Meet Delfina, she has been working one year at Ingram Micro Belgium.
She is our logistics employee and based in our Warehouse in Machelen.

Who is Delfina?

I am a proud working mom of three beautiful children, two girls aged 14 & 12 and a boy of 4 years old.

I am born and raised in Maputo, Mozambique and in 2000 I moved with my parents to Belgium. Here I studied medicine and nursery, but during that time I noticed I also loved and had a good grasp of multiple languages. Portuguese, French, English, Mozambique, and bit of Dutch are the ones I am currently experienced with and therefore Belgium was a great international country to live in and practice even more.

How did your journey start in the IT industry?

Over dinner with one of our friends, we talked about work and new opportunities. Before then I had only had administrative jobs, but I felt I needed a new challenge, although I wasn't sure exactly what. Over dinner, Ingram Micro came up.

I didn't have to think about it for long and decided to interview at Ingram Micro and during the interview it clicked tremendously. From day one I have always felt at home. All colleagues are willing to explain everything. As long as you are motivated and eager to learn, they are happy to share their knowledge with you and give you time and space to further understand everything.

I was immediately impressed to see how dynamic working in the IT industry is. Every day is different. Sometimes I have to prepare computers for shipment. That can vary from small to large orders. What I like most about the job is that I am responsible from A to Z, i.e., contacting (internal/external) customers, cooperating with transport partners and so on. It doesn't feel like I'm just a part of the process. I am in control of the entire process.

I enjoy doing my job every day because Ingram Micro gives me confidence. In addition, the work-life balance is incredibly good. I start early and finish early and am on time every day to pick up my kids from school. I appreciate that there is a lot of understanding from the employer regarding work-life balance.

How do you feel being a woman and working at Ingram Micro?

From the beginning, I felt accepted, respected, and embraced on the team. I never experienced being treated differently. I am not defined by my gender. Everyone's attitude, curiosity and skills are considered. I am lucky with my manager who is very approachable to the team and myself. It really feels like a family rather than just a team. treated differently due to the fact I’m a woman. I am not defined by my gender. Each person is looked at for their attitude, curiosity, and skills. I am lucky with my manager who is very accessible for the team and myself it really feels like a family instead of only a team. I think a lot of other people experience this the same way at Ingram.

How important is International Women's Day for you and why?

For me, it has always been an important day. It is a day when we are all reminded of what preceded this day and that we should be grateful. But also, a day to feel inspired and encouraged to do even more for the next day/year/generation etc., so that we can be the example. Watching my children grow up and giving them the right example is important. Passing on this message and working together to create a more inclusive community for all around the world is essential in my opinion. No one should be defined by gender.

We must stop thinking in stereotypes. We cannot generalize. We need to wake up, stop making assumptions and start being curious, engaging with each other and learning from each other.

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

Believe in yourself as an individual & a woman, at least try it and then decide!

If it is your dream, you must follow it. Sometimes things can surprise you and bring you even more possibilities than what you ever hoped or dreamed. Don't pay attention to what other people think or say, those are their insecurities. And when in doubt, find an ally, dare to ask for and accept help. It will help move you forward.