Rachel Baartz

I truly believe we are at a tipping point in history as far as gender equality is concerned. The conversations and movements that are happening around the world are a result of the collective voices of women who want not only to be heard for the strong individuals that they are, but importantly demand equality for those women who are not fortunate enough to speak up themselves. It’s this impact that speaks to me most clearly about the vision for Lucy and the positive effect it can have on women in the world.

My parents instilled a vision in me that with hard work and commitment, anything is possible. I’ve taken that ethos with me as I’ve worked across Australia, London, Philippines and now I’ve settled in Singapore. I have worked hard, but I also had a lucky start having been born in Australia, and I appreciate that not all women grow up with the same opportunities. This is also why Lucy is so important – to give opportunities to those who perhaps aren’t brought up to believe they can chase their dreams.

After studying marketing, I moved swiftly into the fast paced world of tech sales, where I’ve worked across some cutting edge technologies from social media start-ups to the contrasting corporate world, at one of the largest global tech companies. The constant for me has been attraction to exciting tech, as I’m fascinated by smart digital products and the cool ways they can be used by people and organisations. Currently I get to speak daily with the top banks in the Philippines about how they can better engage their customers, and bridge the gap between the traditional banking that is so popular today, and how they might inspire a more digital future to give all people access to banking.

While I do love my job, and the opportunities it has brought, it is also true that I feel very often that I am a woman in a man’s world. A lot of the traits that are celebrated in my industry are typically masculine, and it’s clear that even today women have to fight harder for a seat at the table (sadly, often the only female seat at that table).

For me, if I can be a part of a business that helps to elevate and inspire women to either start their own business, or leverage the network to help rise to the top of their current organisation – the world will be a more equal place. This is how we can truly have a positive impact on this momentous moment in history – by starting in our own backyard.

Lucy is at an intersection of tech and equality which are both very close to my heart – what a phenomenal opportunity to be a part of at such a crucial time in history.

Artist: Azul Alaska, from Colombia