marketing Manager, Mercury Power, advises to stay curious, ask questions, build connections and keep learning:

“When I first entered the mission critical and data centre industry, I was impressed by the depth of knowledge and experience within the teams supporting the world’s digital infrastructure. What I quickly realised is that there is no single path into this sector. People come from many different backgrounds, from electrical engineers and technicians to creatives working in marketing and communications. My advice for women entering the industry is to stay curious and confident in the perspective you bring. Ask questions, keep learning and build connections. When we share knowledge and support one another, we create more opportunities for the next generation to step forward.”

Kelly Phillips, Chief Growth Officer, Moy, says when you invest in people, you get stronger teams, better collaboration and new perspectives:

“The idea of ‘Give to Gain’ has shaped my career. Along the way I have been fortunate to learn from people who were generous with their time and knowledge, both men and women who believed in supporting others on their journey. That willingness to share experience makes a real difference and it builds confidence, open doors and strengthens the whole industry. When you invest in people, you gain stronger teams, better collaboration and new perspectives. The more we give to the next generation, the more resilient and innovative our industry becomes.”