Skip to content

This International Women's Day, we're celebrating the remarkable women who play a key role at Wacom. 💜

We're immensely proud to have a diverse team, with many women leading the way in innovation and creativity. 🚀

we would like to introduce you to some of our incredible female team members. Heidi Wang, Aylin Vogelgesang, Alessandra Lorefice and Iskra Sabeva share their journeys in tech, journeys of inspiration, challenges and triumphs.

 Dive into our interview with these incredible women at Wacom Europe GmbH, shedding light on their careers.

Heidi's Story

Heidi embarked on her journey with Wacom in 2010, initially holding the position as a Senior Global Product Manager. Demonstrating her commitment and expertise, she ascended to the position of Senior VP and Head of Wacom Ink division in 2018. In this leadership role, her primary focus lies in steering the development of software technologies in the domain of digital ink.

Can you share a brief overview of your professional journey in the tech industry?

Somehow, I decided already as young child at kindergarten age that I would like to do something with technology. Instead of playing, I often spend hours observing and trying to help my uncle repairing cars. When I was at school, my passion was always for mathematics and science. I’ve always enjoyed to surprise and challenge my teacher who was not really believing that girls can be good in math and science. Anecdote: He got totally convinced and has become one of my biggest supporters during my school time.

Upon entering university, I chose to study Electrical Engineering. Recognizing the significance of a holistic perspective, I pursued a second major in Economics and Business Administration.

My professional career started as System Engineer in IT industry. Shortly I confirmed my passion for products and innovation, so I transitioned to the role of a Product Manager that focuses on developing new innovative products that contribute to new business and new value proposition.

My career continues to focus more on driving technology and products innovations, new business, and strategic partnerships.

How do you navigate and overcome challenges as a woman in a leadership position?

I always make it a point to stay true to myself as a leader. I don't attempt to imitate a male leadership style, as I firmly believe that every leader possesses their own unique philosophy and approach. Learning from every team member, regardless of their position in the organization, is crucial to my leadership journey.

 To overcome challenges, I rely on two fundamental principles that I consistently adhere to: first, having the courage to stand for what I believe in, and second, fostering respect and connection with diverse opinions. Understanding the purpose and intent behind others' perspectives is essential to creating a collaborative and inclusive environment.

How do you balance personal and professional aspirations while leading in the tech industry?

 I am very fortunate that I am doing what I am passionate about. This alignment brings a sense of overall balance and fulfilment to my life. Equally important is spending quality time with friends and family.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to pursue a career in the IT field?

I would advise them to be brave and confident in pursuing their chosen path. It's crucial to actively seek out supporters who can inspire their career journey and provide valuable feedback and advice along the way.

Aylin's Story

Aylin started her professional journey as an intern at Wacom's Customer Engagement team for a year. Presently located in Dusseldorf, Germany she is a Project manager within the global Marketing team of the company. She applies her marketing expertise to various topics like campaigns, events, and other global initiatives focused on improving customer experience.

Which personal strengths have proven most valuable in your role within Marketing team in the tech industry?

 Effective communication is at the core of any successful project.

Building strong relationships within the team is also essential. Taking the time to know my co-workers, understanding their work supports our collaboration and enhances overall team dynamics and results.

Tech industry is fast-paced and dynamic, often presenting unexpected challenges. A pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset allows me to address issues efficiently, finding practical solutions that align with our goals.

Can you elaborate on the main daily challenges you encounter and how you navigate through them?

 Working with teams across different countries and time zones presents some communication challenges. I try to be flexible in my communication approach, considering the specific needs of each team and project.

Navigating through different languages and understanding diverse cultural perspectives is crucial to fostering effective collaboration.

What aspires you to stay adaptive and innovative in the dynamic world of marketing?

The creative nature of Wacom's products is a constant source of inspiration. This allows me and the team to craft marketing messages that not only highlight the features of our products but also speak directly to the unique needs and desires of our customers and creative communities.

On the other hand, People and Languages were always my passion and I am happy that understanding both colleagues and clients is now the core of my role.

What advice do you have for women aiming to excel in tech-drivenmarketing roles?

In a rapidly evolving industry, curiosity is a powerful tool. Don't hesitate to ask questions, whether it's about new technologies or specific aspects of your role. Asking questions is not a sign of weakness; it’s a pathway to gaining deeper insights and evolving in your role. Remember, you only become smarter and more proficient by seeking knowledge.

I've been fortunate to be inspired by many female leaders within Wacom. If you find inspiring women in your workplace, connect with them. Learn from their experiences, seek mentorship, and build a network of support. Networking with other women in the industry will always provide valuable insights and opens doors to new opportunities.

Alessandra's Story

Alessandra joined Wacom team as working student two years ago. She was studying in Germany Data Science and joined project focused on Ontology and knowledge graph. Currently she is located in Milano and collaborate with international teams doing research in vector databases, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and large language models.

What sparked your interest in pursuing a career in software engineering?

With a limited background in computer science, launching my career as a software engineer stirred a mix of nervousness and excitement. I was enthusiastic about broadening my expertise in this field and explore beyond my usual scope, so I acknowledged the challenges ahead.

Nevertheless, I found supportive community at Wacom, where exceptionally skilled and understanding individuals support me in taking on my role as a software engineer with enthusiasm and confidence.

Reflecting on your journey in software engineering, what personal strengths have helped you overcome challenges and excel in your role?

I believe that my foundation in Mathematics and NLP has prepared me to overcome numerous challenges presented by emerging technologies. This robust theoretical grounding, as well as the ability to have a wide view on concepts, give me a different perspective on various issues. This is giving me ability to help my team with 'out of the box', maybe sometimes unconventional, solutions.

How do you balance your personal aspirations for skill development with the demands of the fast-paced tech industry?

While staying abreast of the latest innovations can be challenging, embracing new technologies ensures that I will keep the same excitement and passion I felt from the beginning of my career.

However, seeking support from mentors and colleagues, facing challenges as opportunities for growth, and celebrating our achievements help me navigate the ever-changing landscape of the tech industry while advancing my career.

Iskra's Story

Iskra has been a valuable member of Wacom since 2015. At present, she holds the position of Manager eCommerce and Marketing Sites, where she leads the team responsible for the software testing of Wacom websites across all locations. Her role ensures the functionality and reliability of Wacom's online platforms, contributing to the seamless digital experience for users worldwide.

Reflecting on your career, what personal strengths have contributed most to your success as a professional in tech company?

Certainly, adaptability and curiosity for new technologies and innovations have been instrumental in my success as a professional in the tech industry. The ability to adapt is crucial in today's dynamic environments, allowing me to navigate and thrive in the face of constant change. Moreover, my curiosity for new technologies has been a driving force, propelling me to explore and embrace emerging trends, providing a continuous source of learning and growth in my career.

Have you encountered any specific challenges related to work-life balance as a woman in tech, and how have you adressed them?

Balancing the responsibilities of being a parent and a successful leader can be quite challenging. It demands effective planning and prioritization to excel in both roles.

Succeeding in this balance often involves the willingness to make compromises when necessary and accept it.

Additionally, having the support of a partner is crucial. Shared responsibilities and understanding between partners are the necessary foundation for everyone trying to balance both roles.

Wacom, as a company and a team, plays a vital role in making this delicate balance achievable. The organization fosters a supportive environment that acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals managing both parental and professional responsibilities.

This supportive culture enables individuals to make meaningful contributions to the team and the company. Within the Wacom community, there is a recognition that success is not solely defined by professional achievements but also by personal fulfilment.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in Quality Assurance?

 Approach challenges with a positive mindset. Instead of focusing on barriers, view them as opportunities for growth. Face challenges with confidence, knowing that while it may be difficult and time consuming, you have the capability to overcome them.

Stay curious and be open to continuous learning. This will not only enhance your skills but also keep you competitive in the ever-changing landscape of technology.

Success in Tech field and Quality Assurance often requires self-discipline. Be organized, manage your time effectively, and stay focused on your goals. Establish a routine that allows you to tackle tasks systematically and efficiently.

Establishing boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It's essential to recognize when it's time to step back, take breaks, and prioritize self-care. Striking a balance between personal and professional life is not just important for immediate well-being but is a key factor in achieving long-term success and overall happiness.