Women Are Making History in Tech and Hospitality

Why We Celebrate Women’s History Month and International Women's Day 

As the calendar turns to March, it's time to honor and celebrate Women's History Month. This annual observance is a dedicated time to recognize the significant contributions women have made throughout history. From trailblazers who shattered glass ceilings to activists who fought for equality, Women's History Month commemorates their achievements and acknowledges the ongoing journey towards gender parity. It's a time to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead.

During this month, we also commemorate International Women's Day on March 8th, a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. This year's theme, "Inspire Inclusion," reminds us of the importance of creating diverse and equitable spaces where everyone's talents are recognized and valued.

So now we know what the month stands for and as we gear up to celebrate International Women's Day, it's a perfect time to reflect on the remarkable journey of women in the tech and hospitality sectors as well.

Women Foster Positive Change in Tech

In the technology sector, the landscape has transformed significantly. Previously, women were often sidelined or overlooked in this male-dominated field. However, today, we're witnessing a promising shift. Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles, driving innovation, and reshaping industry norms with their fresh perspectives and expertise.

Female Forerunners

Ada Lovelace, often hailed as the world's first computer programmer, laid the foundation for modern computing with her visionary insights and groundbreaking work on Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine in the 19th century.

Ursula Burns also stands out as a true pioneer, serving as the CEO of Xerox from 2009 to 2016. Notably, she made history as the first black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company, breaking barriers and inspiring countless others along the way.

Another notable figure is Sheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook. Sandberg is renowned for her advocacy for women in tech and her groundbreaking book, "Lean In," which sparked crucial conversations about gender equality and leadership in the workplace.

Ziosk’s Gamechanger: Rhonda Levene

Rhonda Levene, esteemed President and COO at Ziosk, is a beacon of inspiration in both the tech and hospitality industries. Beyond her remarkable leadership at Ziosk, Rhonda co-authored an insightful book with Jean Rostollan, entitled Glass Walls: Reality and Hope Beyond the Glass Ceiling. This groundbreaking book, published in 2006, provides a look into the continued marginalization of women and presents strategies and tactics that women can use in the workplace.

In reflecting on her journey and the importance of diversity and innovation, Rhonda aptly remarked, "Diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's a strategic imperative for success in today's rapidly evolving landscape. By championing inclusion and embracing diverse perspectives, we unlock endless possibilities for growth and innovation."

Rhonda's unwavering commitment to championing innovation and diversity is evident not only in her words but also in her actions. Under her visionary leadership, Ziosk has continued to prioritize female inclusivity across all facets of the company, including IT, product and innovation, engineering, marketing, operations, and beyond.

Ziosk is actively demonstrating our commitment to inclusion by appointing women to pivotal leadership roles across the organization. Meet a few of the team members in our LinkedIn post here!

As we celebrate Women's History Month and International Women's Day, let's draw inspiration from trailblazers like Rhonda Levene and many other female leaders, whose unwavering dedication to diversity and innovation paves the way for a brighter and more inclusive future in the tech and hospitality industries. Together, let's continue to break barriers, challenge norms, and empower women to lead and succeed in every aspect of our rapidly evolving world.

“By championing inclusion and embracing diverse perspectives, we unlock endless possibilities for growth and innovation." – Rhonda Levene