More than 74 percent of school-aged girls express an interest in STEM fields and computer science, yet only 25 percent of IT jobs are held by women.  While the tech industry is usually known for being one step ahead, when it comes to gender equality, some companies can be two steps behind. 

Sunday, August 26, marks Women's Equality Day.  Below, a variety of women who hold leadership positions in the IT industry provide their thoughts on how companies can fix the gap between genders to create equal opportunity and share their advice for young women entering the industry.

Jessica Marie, Cybersecurity Evangelist, WhiteHat Security

"Equality issues still exist in the tech industry. Sometimes there is the assumption that you won't be technical enough (an awfully subjective viewpoint). People have actually said this to my face, without any explanation. This might be surprising, but I've experienced most of this in startups, which are usually thought to be more open-minded. It's actually been the larger, more established companies that have been more open, and taken a deep interest in my (unconventional) background. I know countless people who work in the tech industry, and all my male friends, even those without technical degrees or backgrounds, have never been told they weren't technical or didn't have what it takes to work in a technology company. This is noteworthy.

However, there is so much out there, and it is hugely rewarding. In Silicon Valley, there are literally thousands of tech companies that all do unique and interesting things. Do some soul searching and follow what charms you. What really lights you up? Guaranteed you will be successful at what you find exciting and fun. So, to hell with assumptions and conventional thinking. Stay open-minded and take the initiative, even if it's scary. Don't be afraid to dig deeper and find out what really moves you. There is always a way," said Jessica Marie, cybersecurity evangelist at WhiteHat Security.

Jeannie Warner, Security Manager, WhiteHat Security

"Although this is the first generation to demand and work for dramatic change in gender parity, we need to look at equality on a global scale. Not all parts of the world are as accepting as the US. When I had a recruiter looking for an engineering role in India, I asked for the women's applications first, and then asked that they take the names off of the applications before submitting to management on the first round. This is because the agency I was working for was hesitant to introduce a female candidate in a technical position.

It's a common belief that it takes three generations to have a lasting change in any type of society. With that in mind, and mindful of the advances of the 1970s, although we are living in a more accepting and progressive culture in 2018, we still have a long way to go and one more generation to challenge. One of the most damaging stereotypes to overcome is the mindset that men are good at certain jobs and women are good at others. Thankfully, this generation is finally challenging that. To women who are looking to get into the tech world, I would say ignore those stereotypes; Find what you're passionate about and work hard to achieve it," said Jeannie Warner, security manager at WhiteHat Security.

Joanna Hu, Senior Data Scientist, Exabeam

"My love for technology and tech-related subjects like math and physics began in elementary school. In part, that's why joining the technology sector as a data scientist became a natural evolution of my career after graduate school. As a driving force in our society, technology presents innumerable opportunities to change the world and how we live in it.

Unfortunately, there remains a disparity in opportunities for women to lead that change, versus their male counterparts. In fact, a 2011 report by McKinsey & Company stated that 'men are promoted on potential, while women on performance.' That observation has held true in my personal career experiences.

And so, I feel strongly that women in tech must be free to assert our ideas and express our opinions. We must insist that our voices are heard, and that we take on roles that will shape the changes to our world. The best way to do that is to recognize women as capable, and provide equal opportunities for leadership in technology. If the industry can clear this gender hurdle, it would open so many possibilities for women to fulfill their potential," said Joanna Hu, senior data scientist at Exabeam.

Yumi Nishiyama, Director of Global Services, Exabeam

"As I've been in the tech industry for many years now, I've seen the gender gap begin to close in small - but meaningful - ways. There are conscious efforts being made to create communities of women, for the advancement of women. They encourage them to get into tech early on in their lives and then foster professional development as they go on.

There is, of course, still room for improvement. One way to change the field is by embracing diversity. I have very successful female friends who are senior tech execs at their companies, but they have had to sacrifice many other parts of their lives to get where they are today. As we progress, though, companies are starting to embrace policies that provide women in particular with benefits that allow a better balance with ‘life,' and don't make having a family and having a career mutually exclusive.

While the playing field may not be exactly even yet, we're headed in the right direction. It's no longer necessary to wear a suit or act a certain way to be deemed successful. The resulting diversity in the workplace makes all involved so much richer. In short, the more we can encourage each other to embrace and enable success in one another, the better off we all are," said Yumi Nishiyama, director of global services at Exabeam.

Quinn Marco, Director of Data Center Strategies, US Signal

"Mentorship is a powerful, necessary tool for women both personally and professionally. As a woman with more than 25 years of experience in corporate business, I have faced many hurdles that I have overcome with the right mentor and peer guidance. Throughout my career, I have had several female mentors, who have been there to help navigate difficult workplace situations with, helping me see each challenge as an opportunity for growth and encouraging me to reach my potential. The most important assets we have is our 'brand.' Every reaction and response can either positively or negatively affect our personal brand.

Today, I strive to be a mentor for other women, in the same way that I was aided. At US Signal, I am given the bandwidth and the opportunity to partner with organizations like inFORUM, and their industry groups such as TechnologyNEXT, in addition to the Michigan Council of Women in Technology (MCWT). At these events, women executives come and speak, providing advice to women in business and share their personal journey. It's important for women to tell their story to others, and develop their strengths, by asking themselves: ‘What is your brand? What does it say about who you are?' It is an unfortunate truth that women who are strong-willed are often seen as aggressive, and when men act the same, they are admired. To overcome this and help close the gender gap in business, women must come together to help each other, overcome obstacles and empower each other to succeed," said Quinn Marco, director of data center strategies at US Signal.