5 Ways to Inspire the Next Generation of Women in Data

Careers in data, analytics, and AI are on the rise. According to Revelio Labs, the number of people working in data-related roles has increased 63% from 2008 to 2024. However, despite rapid growth in the overall number of people in the field, women only hold 39% of the roles in data, analytics, and AI today. Looking at executive-level roles, the percentage drops to 29%. What’s even more concerning is that the number of women entering data-related fields is declining, down 3% from a decade ago.

Closing the gender gap and creating a more diverse, innovative data, analytics, and AI workforce is an industry imperative. Women bring unique and diverse perspectives that not only elevate a data team’s ability to spot unconscious bias in data sets, but also offer alternative perspectives that can improve the overall integrity of the insights and results. 

To put a finer point on it, in their report Why Are Women in Data and STEM Careers Still Underrepresented? Deloitte observed that “sometimes people fail to consider gender when selecting data sets for algorithms. And while the algorithms themselves aren’t biased; the humans that write them may carry unconscious biases.” For example, if a team of data scientists is all male, it’s likely that they will develop algorithms and interpret insights with a different lens than the one their female counterparts would use. As a result, the output may be skewed, overlooking unconscious bias and leading to inaccurate or misleading conclusions. But when you introduce women into the mix, they bring a different perspective on the data and the algorithms, adding an element of diversity and creativity that leads to stronger, more balanced insights and fewer errors. And that, in turn, improves decision-making.

Clearly companies need diverse data teams that include men and women with diverse backgrounds and sets of experiences and perspectives. So how do we motivate and inspire more women to enter the field? 

‍5 Ways to Inspire the Next Generation of Women in Data

While there is no single strategy to grow the number of women entering data professions, there are a number of ways to support and encourage women to pursue opportunities in data, analytics, and AI. 

1. Expose Women to Educational Opportunities Early on

Data Scientist and Chief Data Officer are roles that didn’t exist until relatively recently. And truth be told, many high schools still don’t offer data-related electives to any of their students. Colleges and universities now offer data-related degrees, but many of these programs are relatively new, continuing to grow and evolve as the data landscape shifts. But as the number of career opportunities in data, analytics, and AI grows, it’s important to expose women to the options available to them. Organizations such as Girls Who Code emerged as a way to increase awareness of opportunities in technology-related fields, with a goal of closing the gender gap in new entry-level tech jobs by 2030. But today, Girls Who Code is expanding its curriculum to introduce AI- and data science-related courses, underscoring the need and importance for women to pursue these fields in order to build a more balanced workforce in the future. 

‍2. Create Communities of Like-Minded Women

Providing opportunities where like-minded women can come together to engage with other female data enthusiasts, find mentors, and learn how other women have cracked through the glass ceiling to achieve leadership roles is critical to balancing out the data, analytics, and AI workforce. And that’s exactly what sparked Sadie St. Lawrence to create Women in Data. As Sadie began to assume data-related roles, she “noticed the lack of women representation.” She was concerned about “the prospect of gender equality in a data-driven future,” and wanted to do something about it. That observation served as the genesis for Women in Data, an organization aimed at providing “a place for data enthusiasts of all backgrounds to connect, grow, and lead together.” Today, Women in Data is a growing, global network of 70,000 members across chapters in 60 cities worldwide. From book clubs and expert panel webinars to learning pathways and mentorship opportunities, Women in Data is fostering a community of women who support and educate each other as they increase their representation in a growing industry. 

‍3.Break Stereotypes

Close your eyes and picture a data scientist. Did your mind immediately go to a brainy guy in a hoodie, crunched over his laptop developing algorithms? If so, you’re not alone. Too often, appearances get in the way of skills and expertise, and when you're a woman pursuing a data-related career, these stereotypes can be yet another barrier to overcome. But Dr. Eva-Marie Muller-Stuler, Partner, EY Data & Analytics and Global Ethical AI Advisory Board Member shared this advice for aspiring data scientists: your appearance doesn’t define you. Know your strengths, be prepared, and remain authentic. Said differently, companies need to look beyond the whiz kid in a hoodie and recognize that a woman in heels can add just as much – or even more! – value to their data teams.

‍4. Spotlight Women in Data

While men still outnumber women in the field of data, many women are making their mark, rising through the ranks, and assuming Chief Data Officer roles within their organizations. By highlighting these women – and the success they’ve achieved – other women within the organization can imagine what a career path in data and analytics could look like for them. And when they see women assuming these roles, their confidence increases, knowing their aspiration is within reach. Further, women data leaders often share their perspectives on podcast episodes and at industry events. By continuing to invite women data leaders to participate in these speaking opportunities, organizations spotlight the diverse perspectives and experiences women bring to the role, thus inspiring the next generation of women in data.

‍5. Connect Women With Mentors

Connecting young women with experienced female mentors in their field fosters confidence, develops skills, and establishes the foundation for long-term success. Mentors provide guidance and personal insights into how they navigated career challenges, pursued opportunities, and overcame the barriers that many women face when pursuing careers in male-dominated industries. Mentors help young women build networks, develop leadership skills, and gain the support and confidence they need to pursue a career in data, analytics, and AI. Beyond professional growth, mentorship also fosters a sense of belonging and encouragement, showing aspiring young, female professionals that they are not alone in their journey. Investing in mentor relationships not only empowers the next generation of women in data but also strengthens the industry as a whole by promoting and supporting diversity and innovation.

Inspiring the next generation of women in data is not just about increasing representation. It’s about driving innovation, fostering diverse perspectives, and shaping a more inclusive future for the industry for years to come. The journey toward a more diverse data, analytics, and AI workforce starts with intentional action, and every step we take today paves the way for future female data leaders to succeed.