It’s no secret that diversity in tech (or in any field, for that matter) is critical to innovation – and it’s something that Rue Gilt Groupe (RGG) is well known for in the online retail space. While it’s a fact that women make up almost half of all employed adults in the U.S., they only hold 25% of tech positions. At Rue Gilt Groupe, where the majority of associates are female, there is no shortage of opportunities for women in technology, from software engineering to mobile development and product design.
We chatted with a few of the women who are blazing the trail at RGG and got the inside scoop on their experience as leading ladies in tech.
Introduce yourself! What do you do, and how long have you been at Rue Gilt Groupe?
Brenda Bell: I’ve been at RGG for seven years. In my role as a Systems Architect on our Retail Systems Team, I’m involved in architecture and design decisions as well as implementation of business features.
Kayleigh Probasco: I’m a Lead Quality Assurance Engineer and Team Lead for a cross-functional group of engineers focused on improving our shopping experience on both Rue La La and Gilt across web and app. I joined when we were just Rue La La over six years ago.
Christina Mottolo: I’m the Director of Enterprise Solutions. I first came to Rue La La back in August of 2010 as a consultant. By the end of the year, I came on to work full time as a Program Manager. Rue was only 3 years old when I joined and still had a great start-up feel. You could really see the opportunity.
Can you describe a bit of your day-to-day life at RGG?
BB: With Retail Systems being responsible for many of the software components that drive our business, we’re always in the middle of a big project. I spend a lot of time making sure we have the big picture adequately covered, so every day is different. On any given day, I’m either in the code implementing a feature, working with developers on design, investigating new technologies, diagnosing and fixing issues, or reviewing our logging and monitoring systems to make sure we have adequate visibility into the health of the applications and services our business users rely on to do their jobs.
KP: Every day is an adventure; one that is unique from one day to the next! These days, you can find me engaged in many different conversations with different types of people – from guiding my direct reports one-on-one, to providing insight and guidance for test strategies and risk assessment, to running Scrum for my feature team, to working with Product Management on roadmapping and planning, to technical vetting with developers… the list goes on!
CM: It’s very hard to describe my day-to-day life, but that’s what I enjoy most. On any given day I’m working with our business teams, tech vendors, and/or others within tech to design future systems and processes. Other days, I’m digging into SQL code or working on data analysis to help refine processes for our back-end systems. I manage a distributed team of people located in Boston and Kentucky, so I also travel about once a month.
Tell us a little bit about your career path since you started.
BB: I started breaking into the tech community in the late 70s – a time when a tech career was an unlikely choice for a woman. While my choice did not come without a set of unique challenges, it also presented unique opportunities and I realized I might have to work a little harder. I read every book on every technology I could get my hands on. I attended every conference I could get into. I think the extra effort played a huge role in my ability to garner an overwhelming level of support from the best mentors I could have ever hoped for.
KP: When I joined Rue, I was looking to make a major career change in my life. I knew a friend working here and, via his suggestion, joined the QA Team as a temporary contractor during a massive re-platforming project. I had never done QA before, nor had I ever worked in e-commerce or technology. Within two months, I was hired full time, and I have grown my career exponentially since. I have never regretted my decision to take a chance on myself and my future, and it’s paid off!
CM: My first official role was as Program Manager overseeing the separation from our former parent company, GSI. After the separation transition, I became part of a newly formed area in tech, Enterprise Solutions, which is responsible for the warehouse and financial systems. The company has expanded a lot in my time, including acquiring our largest competitor, Gilt, and striking a partnership with Simon Properties to run their online presence, shoppremiumoutlets.com. I’ve also had the opportunity to play roles in both acquisitions.
What is your favorite aspect of working at RGG?
BB: I thrive on variety. There’s always a new technical challenge, and I like having opportunities to participate from different perspectives – both strategic and tactical. I get to work with people from different teams both inside and outside tech, and I have lots of opportunities to guide developers with less experience.
KP: I’m going to take a calculated risk and offer two answers. First – the people are incredible. It’s a genuine pleasure to come into work every day. Second – even after six years, the problem space is still interesting and challenging. Folks are empowered to pursue what inspires them, and the landscape to apply your level of interest and expertise is vast and continuously engaging.
CM: The growth in the company has brought a lot of change and opportunity. That is what I enjoy the most – there is always something new to figure out.
In your opinion, how does RGG support women in tech?
BB: At every level, from senior management down to individual contributors, I see equal opportunity. I see our leads strive to build and develop best-of-breed teams where gender really isn’t part of the equation, and I see RGG influencers actively involved in our culture to make sure it stays that way.
KP: RGG provides many opportunities for personal and professional growth as well as a support system to facilitate both.
CM: RGG has a lot of women in leadership positions throughout the company. For someone starting out, it’s a great environment to find a female role model or mentor to help you on your way.
What advice would you give to young women who dream of being leaders in the tech community?
BB: Come up with a basic plan and seek out at least one mentor to help you refine and achieve your goals. Try to choose someone who will not only help guide your technical development, but someone who can also expand your knowledge and open the door to a broader range of opportunities.
KP: Challenge assumptions and ask all the questions you need to feel confident and empowered. Be unapologetic in your desire to learn and gain understanding.
CM: If you are interested in being part of a fast-paced, constantly changing environment, then tech is for you. Nothing else moves at the speed of tech.
Interested in a career in tech at Rue Gilt Groupe? Check out all the open roles at careers.ruegiltgroupe.com/.
On April 16, Rue Gilt Groupe will be hosting BostInno's State of Innovation meetup, focusing on diversity and inclusion in the startup world. Click here for more info or to attend.
