MEET PADMASHREE KONETI
One of the newest members of the PDX WIT Board, Padmashree Koneti is dedicated to equity in tech and encouraging our members to use their voices with the Speakers Bureau. Check out her Member Feature for June!
Why did you join the board of PDXWIT? What about this mission is important to you?
Not only do I relate to this mission of wanting to see tech careers more accessible and equitable for minorities, I have also admired HOW this organization is run. I have observed and learned a lot from Megan, Maureen and other members of the PDXWIT leadership in their ability to create a safe community for those who experience and/or care about removing marginalization and inequity in the tech workforce. Their ability to use their voice to talk about difficult issues has really resonated with me, and I can’t wait to do my part. Besides, in my own personal career journey, I have often encountered blockers (self-made as well as imposed by the environment around me) that have limited me from reaching my true potential. It would be my privilege as a board member to use that experience to accelerate the path for the coming generations trying to build successful careers in tech.
What is your day job or another passion of yours (besides PDXWIT)?
I love product management. If there was a DNA marker for product managers, I'd probably have it. I love connecting with customers, hearing about their needs and challenges, and creating great products that will solve their problems and further delight them. After more than a dozen years in that profession, I got opportunities to try other roles, did that and quickly realized that PM is where I belong!
What PDXWIT initiative or program are you most excited to support as a board member and why?
The program I am closest to is the Speakers Bureau. With guidance and support from thought leaders in the PDXWIT community, I had the privilege of kicking this program off the ground. It is basically a cohort of speakers who can deliver great talks around promoting the mission of PDXWIT, and my program helps connect them with sponsor organizations who are eager to improve diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. Speakers sharpen their presentation skills while sponsor organizations benefit from an elevated level of conversation around this important topic.
What is something people don't know about you?
I love to garden in my spare time. Seeing my plants thrive in spring and summer. Harvesting vegetables and fruits that grew in my garden brings me almost unparalleled joy.