Engineering roles have traditionally been male dominated. What challenges have you faced as a woman in this field and how did you overcome them?

“Working in a traditionally male dominated field has had it’s challenges but it’s been a journey of growth and learning. Early on, one of the biggest hurdles was simply being the only woman in the room, especially in meetings or technical spaces where the culture was often shaped by predominantly male perspectives. Naturally a shy person, I had to learn to assert myself and make sure my voice was heard. Over time, I’ve seen the industry become more inclusive, and I try to give back by mentoring others and advocating for diversity where I can.”

Crystal McLoughlin, Software Development Manager

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women looking to advance their careers and potentially break into the tech and airline industry?

“I think it’s so important to not let fear hold you back from saying yes to opportunities. I am certainly not a master of my own advice, but I think with experience you get better at reminding yourself that fear and excitement often come together, that feeling nervous can be a great motivator to work harder and that you very rarely regret pushing yourself out of your comfort zone.”

Emma Holohan, VP Strategy & Transformation

HR plays a key role in fostering an inclusive workplace. What initiatives do you believe are most impactful in empowering women in the workplace?

“At Datalex, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where women can thrive. Through flexible work policies that support work-life balance, career development opportunities, and paid family leave, we empower women to grow and lead. By championing diversity and allyship, we create a culture where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and supported.”

Amy Toolan, Global HR Manager

As a recent Graduate Software Engineer at Datalex, what inspired you to pursue engineering and what attracted you to start your career with us at Datalex?

“I grew up exposed to the travel industry and the engineering world. This heavily inspired me to follow in my dad’s footsteps and get into the industry myself when it came to choosing my college course. College furthered my interest in the industry. Being exposed to the travel industry showed me that there in no better industry to get stuck in and do what I love while constantly learning. Datalex being in the travel industry made it an obvious choice as somewhere to start my career.. I knew I would get an ample opportunity to learn more and get involved in exciting projects.”

Nacé Van Wyk, Graduate Full Stack Software Engineer

Congratulations on your recent high achievement award at Datalex! What does this recognition mean to you, & how do you hope it inspires other women in tech?

“The Extra Mile Award recognition as a Project Manager reflects not only my efforts but also the incredible team I work with and the mentorship I receive from my manager.

Their support has been key to my growth, and this award is a reminder that dedication, collaboration, and strong leadership drive meaningful impact.”

Elona Dervishi, Senior Project Manager