Celebrating Women’s History Month: 5 Minutes with a Tech Exec | Andrea Chang, Vice President of Project Delivery

In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re proud to present our blog series, “5 Minutes with a Tech Exec.” We’ve engaged in insightful conversations with tech executives and chief technology officers to give you the unique opportunity to gain wisdom and career advice from experienced technologists. 

Uncover personal and professional journeys, from career inspiration to overcoming challenges on the path to executive leadership. These articles, adapted from personal interviews, offer insights into mentorship, leadership styles, and the future of women in tech. Join us as we amplify the voices of women in tech, celebrating their achievements and inspiring inclusion. 

Andrea Chang is the Chicago Director of Women Who Code and Vice President of Project Delivery at Adage Technologies. As a tech leader, her career journey is a testament to adaptability and perseverance.

Andrea’s path to a career in technology took various twists and turns. Despite her early programming experiences, it wasn’t until later in life that she found her passion for technology. “I started interviewing at different companies, and I took a job at a benefits consulting company doing quality assurance. And then I moved into test automation roles, and then I realized, ‘Oh, this is something that makes sense to me,’” Andrea explained. 

Balancing the demands of motherhood with professional aspirations presented challenges for Andrea. She learned to prioritize her time effectively with three children to care for. “Learning that it’s okay not to do everything was a hard lesson for me,” she reflected. “Women can have it all, just not all at the same time.” Through introspection, Andrea discovered the importance of setting boundaries and focusing on what truly matters in each moment.

As a leader, Andrea shared her style: “I led with compassion, I led with fairness, and I led with honesty.” Her approach fosters an environment where team members feel valued and empowered. “I expected my team to give 100%, and in return, I always gave my team the best of myself,” she said, embodying her commitment to supporting and uplifting others.

For aspiring leaders, Andrea offered practical advice. “Pay attention,” she advised. “Every interaction, every person you come across has a lesson.” By embracing a mindset of continuous learning, individuals can forge their own unique leadership paths. She also encouraged taking action, no matter how small. “Start with something. Start with a single step,” she urged. “Take that single step, and eventually, all of these little things become second nature.”

As she navigates the ever-evolving landscape of technology leadership, Andrea remains an inspiration. She demonstrates that with determination and a willingness to learn, anything is possible.

Pro-Tips for Diverse Technologists Inspired by Andrea

• Embrace Your Unique Path: Your journey in the tech industry is yours alone, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to success. Whether you come from a diverse academic background or transitioned into tech from another field, your unique experiences contribute to your strength and resilience. Embrace your path and recognize the value it brings to the industry.
• Prioritize Self-Care and Boundaries: Balancing professional and personal responsibilities can be tough, especially for women in tech. Take care of yourself by setting boundaries and saying no to tasks that don’t align with your priorities. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential for long-term success.
• Forge Your Own Leadership Style: As you advance in tech, remember that there’s no right or wrong way to lead. Develop your own leadership style rooted in compassion, fairness, and honesty. Pay attention to your interactions, learn from your experiences, and craft a leadership approach that aligns with your values and personality.

​​💝 Invest in Women in Tech and Support Women Who Code: You can empower the vital work we do to help diverse women excel and thrive in their tech careers. Give to help us raise $30,000 during Women’s History Month and inspire inclusion in tech. Donate now.