Her Story
About Iana
My career path has been anything but traditional. I studied linguistics and English language education, first in Russia and later earning a master’s degree in Ukraine as an English and French teacher. Before entering the technology field, I worked as a translator and customer service professional, supporting clients from English- and French-speaking countries.
After moving to the United States in 2016, I began building a new career from the ground up. My first role was as a contractor data analyst supporting Apple Maps, where I helped validate transit and public transportation data across Europe, ensuring information remained accurate as routes and infrastructure changed. I later joined Vrbo (now part of Expedia Group) as a Product Specialist and then worked as a Data Management Analyst at Google.
Working with global organizations such as Apple, Google, and Expedia gave me valuable exposure to different business models, technologies, and ways of working. Recruiters eventually connected me with Charles Schwab, where I joined as a Business Analyst contractor. To support my transition into the field, I invested heavily in professional development, completing coursework in SQL, Business Analysis, Agile methodologies, and data management.
Following a maternity leave, I returned to work in 2025 and transitioned into my current role as a Data Governance Analyst. Today, I help govern critical data elements across the enterprise, partnering with subject matter experts to bring data assets under governance, improve data quality standards, and support business intelligence and reporting initiatives.
As someone who built my career in a new country, and a working mother, I’m proud of the path I’ve taken and hope it encourages others to pursue opportunities outside their original field of study. My journey has shown me that curiosity, continuous learning, and persistence can open doors to entirely new careers.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Iana
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to my upbringing and my experience as an immigrant. Starting over in a new country teaches you resilience and self-reliance.
For me, success has never been about a secret formula or a lucky break. It comes from consistently showing up, doing the work, and trying to make the right decisions. It may sound simple, but I believe persistence matters more than talent in the long run. Day after day, year after year, I focused on learning, improving, and doing my best.
There is no magic to my story. It’s simply the result of hard work, continuous learning, and the determination to keep moving forward, even when the path wasn’t always clear.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the best pieces of career advice I received came from my current manager when I was deciding whether to return to work after becoming a mother. She told me that being a working mom is challenging, but also incredibly fulfilling. She reminded me that our children learn from what they see. By pursuing a career while raising a family, we show them that it’s possible to balance different responsibilities and continue growing throughout life.
That advice stayed with me, and I couldn’t agree more. Returning to work has been rewarding both professionally and personally, and I hope my child sees the value of hard work, perseverance, and lifelong learning through my example.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don’t be afraid to take your seat at the table. One of the best pieces of advice I received from a mentor was that if you’re invited to the meeting, you’ve already been offered a seat. You belong there. Speak up, share your ideas, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Early in life, many women are taught to be accommodating and avoid drawing attention to themselves. While those qualities can be valuable, they can also hold us back if we become overly cautious. You don’t have to be aggressive or step over others to succeed. But you should be confident in your knowledge, trust your experience, and stand your ground. Your perspective deserves to be heard.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in my field right now is AI. The question isn’t whether AI will change the way we work; it’s how we can use it effectively and responsibly. I believe the greatest value comes from using AI to enhance human expertise, not replace it. When used well, it can improve efficiency, spark creativity, and help us focus on higher-value work. Rather than viewing AI as a threat, I see it as a powerful tool and collaborator. Our responsibility is to learn how to use it thoughtfully while ensuring that human judgment, critical thinking, and governance remain at the center of decision-making.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
For me, it’s important to feel that my work makes a difference. It’s easy to think of ourselves as just a small part of a much larger organization, but I believe every role contributes to the bigger picture. Finding meaning in our work and understanding how our efforts impact others helps create a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Equally important are the people we work with. Positive relationships, supportive colleagues, and a collaborative culture can make a tremendous difference in our day-to-day experience. One of the things I value most about my current company is the willingness of people to help one another and treat each other with respect. When you combine meaningful work with a supportive environment, it creates a place where people can do their best and continue to grow.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Texas
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.