Navigating Empowerment

Luba Sakharuk

Embark on a captivating journey through the life of Carolyn Leighton, the brilliant mind behind WITI (Women in Technology International)*. Growing up amid the cultural tapestry of Providence, Rhode Island, Carolyn found herself in a landscape of opinions and judgments – what she lovingly refers to as the land of critics and judges. In this series of conversations, I, Luba Sakharuk, delve into Carolyn’s experiences, reflecting on shared Jewish heritage, cultural influences, and the evolution of WITI.

*Although WITI underwent a rebranding from Women in Technology International to Workforce, Innovation, Trust, and Influence in 2023, it became evident during the interview that the commitment to diversity had been included Carolyn’s vision from day one.

Part 1: Embracing Challenges and Building Networks

Join me, as I share a snippet of my personal journey while chatting with the inspiring Carolyn Leighton, Founder of WITI Organization.

My journey began as a wide-eyed 14-year-old from Lithuania, setting foot in the United States. College posed unexpected challenges, especially since English wasn’t my forte at the time. Fast forward to a pivotal moment – I met my husband at 18, who subtly planted the idea that computer science could be my calling. Intrigued by my love for math and with a heart full of love, I switched to a computer science degree, taking a leap of faith with zero confidence.

In a heartwarming conversation, Carolyn Leighton expressed admiration for the positive influence my husband had on my life choices. We delved into the hurdles faced in computer science classes and explored the nuanced perception of intelligence. Carolyn shared insights from a twin study, shedding light on the significant genetic influence on behavior and intelligence.

Our discussion extended to overcoming fears and the transformative power of mentorship programs. Inspired by my own journey, I initiated a mentorship program to support those grappling with doubts about their capabilities. Carolyn, drawing from her experiences, highlighted the game-changing impact of networks in her own career.

In this tech-driven world, we’re all navigating our unique paths, and it’s essential to recognize that challenges don’t define our intelligence. As I reflect on my journey, I encourage you to embrace the difficulties, cultivate mentorship connections, and leverage the strength found in supportive networks.Tech journeys are as diverse as the individuals embarking on them, and by sharing our stories, we empower others to overcome obstacles and reach for the stars. Here’s to embracing challenges, fostering mentorship, and building a network that propels us to new heights in the world of technology!

Part 2: Unveiling the Power of Networks and Diverse Perspectives in Tech

Carolyn Leighton, Founder of WITI Organization, eloquently pointed out that beyond our psychological insecurities, we all possess a unique genetic list dictating what we know, what we can do, and even what we think we can’t do. It’s a reminder that our differences don’t define our intelligence; instead, they contribute to the richness of our perspectives.

Our discussion took a fascinating turn as Carolyn shared her journey with WITI and the realization that collaboration and networks are paramount. Her revelation resonated deeply with me, echoing my own experiences that inspired me to initiate a mentorship program.

In my pursuit to contribute to the tech community, I embarked on a six-month experiment, bringing together a diverse group of about 10 women every Tuesday through Zoom. What began as a tech-centric idea evolved into a melting pot of professionals from various fields – lawyers, artists, accountants – united by a common goal of supporting and learning from each other.

Carolyn mirrored my sentiments about the power of networks, recounting her journey with WITI. It struck a chord as she emphasized the mistake she made early in her career, assuming she had to do everything alone. Her revelation about the strength found in a network of like-minded women resonated with me on a profound level.

As I continued the mentorship program, a beautiful realization unfolded. The diversity within our group became a wellspring of innovative solutions. A lawyer’s perspective complemented a scientist’s, an artist’s creativity inspired an accountant, and we found that shared challenges transcended industries.

Our conversation delved into the early days of WITI, with Carolyn sharing a brilliant model inspired by diverse groups at Hewlett Packard. The idea of bringing together individuals from different backgrounds, each contributing a unique perspective, became the essence of WITI’s vision.

Carolyn’s journey, peppered with experiences from the late ’80s, resonated with the evolution I witnessed in the tech world. Our paths may differ, but the essence of our stories remains the same – embracing challenges, fostering mentorship, and building networks are catalysts for personal and professional growth.

As Carolyn and I exchanged insights, it became clear that the magic lies in embracing our differences, learning from one another, and collectively propelling the tech industry forward. Stay tuned for more conversations, insights, and tech tales as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology together.

Cheers to collaboration, mentorship, and the incredible power of diverse networks!

“I get the wonderful pleasure of hearing from many women about how WITI has hade a difference for them. That, for me, is greater than any award I could receive.”

Part 3: Embracing Uniqueness: A Journey of Empowerment in the Tech World

Let us continue in our exploration of the power of networks and diverse perspectives in the tech industry, alongside the remarkable Carolyn Leighton, Founder of WITI (as of 2023, rebranded to Workforce, Innovation, Trust and Influence) Organization.

Our conversation took an insightful turn as Carolyn touched upon something that resonated deeply with both of us – the tendency to feel that something is wrong with us when we’re not aware of certain aspects of ourselves. This shared experience echoed through our lives, highlighting the universal nature of this perception.

Carolyn emphasized that this feeling isn’t limited to moments of unawareness; it extends to how children, especially those who are different or unique, perceive themselves based on how others experience them. It struck a chord with me, as I reflected on the countless individuals, I’ve encountered in the tech world who, much like Carolyn and me, felt like the odd ones out.

As Carolyn embarked on the journey of creating WITI, she discovered a community of men and women who shared similar sentiments growing up – feeling odd, different, and reluctant to join groups or sororities. The realization was both heartening and eye-opening. Many, like us, assumed they couldn’t fit into any group due to their perceived uniqueness.

While the sentiment may carry a tinge of sadness, Carolyn and I see it as an intriguing aspect of the human experience. Life deals us a hand, and it’s our choice how we play it. The realization that it’s our choice to embrace our uniqueness and take control of our narrative is both empowering and liberating.

Yet, Carolyn shared a valuable insight – with this empowerment comes the responsibility to remind ourselves and each other not to succumb to the

victim mentality. Society, often unconsciously, perpetuates stereotypes and challenges women, making it crucial for us to support and uplift one another.

Our conversation delved into the complex nature of societal perceptions, touching upon the delicate balance between challenging the status quo and inadvertently reinforcing stereotypes. Carolyn’s reflections on the feminist movements of the past added depth to our discussion, highlighting the dual nature of societal change – sometimes a good shakeup is necessary, but it comes with its challenges.

As we navigate the intricate landscape of the tech world, Carolyn and I invite you to join us on this journey of empowerment and self-discovery. It’s time to celebrate our uniqueness, embrace the responsibility of choice, and build a supportive community that thrives on diversity.

Stay tuned for more insights, shared experiences, and empowering tales from the tech trenches. Let’s continue to champion each other and shape a future where our differences are not perceived as limitations but as strengths.

Cheers to embracing our uniqueness and creating a tech world where everyone has a seat at the table!

Part 4: Navigating Challenges, Embracing Heritage: A Tale of Resilience in Tech

Our dialogue took an unexpected yet poignant turn as Carolyn inquired about my family’s journey to America. The question unraveled a chapter of my life filled with challenges, resilience, and a deep connection to my roots.

In response to Carolyn’s question about my family joining me in America, I shared a bittersweet tale. Unfortunately, my father and grandmother chose to stay behind, making the separation endure for 28 long years. Each vacation became an opportunity to bridge the distance, with heartfelt visits to my homeland. Though my dad and grandmother are no longer with us, the memories of those visits and the enduring connection remain etched in my heart.

Carolyn expressed genuine interest in my memoir, a testament to the power of storytelling. My memoir, a labor of love, delves into the complexities of my family’s journey, the challenges faced, and the enduring spirit that shaped me into the person I am today.

Our shared experiences of feeling different and questioning ourselves struck a chord. Carolyn beautifully articulated how societal perceptions, especially in childhood, can lead us to believe that something is wrong with us. We explored the transformative nature of challenges, with Carolyn emphasizing that the most profound lessons often emerge from the difficult ones.

The conversation seamlessly transitioned into Carolyn sharing her family’s history – her parents escaping antisemitism, meeting at the University of Michigan, and the amalgamation of diverse backgrounds. It resonated deeply with me, connecting me to the vast tapestry of immigrant experiences.

As Carolyn reflected on appreciating her family’s business acumen, it prompted a discussion on the importance of understanding our roots and sharing those stories. My memoir, crafted for my children, serves as a legacy of my grandparents’ struggles and triumphs. We agreed that stories carry not just personal history but also lessons for future generations.

The topic of entitlement arose, prompting a thoughtful discussion on instilling appreciation and a strong work ethic in our children. Carolyn emphasized the value of encouraging service and volunteering, instilling a sense of compassion and humility.

Our conversation wrapped up on a profound note – life is a journey, and every twist and turn shapes us into who we are meant to be. As we navigate the tech landscape, let’s celebrate our unique journeys, cherish our heritage, and foster compassion in the ever-evolving world of technology.

Part 5: Empowering Women, Cultivating Connections: Unveiling the Magic of WITI

In our ongoing conversation, I had the pleasure of engaging with Carolyn Leighton, the visionary founder of WITI (Workforce, Innovation, Trust and Influence) originally known as (Women in Technology International) Organization in an insightful dialogue on networking, knowledge-sharing, and the transformative connections fostered by WITI.

Our discussion took an exciting turn as I shared my involvement with “SheTalks,” a magazine dedicated to supporting women veterans, led by a remarkable woman committed to making a difference. Intrigued by her selfless endeavors, I eagerly accepted the opportunity to lead the Women in Technology section of the magazine. This initiative seamlessly aligns with WITI’s mission of spotlighting the incredible achievements of women in the tech industry.

As we explored the significance of Women’s History Month, my thoughts turned to Carolyn’s inspiring journey and the profound impact WITI has had on countless lives. I couldn’t help but express my excitement about the potential of WITI and Carolyn’s insights. Feeling a deep connection, I mentioned my anticipation of continuing our engaging discussions over dinner during my next visit to the West Coast, as I believed Carolyn and I could talk for hours.

Carolyn, appreciative and flattered, echoed the sentiment and expressed gratitude for the recognition. We discussed the transformative nature of WITI, not just in terms of professional growth but also in broadening perspectives and fostering a sense of community.

The conversation seamlessly transitioned into the strategic importance of diversity in thought and experiences. Carolyn, in a heartfelt request, suggested writing an article on the magical process of WITI, emphasizing the psychological development it brings by looking beyond oneself through the diverse perspectives of its members. We both acknowledged the need for strategic thinkers and visionary individuals within WITI to propel the organization forward.

As we continued, Carolyn shared her passion for WITI and the strategic approach behind its initiatives, emphasizing the profound impact of creating a network of diverse, smart individuals who not only teach directly but also provide indirect insights crucial for personal and professional growth.

I seized the opportunity to share a real-world example of WITI’s power in action during a cybersecurity incident at MGM. A consultant, encountered in a WITI session, provided me with a valuable article, which I passed on to the head of cybersecurity at Eversource, my engagement as a consultant, at the time. This ripple effect showcased the tangible benefits of WITI’s network in sharing critical knowledge.

Our conversation resonated deeply with the strategic approach behind WITI’s initiatives, creating a space where professionals can exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences to become smarter and better at what they do.

We delved into the essence of WITI, where seemingly small connections during sessions lead to meaningful relationships and opportunities. Carolyn highlighted the importance of not only possessing knowledge but also ensuring that it is known, reinforcing the value of WITI’s platform.

Our conversation concluded with Carolyn expressing her overwhelming need to solve the challenges faced by women in tech, leading her to establish WITI. As we wrapped up, Carolyn shared her excitement about the prospect of continuing our engaging discussions over dinner during my next visit to the West Coast.

This journey with Carolyn Leighton has been an enriching experience, unveiling the transformative power of mentorship, the magic of networks, and the importance of embracing uniqueness. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology, let’s carry forward the lessons learned, celebrating diversity, fostering connections, and empowering one another to reach new heights.

Cheers to the magic of WITI, the power of connections, and the endless possibilities in the world of technology!