Women in Tech: Passion and Innovation at CDW
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the passion, dedication and innovation of women in tech. At CDW, we are committed to fostering an environment where every coworker can thrive—leading by example, embracing continuous learning, and supporting one another. We asked a few coworkers across the globe to share the qualities they aim to demonstrate and advice for those just entering the tech field.
Halima Haniff | CDW Canada
Manager, Cisco CX & Renewals
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
Surely, it all starts with Integrity. Integrity is the foundation for all that is good – honesty, compassion, accountability, empathy, charity and so much more. So, to the women in my life, I lead by example, making sure my Integrity is above all else, regardless of the outcomes.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
Learn, learn, learn and be able to pivot. Technology changes so often, so it's pivotal that you are receptive to change. Make sure your voice is heard.
Mthokozisi Mazibuko | CDW South Africa
Service Desk Team Leader
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
In the IT industry, I feel that women need to prove themselves x10 more, I aim to demonstrate strength, change and passion of being one of the black leaders in the IT space.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
The first thing I would advise is to study ITIL and know the pillars and processes to find that team which you are passionate about in order to obtain the more technical skill for that team. Find the passion before obtaining the skill in order for the learning phase to be of significance to you. This will make waking up to be worth it.
Lindsay Richards | CDW
Senior Manager, Strategy
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
I strive to be genuine and gracious, always extending grace to those around me. I aim to prioritize patience and understanding, seeking to truly listen and comprehend. My mission is to make a meaningful impact by enabling, empowering, and supporting others in their passions and goals.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
My advice would be the same no matter what field you’re entering. First, don’t be afraid to ask questions; seeking to be a life-long learner is crucial. The only constant is change, and staying curious will help you stay relevant and keep up with innovation. Second, be comfortable being uncomfortable. Embracing the new or unknown has always borne fruit tenfold. Lastly, trust the process. Progress may not always be linear or easy, but perseverance and faith in your journey will lead to success.
Anjani Guddakar | CDW India
Technical Lead Virtualization, Managed Services
What is something that you are currently passionate about or working towards in your role?
In my role as a Virtualization Engineer, I am passionate about how technology continuously evolves and drives efficiency and innovation in organizations. What motivates me is the opportunity to collaborate with my team to tackle complex challenges and think creatively. I love exploring new technologies, and I make it a point to start and end my day on a positive note—whether it’s celebrating a small win or overcoming a challenging project. I maintain a growth mindset and am committed to continuous learning, which keeps me driven to contribute to the team’s success and take on whatever challenge comes my way.
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
I strive to demonstrate resilience, empathy, and confidence to the women in my life. I want them to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to and any vulnerability is a strength. I aim to be a role model for balancing work, managing family responsibilities, personal life, and passions—just as I do in my daily life. I believe that success is not about sacrificing personal fulfillment, but about finding harmony. Most importantly, I want to stay grounded while being ambitious and encourage them to always support one another.
Sara I. Segura | CDW
WDC Inventory Control Supervisor
What is something that you are currently passionate about or working towards in your role?
I am passionate about providing exceptional service to our valued customers, ensuring that their needs are met with excellence and care. This commitment also extends to our shareholders as I strive to drive long-term value and growth for the company.
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
Being professional in every task I undertake ensures I maintain high standards and deliver consistent results. With passion and responsibility, I stay focused on achieving my goals while upholding integrity and dedication throughout the process.
India MacBurnie | CDW UK
Account Director
What is something that you are currently passionate about or working towards in your role?
My current role has a significant new business focus and what I love the most about it is the challenge, it gives me the opportunity to test myself, learn new skills and build an amazing team to work with. Quite often in new business, you have to make change happen, for our customers but also for CDW, it gives us a real chance to look at our strengths and what we could be doing differently.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
Don’t be scared, it’s not as scary as it looks. You don’t need to be technical, there are so many different roles, you’ll absolutely be able to find that one that suits you, fits your strengths and has room for growth.
Adam Diallo | CDW Canada
Sr. Manager, Customer Success
What’s one tech-related skill or field you’d love to learn more about, and why?
I’m keen to dive deeper into AI, particularly its impact on customer success. AI has the potential to revolutionize how we work, predict customer needs, personalize experiences, and scale engagement, making interactions more efficient and meaningful. Understanding these capabilities will help me drive smarter, data-driven strategies that enhance customer relationships.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
Stay curious, build your network, and embrace change. The tech field evolves quickly, and the most successful individuals are those who continuously learn, adapt, and collaborate. So, seek out new knowledge and ask questions regularly. Don’t shy away from opportunities that challenge you and most importantly, bring your unique perspective to the table.
Learn more about careers at CDW.
–CDW Team
This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the passion, dedication and innovation of women in tech. At CDW, we are committed to fostering an environment where every coworker can thrive—leading by example, embracing continuous learning, and supporting one another. We asked a few coworkers across the globe to share the qualities they aim to demonstrate and advice for those just entering the tech field.
Halima Haniff | CDW Canada
Manager, Cisco CX & Renewals
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
Surely, it all starts with Integrity. Integrity is the foundation for all that is good – honesty, compassion, accountability, empathy, charity and so much more. So, to the women in my life, I lead by example, making sure my Integrity is above all else, regardless of the outcomes.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
Learn, learn, learn and be able to pivot. Technology changes so often, so it's pivotal that you are receptive to change. Make sure your voice is heard.
Mthokozisi Mazibuko | CDW South Africa
Service Desk Team Leader
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
In the IT industry, I feel that women need to prove themselves x10 more, I aim to demonstrate strength, change and passion of being one of the black leaders in the IT space.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
The first thing I would advise is to study ITIL and know the pillars and processes to find that team which you are passionate about in order to obtain the more technical skill for that team. Find the passion before obtaining the skill in order for the learning phase to be of significance to you. This will make waking up to be worth it.
Lindsay Richards | CDW
Senior Manager, Strategy
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
I strive to be genuine and gracious, always extending grace to those around me. I aim to prioritize patience and understanding, seeking to truly listen and comprehend. My mission is to make a meaningful impact by enabling, empowering, and supporting others in their passions and goals.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
My advice would be the same no matter what field you’re entering. First, don’t be afraid to ask questions; seeking to be a life-long learner is crucial. The only constant is change, and staying curious will help you stay relevant and keep up with innovation. Second, be comfortable being uncomfortable. Embracing the new or unknown has always borne fruit tenfold. Lastly, trust the process. Progress may not always be linear or easy, but perseverance and faith in your journey will lead to success.
Anjani Guddakar | CDW India
Technical Lead Virtualization, Managed Services
What is something that you are currently passionate about or working towards in your role?
In my role as a Virtualization Engineer, I am passionate about how technology continuously evolves and drives efficiency and innovation in organizations. What motivates me is the opportunity to collaborate with my team to tackle complex challenges and think creatively. I love exploring new technologies, and I make it a point to start and end my day on a positive note—whether it’s celebrating a small win or overcoming a challenging project. I maintain a growth mindset and am committed to continuous learning, which keeps me driven to contribute to the team’s success and take on whatever challenge comes my way.
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
I strive to demonstrate resilience, empathy, and confidence to the women in my life. I want them to know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to and any vulnerability is a strength. I aim to be a role model for balancing work, managing family responsibilities, personal life, and passions—just as I do in my daily life. I believe that success is not about sacrificing personal fulfillment, but about finding harmony. Most importantly, I want to stay grounded while being ambitious and encourage them to always support one another.
Sara I. Segura | CDW
WDC Inventory Control Supervisor
What is something that you are currently passionate about or working towards in your role?
I am passionate about providing exceptional service to our valued customers, ensuring that their needs are met with excellence and care. This commitment also extends to our shareholders as I strive to drive long-term value and growth for the company.
What qualities do you aim to demonstrate for the women in your life?
Being professional in every task I undertake ensures I maintain high standards and deliver consistent results. With passion and responsibility, I stay focused on achieving my goals while upholding integrity and dedication throughout the process.
India MacBurnie | CDW UK
Account Director
What is something that you are currently passionate about or working towards in your role?
My current role has a significant new business focus and what I love the most about it is the challenge, it gives me the opportunity to test myself, learn new skills and build an amazing team to work with. Quite often in new business, you have to make change happen, for our customers but also for CDW, it gives us a real chance to look at our strengths and what we could be doing differently.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
Don’t be scared, it’s not as scary as it looks. You don’t need to be technical, there are so many different roles, you’ll absolutely be able to find that one that suits you, fits your strengths and has room for growth.
Adam Diallo | CDW Canada
Sr. Manager, Customer Success
What’s one tech-related skill or field you’d love to learn more about, and why?
I’m keen to dive deeper into AI, particularly its impact on customer success. AI has the potential to revolutionize how we work, predict customer needs, personalize experiences, and scale engagement, making interactions more efficient and meaningful. Understanding these capabilities will help me drive smarter, data-driven strategies that enhance customer relationships.
What advice would you give someone just entering the tech field today?
Stay curious, build your network, and embrace change. The tech field evolves quickly, and the most successful individuals are those who continuously learn, adapt, and collaborate. So, seek out new knowledge and ask questions regularly. Don’t shy away from opportunities that challenge you and most importantly, bring your unique perspective to the table.
Learn more about careers at CDW.
–CDW Team
