Her Story
About Archana
I've been passionate about technology since I was in 7th grade when I decided I wanted to be a computer engineer. I was fascinated by coding and how computers can do such magic. I would get books from the library and code beyond my schoolwork, always scoring 100 out of 100 because of my deep interest. After completing my Bachelor's in Computer Engineering from BMS College of Engineering in Bangalore in 2007, I started my career as a tech analyst at Tech Mahindra in telecom, then moved to Wixnet, a product-based company where we developed iPad apps. When I came to the U.S., I worked at Freddie Mac, then a large telecom company in Philadelphia and Virginia, followed by Citigroup for almost 2 years where I worked on a project we started from scratch that eventually launched in China, Argentina, India, and Brazil - that was one of my most notable achievements because I saw it grow from something tiny to something very big under my guidance. I then spent a year at JP Morgan before joining Bank of America as a VP, where I've been for the past 8 years as a tech lead. In my current role, I manage projects and teams, ensuring deliverables are completed on time by delegating tasks and helping my subordinates. I'm very ambitious and always craving to do more - I'm currently finishing my MBA from Rutgers University with a specialization in AI and IT. I keep learning and have earned certifications in DevOps, AI, UI Studio, and Kubernetes. I'm also a U.S. citizen now after navigating visa challenges earlier in my career.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Archana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my mother, who was a brilliant student but couldn't work because girls weren't allowed to work in India at that time. She kept telling me that no matter how much your husband earns or how big a family you go into, your earning is important and you have to work. She never let me go to the kitchen or do household work - she only wanted me to study. I really cherish that message that all girls should study and do good jobs and earn their own money. My husband has also been instrumental in shaping my career, reminding me where to go and where not to go. He's been very supportive in helping me build my professional path.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I will give one advice from my experience - when I was coding, there were not lots of women. When I was in a team of 20, we didn't have many women there. Men try to make you feel that you're nothing. It happened to me, and I will be vocal about it. That time, you have to be very strong. You have to think that no, you rock, and you just perform. Don't ever feel that this is a men's world and I cannot perform or something like that. You need to be very strong and bold every time.
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