Mar 2023
IWD - Claudia Oprya
Claudia Oprya is the Marketing Manager for our ANZ team.
Marketing Manager ANZ
As part of International Women’s Day 2023, we’re sharing insights from our team about their experiences, their role models and their goals for inspiring others as, or about, women in tech and business.
How do you feel empowered as a woman in tech/a workplace?
Charlie, our Managing Director, is a huge inspiration to me. She directs our entire Australian team, and her story empowers me to show up to work and always know I will be treated like an equal - not only by her but all the people within our office.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women starting their careers?
Just start. Don't be discouraged by a room full of men. Be sure of your talents.
There is no reason to doubt yourself if you have the education and experience. Even if you don't have those things, as long as you have confidence and willingness to show up every day, you will always be respected and welcomed.
If there is a woman who has inspired you throughout your career, who was it and how?
Again, I would have to say Charlie. Working her way through the ranks at Waterstons and then moving her entire family to Australia to begin a new life is an incredible feat. She is a hugely inspiring person.
What have you learned from the women you have worked with in your career so far?
I've learned you have to be tenacious. You always have to speak up for what's right, even if it gets you in 'hot water'. It's always better to be known to be the woman who speaks her mind than to be known as someone who is silent to injustice.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given by a woman in the workplace?
'If there's no seat at the table, make one.' A woman from my first job told me this; I was 17 and from then on I knew the only way to navigate this world sometimes is to make my own seat.
What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
Throughout my young career, I've faced many challenges; particularly with men. Doubting my abilities, assuming I'm in a lower position, speaking over the top of me, not treating me as an equal because I was young and a woman. I overcame them by consistently proving them wrong. I took their insults as challenges, I took their challenges and executed them with near precision, I empowered other women to do the same. I called out toxic behaviours and I never let them get under my skin.
Find out more about Claudia here.
Read more IWD stories from our team at the following links.