IWD 2025: Technology benefits by including women’s perspectives
As we mark this International Women's Day, I find myself reflecting on the extraordinary journey of women in technology and looking ahead with excitement as even more women make their mark.
The history of women in tech is a story of resilience, innovation, and boundless inspiration. Within the last century, trailblazers like Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper and Hedy Lamarr broke barriers, setting the stage for countless women to transform the world through technology. Their legacy is a testament to how courage and curiosity can lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that continue to shape our digital landscape as well as to a future that places more and more women like me in positions of high tech leadership.
Today, as we witness rapid technological evolution, from cloud innovations to the meteoric rise of AI, the influence of women remains a driving force behind progress. These innovations are not just the product of technical acumen; they are the outcome of diverse perspectives and creative minds coming together to solve complex challenges. Every line of code, every engineering breakthrough, and every visionary idea is a nod to those who dare to dream big.
My own journey in high tech recently took a new turn with my appointment as President and COO of RingCentral. In this expanded role, I am now responsible for product and technology, direct and channel sales, customer success, marketing, and operations organisations at my company, a global leader in AI-powered trusted business communication.
In this role, I have the opportunity to spearhead unparalleled innovation and transformation in business communications, as voice remains a key untapped source of data in the enterprise. With billions of call minutes on our network, RingCentral is uniquely positioned to unlock the power of voice with AI to drive personalised and effective communication experiences. It is an honour to be in this new role and to lead with an eye toward an exciting future.
It was common for me to be the only woman in the room when I started out in the technology industry. Nowadays, that's a lot less likely – and yet, women still have far to go to attain anything near gender parity around the table.
When I speak to female students today, I remind them that the field of high tech is not reserved for a select few. Rather, it is a space that historically has benefited greatly from its outset by including women's perspectives. Whether these women are coding the future or managing transformative projects, their journeys also pave the way for other women, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of technology – a hallmark of my own career, one that I pay forward now as a mentor.
On International Women's Day 2025, let us celebrate the achievements of the many women in tech, honour their historical contributions, and fuel the ambition of future generations. The narrative of innovation is richer and more vibrant with more women's voices in it. I cannot wait to see the next generation of women in tech embrace their potential, lead boldly, and inspire the world with their brilliance.
Kira was promoted to her new role as President and COO at RingCentral in February 2025. Over a decade with RingCentral, Kira has been an integral part of RingCentral's success, playing a pivotal role in the company's growth from pre-IPO to surpassing US$2.4 billion in annual recurring revenue. As Chief Innovation Officer and CMO, she has been at the forefront of RingCentral's product development, AI innovation, and global marketing strategy. Under her leadership, RingCentral has become a market leader in AI-powered communications and collaboration solutions, expanding its product portfolio and global reach.
