Meet Carmen. She has been working for Ingram Micro, Netherlands, for over eleven years. She is our Customer Success Account Manager and works from our office in Utrecht.

Who is Carmen? 
A successful mother of a beautiful 4-year-old daughter and happily married to the love of her life, Stef. She originated from the Dominican Republic, grew up in Aruba and studied International Business and Languages in the Netherlands.

How did your journey in the IT industry start?
After graduating, a friend started working for an IT supplier and asked me if I was interested in working there as well. I immediately said: let's try it. IT is the future and always evolving. I am also always up for a challenge and eager to learn new things. Things moved pretty quickly from that point on, and a year and a half later I got the chance to join Ingram Micro as a Microsoft Distributor Sales Representative. Over the years, I developed myself into a Customer Success Account Manager thanks to my progress in my soft skills, obtained IT certificates and pro-activity. 

Working for an IT distributor suits me best because it is a dynamic environment due to the different stakeholders you work with or for. It is a sector that is always evolving and where I am triggered and challenged in different ways.

How do you feel being a woman and working at Ingram Micro?
I don't feel any different from male colleagues. I have always experienced that I am seen, accepted, and respected as the person I am, both internally and externally. Ingram Micro embraces everyone, no matter what you look like, where you come from, IT or not. If you're curious, wanting to get ahead and have potential, you'll go far no matter what or who you are. Gender does not define you. Ingram Micro sees the potential and looks at the learnability.

How important is International Women's Day for you and why?
It is an important day. Even though I have never felt disadvantaged, this does not mean that there aren’t fewer opportunities for women as a whole. This day is a perfect moment to celebrate the achievements achieved so far, reflect on what still has to be done and fought for with all men and women.

What tip and/or suggestion would you give to another woman who is thinking of joining the IT industry?

Dream big, believe, and invest in yourself! Don’t underestimate your potential talent and strength. Anything is possible!