Ayumi Moore Aoki: Bridging the Gap for Women in Tech
In an industry that still struggles with gender disparity, Ayumi Moore Aoki is a woman on a mission. Recently featured in the French newspaper Les Echos, Aoki, the founder of Women In Tech, is reshaping the technology landscape—one initiative at a time.
Her journey is anything but conventional. Born in Rio de Janeiro to an Anglo-Brazilian mother and a Japanese father, Aoki grew up straddling cultures and continents. From advocating for women’s rowing in South Africa to managing luxury hospitality in France, her path was winding but purposeful. Today, she leads one of the most prominent global movements pushing for greater representation of women in technology.
The Challenges Women Face in Tech
The numbers speak for themselves. A recent report highlighted by Les Echos reveals stark gender imbalances in the tech industry—fewer opportunities, pay gaps, and limited leadership roles. For Aoki, these statistics aren’t just data points; they’re a call to action.
“Women are rare in the tech industry,” she told Les Echos, “yet the situation is worsening.”
Determined to confront these challenges, Aoki launched Women In Tech in 2018. What began as an association has grown into an organization spanning 54 countries, with over 400 volunteers and a mission that blends advocacy with tangible action. In 2023, Women In Tech generated over €1 million in revenue through programs in events, training, and recruitment—a testament to Aoki’s vision and leadership.
Building a Movement
Women In Tech’s mission is not just about representation; it’s about empowerment. The organization tackles systemic barriers with initiatives like hackathons designed to engage young students, particularly girls, in coding and artificial intelligence.
Aoki’s work is deeply personal. As she recounted in her interview with Les Echos, when something bothers her, she acts. “I’m a doer,” she said, shrugging off her penchant for anglicisms.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Before stepping into the tech world, Aoki’s career was far from linear. Her early professional life included stints at luxury hotels like Hôtel de Crillon and Bristol, where she mastered the art of management and communication. Later, she ventured into digital entrepreneurship, creating web agencies and managing artists. These experiences, though varied, share a common thread: a relentless drive to innovate and adapt.
Now based in France, where she balances her roles as a mother of four and a tech entrepreneur, Aoki reflects on her journey with gratitude and determination. “When I fell in love with Brittany, I decided to build something that could impact the world while rooted in my values,” she shared.
Looking Ahead
Aoki’s ambitions extend far beyond recognition. Collaborations with tech giants, such as AWS, and global events like the Women In Tech Global Awards showcase her commitment to scaling her vision. For Aoki, success isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about creating pathways for others.
Her story, as told in Les Echos, is a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t come easily—but with leaders like Ayumi Moore Aoki at the helm, it’s within reach.
Women In Tech isn’t just a movement; it’s a promise to the next generation that their place in technology is not just possible—it’s essential.
Read full article: https://www.lesechos.fr/tech-medias/intelligence-artificielle/ayumi-moore-aoki-femme-de-tech-2122386