Influential Woman · Technology Consulting
Nicole D'Souza
Software Engineer, IBM
Washington, DC
Her Story
About Nicole
Nicole DSouza serves as a software engineer with IBM Consulting in the federal market, based in Washington, DC. She began her full-time role in August 2025 after completing a B.S. in Computer Science and a business minor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2025. Prior to this, DSouza gained experience through internships at Microsoft in software engineering and product management roles, as well as two software engineering internships at IBM. In her current position, she is staffed as a contractor for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, where she handles project management responsibilities to ensure deliverables are met and teams operate effectively. Beyond client work, DSouza contributes to several internal initiatives, including the DC LEAD program for new hires, the Capital WIT Women's Business Resource Group, and her practice area's engagement team, which organizes workshops and networking events. She also mentors undergraduate students through Cornell Tech's Breakthrough Tech program and maintains involvement in sustainable fashion and art initiatives from her college days at UMass. DSouza attributes her success to supportive leaders, her manager, peers in IBM's associates program, her family, particularly her father who works in tech, and the broader community around her. She values inclusion highly, focusing on helping new hires feel welcomed and building community among women in tech and consulting.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nicole
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the leaders at work who invited me to panels, my manager who has been a huge advocate, my peers in the associates program, my family especially my dad who has been in tech and a mentor, and the wonderful community and support system around me.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is to put your best foot forward in any situation because you never know what opportunities will come out of it, and to say yes to everything even if it feels intimidating, because if you're comfortable you're not learning and growing.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't let your background, identities, or experience level hinder you from saying yes to things or feeling like you're not a good fit. If you're invited to a space there's a reason, remember you are qualified, treat everything as a learning opportunity to grow and upskill.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Inclusion is the most important value to me. I focus on making sure new hires feel included through events, building community for women in tech and consulting, and embracing the diverse and inclusive culture in DC both professionally and personally.
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