At Women in Tech, we love sharing stories that celebrate the diverse paths women take into the tech industry. From coding satellite systems to leading platform delivery, the journeys into tech can be as varied as the people behind them. In this piece, we’re spotlighting two brilliant women from one of our employer partners, RSA, who generously shared their reflections with us: Dawn Gordon and Julie Hincks.
Their insights highlight not just their professional growth, but also the evolving culture within RSA that supports, encourages, and celebrates women in tech. Whether it’s stepping into the unknown or finding strength in community, these stories are a powerful reminder that there is no single blueprint for success in the industry. What matters most is the drive to learn, the courage to speak up, and the environment that enables people to thrive.
Dawn Gordon - Platform Product Owner
When Dawn started her career with RSA over 24 years ago, she never imagined she would still be here today. Her journey has taken her through a variety of roles in technology delivery, from leading major technical deployments as a project manager to overseeing complex application maintenance and enhancements in her current role as a platform product owner.
Like many women entering tech, Dawn wondered whether her experiences would be different from those of her peers. After researching the challenges women in technology often face, including gender bias, work-life balance pressures and a lack of female role models, she reflected on her own journey.
“I have personally not felt specific gender bias through my interactions with people across the organisation, something for which I am very grateful. I have also had some fantastic, strong female leaders and colleagues who have fought my corner and inspired me to succeed.”
Dawn credits RSA’s supportive environment and leadership for helping her thrive. Throughout her career, she has found space to grow and the flexibility to balance professional ambitions with personal priorities:
“From having my children to taking time out to care for them, I’ve always felt supported. The organisation strongly advocates for work-life balance and protects it – regardless of who you are.”
While Dawn acknowledges that the technology space has historically had more men than women, she has seen a positive shift over her career:
“It has been great to see the gender mix change radically. I see an organisation that recognises and builds on the skills women bring, striving for excellence and embracing those strengths more than ever.”
Julie Hincks - Data Product Design Lead
Julie’s path into technology began in an unexpected place. With a degree in History from Cambridge, she watched many of her peers pursue careers in law or accounting. But a chance conversation opened the door to IT, and she decided to step through it.
Her first role saw her coding satellite control systems for the European Space Agency, a world away from the history library but perfectly suited to her analytical mind and love of problem-solving. From there, her career took her across sectors and organisations, including Reuters, boutique consultancies, central government, and now RSA.
“Over the years, I’ve held a wide range of roles: Database Administrator, Business Analyst, Solution Architect, and now Data Products Design Lead. The variety has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.”
Throughout her journey, one constant has been data. Julie’s passion for understanding context and uncovering insights ties back to her academic roots:
“Analysing evidence to uncover insight was central to studying history. That same skillset underpins how I approach data today – spotting patterns and using information to drive decisions.”
In the early stages of her career, Julie often found herself as the only woman in the room, particularly in technical roles. While she rarely faced overt prejudice, building confidence and credibility presented challenges:
“I’ve learned to trust my instincts, speak up, and support others forging their own paths. There’s no single route into technology and no limit to where it can take you.”
Celebrating Diverse Paths into Tech
Dawn and Julie’s stories highlight the breadth of experiences and opportunities within RSA. While their paths into technology are different, both demonstrate the power of curiosity, adaptability, and a supportive environment in shaping successful careers.
At RSA, fostering an inclusive culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive is part of their continued commitment to driving positive change in the tech sector. As these stories show, creating space for women to grow, lead, and share their experiences makes a real difference – both within organisations and across the wider industry.
