IBM Champions

For Women's History Month, I was featured on The Linux Foundation's podcast as an IBM Champion.

What should've felt like a milestone… became a moment of reflection.

To every woman who has ever questioned her place - in life, in tech, in the room:
You belong. You always have.

Only 22% of AI professionals are women. I wrote this for the Missing 78% - a 5-step plan rooted in action: education, mentorship, allyship, advocacy, and equity.

✨ Read it here: https://medium.com/@nooraftab/breaking-barriers-building-bridges-you-belong-in-tech-afbad94d6348

Would love your thoughts and comments

This podcast was fantastic, and it was so inspiring to see a spotlight on women in this male-dominated industry!

I'm glad to see admirable women from our industry being recognised as IBM Champions for their diligent advocacy 😇

As someone who volunteers with young people quite often, I'll definitely be promoting this podcast to inspirit other aspiring women 🙌

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Niall Ashley (he/him)
Consultant in Mainframe Security (RACF)
Vertali Ltd
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Great reflection !

Quality resources are needed in IT, and it doesn't/shouldnt matter gender !

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[Kevin] [Janus] [CFM]
[Integration Lead]
[JLLT]
Montrose [PA]
[USA]
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Noor, 
It is so wonderful to see you and other IBM Champions talking about your experiences. You are all an inspiration! @Noor Aftab, @Jessielaine Punongbayan, @Hannah Templeton, @Elitsa Popova and @Christine Jenkins.  You all belong!! 

Check out the podcast on Youtube! 

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Kathryn DuPont User Advocacy, IBM TechXchange
Advocacy Engagement Leader
IBM
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Thank you so much, @Kathryn DuPont - your words truly mean a lot. 🙏 

It was an honor to share this conversation with @Jessielaine Punongbayan, @Hannah Templeton, @Elitsa Popova and @Christine Jenkins  - each of these women brings something powerful to the table, and I'm proud to stand beside them as fellow IBM Champions.

As leaders, it's our responsibility to not just show up - but to create spaces where others feel seen, heard, and inspired to lead in their own way. Grateful to be part of a community that lives that value every day.

Excited for what's ahead - and thank you again for your support and encouragement!

The short answer... of course you do and always will!!!
Thank you for sharing this and congrats for everything you all are doing to bring awareness and advocacy. 

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Wilson Quiles Vázquez
Sr IT Applications Analyst
Century Communities
Tampa FL
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