WOMEN IN TECH BLOG SERIES: SUCCEEDING AS A WOMAN IN A MALE-DOMINATED FIELD

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Written By: Christine Farren, Business Development Director and Strategic Partnerships, Illumio

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Christine Farren, Business Development Director and Strategic Partnerships, joined Illumio in November 2024 after seeing cybersecurity risks to US National Security continue to increase in both speed and complexity. She joined Illumio after recognizing that the containment of breaches, the prevention of lateral movement and protection of high value assets/data are critical to protecting our way of life, especially as we harness the power of artificial intelligence.  Christine is very excited to drive Illumio growth through strategic partnerships across the federal marketplace.

Prior to joining Illumio, Christine spent more than 20 years in the telecommunications industry in sales, management, and business development at Lumen, AT&T, ViaSat and Sprint. Christine built her career supporting customers across all sectors from small businesses to enterprise accounts and public sector.  She has spent the last 12+ years in Washington, DC, supporting federal civilian and DoD agencies, enabling customer missions with network connectivity and cybersecurity capabilities.

Based on 20+ years in telecommunications and IT, particularly in the federal sector, I’d like to share what I’ve learned about succeeding as a woman in male-dominated technical fields.

Throughout my career, I’ve observed that being a woman in tech brings both unique challenges and opportunities. Many male leaders have recognized that women often excel due to our natural relationship-building abilities and dedication. My own success was often catalyzed by male mentors who vocally supported me, after which I could prove my value through expertise and results.

Key lessons from my journey include:

  • Embrace Bold Moves: My relocation from Florida to DC in 2012 resulted in substantial career growth and self-confidence. I learned to thrive in a male-dominated environment. The key is to develop a mindset of confidence and learning, embracing opportunities even when you don’t have all the answers.
  • Trust Instincts and Stay Persistent: In 2017, I championed Zero Trust Architecture despite skepticism. My persistence was validated by the 2021 Biden Executive Order 14028. Trust in your ability to adapt, grow, and figure things out as you go.
  • Stay Adaptable and Positive: Success is a blend of hard work, timing, and the law of attraction— doing the right things consistently attracts opportunities, even if not always from expected sources.
  • Seek Mentors and Expand Networks: Building relationships with mentors has been invaluable. I’ve built relationships with both male and female mentors who’ve become trusted advisors and friends. Your professional network is your most valuable asset – it’s about authentic connection and mutual support, whether through advice, introductions, or simply listening.

While keeping pace with rapid technological change is challenging, we’re in an unprecedented era of opportunity for women in technology. The key is maintaining an open mind, confidence in your abilities, and commitment to continuous learning and relationship building.

This has been an insightful journey for me, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of my career. I hope that my experiences and lessons learned inspire others to take bold steps, trust their instincts, and seek out mentorship and support. By embracing these principles, we can pave the way for future generations of women in technology and continue to drive innovation and success in this ever-evolving field. Let’s continue to build a community of strong, confident, and adaptable women who are ready to take on the challenges of tomorrow with resilience and determination.