What happens when you build a work environment where everyone can reach their full potential? As a Data & AI leader at Avanade, Yolanda helps companies embrace change and thrive in their business. Yolanda is currently leading Sales and Go-to-Market in our Center for AI in Europe and Middle East. With more than 15 years of experience in technology consulting across various industries and cultures, she is also a passionate advocate for women in technology and diversity of perspectives in AI development. Here’s what Yolanda had to say about her career journey.

I came to Avanade because my career path at a different systems integrator wasn’t well defined. I was excited about working with Microsoft and in data and AI. During my recruiting and interview process, I heard about Avanade’s commitment to inclusion and diversity and how they supported women. With so many organizations boasting about their commitment to developing women, I was optimistic but also taking an “I’ll see it when I believe it” approach.

Once I got here, I realized that Avanade carries through on its commitment to helping women achieve their career aspirations. I joined an internal program for women that met in Rome, and our CEO Pam Maynard showed up. I was curious to hear if acting like my male peers was needed to succeed and grow. And the clear answer was “no.” You get to be yourself. I also heard about colleagues being promoted while pregnant or on maternity leave and I realized this isn’t like any other place I’ve ever been. It doesn’t take long before you start believing and then become an active participant in the network of accomplished women at Avanade.

Being seen and accepted for my ideas has enabled me to fight harder to ensure we include a diversity of data and perspectives in our solutions. The current capabilities of AI — especially with generative AI — are bringing big changes to so many aspects of our lives. And while AI isn’t inherently biased, the people guiding those technologies will inherently bring their own biases and life experiences as they develop new AI-driven solutions. That’s why we need different points of view in the conversation: to help make sure everything AI touches, from disease treatments to new ways of working, is inclusive and works for everyone.

In my role as the Center for AI Sales and Go –to-Market Lead, I can now create space for others around the tech table by educating and empowering individuals, companies and communities to understand and use AI ethically and responsibly; by nurturing and inspiring the next generation of AI developers, leaders and creators; and by supporting the personal and professional growth of my peers at Avanade.

I am proud to be part of Avanade because we work hard to ensure that women, diversity of ages and backgrounds and everyone outside the traditional technology profile have a seat at the table, and that once we’re there, we’re seen as equals. That accelerates our ability to innovate and do what matters.