At Tala, we’re proud to say that 70% of our senior leadership team is women-led. In line with this year’s theme for International Women’s Day, we asked them how they accelerate action for women’s equality outside of the workplace.
From advocating for equitable funding and mentorship to reshaping leadership in tech, law, and finance, these leaders prove that change starts with bold steps forward.
Shivani Siroya, Founder & CEO
Grace Hopper once said, “The most dangerous phrase in the language is: ‘It’s always been done that way.’” To accelerate action, we cannot settle for systems that limit anyone’s potential. Instead, our work should, both professionally and personally, prove another way is possible.
It’s not about the barriers we may face, though we must also acknowledge them as women, but concentrate more on the problems we’re solving. By charging ahead after our goals and towards a better, more equitable future, we can rewrite the rules and open doors to opportunities that were once out of reach.
My journey has taught me that changing the status quo starts with action. Whether it’s helping other women access funding, advocating for policy change, or building systems that support women in leadership, every step counts. There is no progress without change!
Kelly Uphoff, CTO
I have been very lucky in my career to work for some very successful women leaders who were extraordinary not because of their gender, but because of their authenticity. In different ways, they showed me that you can be yourself AND succeed, even if “yourself” doesn’t fit the mold of what a traditional leader might have looked like. I also saw them struggle in different ways that seemed unfair and that still motivates me to make sure I’m now an authentic voice for the newest generation of women leaders coming up today.
Damier Xandrine, CLO
I am the granddaughter of Cecile Marie Broussard, a very “light-skinned” Black woman who lost her job once her employer learned that she was Black. Keep in mind––this happened in Los Angeles, California, not the Jim Crow south. The realities of how inequality can impact opportunity are literally part of my DNA, so advocating for fairness and access for underrepresented communities has always been important to me.
The legal profession is an area where women have been underrepresented, especially at the highest levels of leadership. One organization that prepares girls and women to excel in their legal career is Ms. JD. I support the organization’s programs and also serve as a mentor and coach for early-career lawyers. Investing in these young women and helping them advance, in a profession where they can be under-valued, is my way of accelerating their success and growth. And also—I get to honor my grandmother who made the same investment in me.
Lauren Pruneski, SVP of Global Brand & Communications
I make it a priority to mentor women who are earlier in their careers, especially those navigating work-life balance and the challenges of being a working parent with young kids. Early in my career, I benefited tremendously from the guidance and example of others, and I try to pay that forward. Many women are starting families at the same time they’re rising in their careers. While every path is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, I’ve found that simply seeing how others manage the journey, or having someone to talk to who understands the challenges, can be incredibly valuable.
Beyond mentorship, I’m passionate about advocating for greater paid family leave—not just for birth mothers, but for all parents and caregivers. Equally important, we need to encourage dads and non-birth parents to take their full leave, helping to normalize and equalize caregiving responsibilities.
Mumbi Annstella, General Manager of Tala Kenya
I am a big believer in the saying, “you can’t be what you haven’t seen”. In my personal life, I have been lucky to have had multiple women mentors who have supported me in my career, showed me what was possible, and pushed me into the right rooms and roles to enable my growth––from my first senior roles in growth and expansion to my current role at Tala today.
I have since modeled my career and personal initiatives on what I have seen and learned from these women in leadership. Following this same mantra, I am very intentional about spending personal time with groups such as Women Who Build Africa (WWBA) which allows for women at all career levels in tech to meet, discuss technologies, and share experiences to build confidence in a safe space. They also help women founders work on their pitches and build fundraising networks.
I believe that the learning journey never ends and it is on us to share our learnings as mentors with those behind us even as we advance and discover more mentees.
Zoe McKiness, SVP of Data & Platform
I was fortunate to have strong women mentors in the sciences starting in high school who always pushed me to achieve my full potential and dismiss self-doubt. Professionally, I have benefitted from amazing mentors who have helped me “get out of my own way” and not shy away from continuously pushing the boundaries for myself and the teams I have been lucky to be a part of.
This generosity and support inspired me to contribute and sponsor various women in science, tech, and data science organizations across my career. Equally, if not more rewarding, have been the individual coaching relationships I have had the privilege to experience over the years. I strongly believe these personal connections help both the mentor and mentee grow and develop.
