International Women’s Day is celebrated each year on March 8, but the issues of gender inequality and the need for social reform are issues that persist every day. In order to gain any forward momentum, everyone in the AV and tech industries—whether male, female, or non-binary—should encourage behavior that promotes equality in the workplace. 

Creating a welcoming environment in the industry starts with how we communicate to the young people in our lives. We set an example by how we talk about potential careers and sometimes traditional gender roles sneak into our rhetoric—despite countless women breaking stereotypes each day in AV, tech, and other “traditionally male” industries. 

So, how do we extend the conversation and ensure our thoughts and actions on these issues don’t end on March 9? I called for stories from women working in AV and tech to get a sense of what things encouraged them to get into the industry. Here are some things we can do every day, to set a positive example for young women who undoubtedly deserve both a seat at the table, and the space to grow, in AV and tech. 

“The first InfoComm I attended 10 years ago was a game-changer for me. I was fascinated by it all—the massive displays, the seamless integrations, the way technology could transform spaces and experiences. But what really stuck with me was seeing women on the show floor, leading conversations about AV. I remember thinking,‘I want to be that.’” 

- Gisela Ramirez, Sales Director, Exertis Almo

1. Help girls find the strong women—and make them commonplace.

When many women look back on their careers in tech, they comment on being the only woman in the room: in college classes, at work events, in the boardroom. But even though women only make up around 14% of the industry, the other women are there. One of the most important things we can do is show this to young people. Teach them about powerful, high-ranking women in the industry, and don’t treat them like an anomaly. Women can do these things, and they are doing them. If we shape the narrative as a very real accomplishment, rather than an impossible feat, we encourage more women to take the same path.

“I was lucky that I had an uncle who had the first personal computer in our town (Radio Shack TRS-80!) and he showed me amazing things, like using that box to write to people in other states and countries about whatever you wanted. That stupid TRS-80 blew my mind as a 5-year-old, and inspired an early interest in STEM — or ‘techy nerdy stuff,’ as STEM was known back then.”

- Dawn Meade, Senior AV Architect / Project Manager, Northrop Grumman

2. Assume our daughters are just as interested in tech as our sons.

The interests we carry through our lives are often shaped at a young age. Many parents, often due to traditional gender roles they were raised on, will choose tech-related activities for male children before they propose it to female children. The reality is, young girls won’t know if they have a passion for tech if we don’t give them the chance to develop it. Sign your daughters up for coding classes, show them how to program the remote, take them to spaces that encourage technical thinking. You’ll chip away at existing stereotypes, find your child’s real passions, and make the future of these fields more inclusive and diverse. It’s a win-win-win.

“Within my first year in AV, I found a mentor: Cory Schaeffer, a highly respected woman in the industry with an illustrious career. Our meeting felt like fate, and she became my guide.” 

- Brandy Alvarado-Miranda, CEO, BAM! Marketing & PR Agency for ProAV & Digital Signage

3. Women who have already forged successful careers: your mentorship is key.

If you’ve had a mentor at any point in your career, you know the significance of having someone to inspire and root for you. A mentor can be a game-changer for someone who may be unsure of their place in the industry, or whether they have what it takes to succeed. Studies show the sad truth that 80% of women struggle with low self-esteem and shy away from self-advocacy at work. When it’s difficult to advocate for yourself, a mentor can be the person you need to lift you up and give you real, tangible tips and advice to keep moving forward in your career. Many women at the top owe it to someone along the way who helped them get there—now it’s time to pay it forward. 

💡 If you’re interested in mentorship opportunities in AV, check out WAVIT’s Mentorship Program!

“As a coach and mentor of the younger generation today, everybody comes into the company and they want to figure out how to get the top job as fast as they can. My coaching is: that's dangerous …You have to have skill, something to anchor on, that you are an expert in.” - Melanie Kalmar, CIO and Chief Digital Officer, Dow

4. Encourage skill development rather than chasing a title. 

In her IWD 2025 Fireside Chat with Diversified’s CEO Eric Hutto, Melanie Kalmar explained her concept of “Go deep, go wide, go up.” When young women enter the industry, they should first focus on learning as much as they can, and getting a deep understanding of the specific topic they’re interested in. Then, they should “go wide,” and explore all the different verticals of the company, how it makes money, and the inner workings of the business of tech or AV. Only then can they really successfully “go up” and climb the ladder to the position they aspire to have. If you know young women who have their eyes set on “CEO,” you will serve them better by encouraging knowledge building, taking classes, and digging deep into the topics that drive them.

“I have a handful of mentors, both male and female, and the best part is having the support from both genders and knowing everyone’s on my side.”

-Brittney Antonelli, Design Engineer, AVI Systems and Co-Chair of AVIXA’s Women’s Council

“I spent the first 10 years of my career as the only woman in most rooms, but I stuck around because I loved it and had supportive male colleagues.”

- Hope Roth, Ecosystem Community Platform Manager, Q-Sys

5. Support should come from all genders. 

International Women’s Day puts a lot of focus on what women can do to encourage the next generation, but support should be coming from all genders. To truly promote equality in the industry, men should discuss gender inequality issues, and be a mentor for young women in tech just as much as strong women leaders should. If every father with an interest in tech shared that passion with their daughters, we would be one step closer to kicking the stereotypes that, unfortunately, many are still clinging to. The reality is, an inclusive industry serves people of all genders and makes the workplace more comfortable, innovative, and inspiring for all.

To continue the momentum of International Women’s Day, check out AVIXA’s Women’s Council for ongoing events dedicated to supporting and empowering women who work in the technology and AV industry.