Women’s Day 2024: Micron’s Suchitra Velma talks Women in Tech in India

Growing up in a small village with more dreams than opportunities, Suchitra Velma’s path to becoming the Senior Manager of the Quality Assurance Center of Excellence Organization at Micron Technology was anything but a cakewalk. “I couldn’t envision ambitious dreams,” Velma shares, reflecting on her early years. However, a rejected marriage proposal would pivot her life towards an unexpected trajectory, leading to education beyond high school and, eventually, into the heart of the IT industry.

In an industry often critiqued for its lack of diversity and inclusiveness, Velma’s rise is a beacon for change. At Micron Technology, she has not just spearheaded quality assurance but has also become a key player in promoting diversity and inclusion within her team. “Diverse voices create a powerful synergy that drives success,” Velma asserts, underlining the importance of collective variety in fostering innovation. On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2024, we share Velma’s story as a woman in tech through this interview. Edited excerpts follow:

Q) What inspired you to pursue a career in the IT industry, and what were the biggest challenges you faced on this journey? 

Growing up with limited exposure to the broader world, I could not envision ambitious dreams. A rejected marriage proposal compelled me to extend my education beyond high school. Despite the uncertainty of each passing year, I remained committed every year until my last exam. Divine blessings often arrived unexpectedly—like guidance from a store owner’s daughter during a shopping trip to town or insights from friends, etc. For sure there was a lot of uncertainty, pretty much navigating the unknown with self-doubt. in addition to social expectations, cultural differences, etc. Seeking guidance persistently, I gave my utmost at every juncture, which illuminated the path for my next steps. Both commitment and guidance were pivotal in shaping my career journey.  

Q) How do you ensure that your leadership also fosters diversity and inclusion within your team, and what strategies have you found most effective in promoting women in technology? 

I believe that diverse voices, when heard collectively, create a powerful synergy that drives success. A diverse and inclusive environment fosters a great culture, brings in fresh ideas and perspectives. Micron’s commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for women to rise to leadership roles is crucial. By highlighting successful women in these positions, we inspire others and break down gender stereotypes. 

Also read: Women’s Day 2024: Cadence’s Kripa Venkatachalam on Women in Tech

Providing networking opportunities through employee resource groups encourages professional growth beyond daily responsibilities. Addressing unconscious biases in the recruitment process is essential. Encouraging women who have taken career breaks and harnessing their passion and commitment to work, has yielded positive results. 

Q) Can you share your vision for how quality assurance can evolve to meet the challenges of emerging technologies, and how do you keep your team aligned with this vision? 

In the ever-evolving landscape of emerging technologies, the role of Quality Assurance (QA) is increasingly critical. The Vision for QA’s evolution is dynamic and will continue to evolve. As QA professionals, we must stay informed, collaborate, and foster a quality-centric mindset. By broadening the scope of QA across all phases and seamlessly integrating it with design, coding and deployment, we ensure that quality is woven into every stage. This prevents bottlenecks and accelerates code releases. 

Embracing automation and aligning with DevOps development cycles, including continuous integration testing, ensures seamless delivery. Utilising cutting-edge technologies such as Gen AI revolutionises QA by ensuring comprehensive test coverage, accommodating evolving requirements, pinpointing failure trends, enhancing coverage adaptively, and facilitating scriptless test automation. 

Q) You are a mother to twin daughters who are pursuing professional cricket, a field equally demanding and competitive as technology. How do you balance your personal commitments with your professional responsibilities, and what message does this send to other women striving to balance similar roles? 

Work-life balance is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It should be tailored to fit our own needs and circumstances. A few strategies like identifying our own priorities, sharing responsibilities, setting boundaries, and practising self-care is the key to our own specific needs. It is important to have clarity on values and our objectives and here prioritisation is essential. 

Concentrate on what is truly significant at work and home to strike the right equilibrium. My advice to women juggling multiple roles is to emphasise that they are not alone, and they can reach out to fellow women as well as mentors. By establishing open communication, they can find a personal rhythm.  

Q) You have been described as a go-to person for career guidance and support in your family and village, particularly for women. How do you extend this support to women in the tech industry? 

Micron India has launched programs specifically designed to hire women who have been on a career break. These programs provide opportunities for women to re-enter the workforce, gain relevant skills, and contribute to their full potential. My team played a major role in hiring these team members. Micron continuously offers learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and skill development workshops which helps women stay updated with industry trends and enhances their confidence when returning to work. 

These initiatives not only benefit individual women but also contribute to building a diverse team and improving overall business performance. Micron creates platforms for senior women leaders to engage in conversations with the executive leadership team, ultimately fostering opportunities for women to progress. 

Q) What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter and succeed in the technology field, especially in specialised areas like quality assurance in memory and storage solutions? 

I think they should begin by building a strong foundation. As the technology evolves rapidly, they need to stay committed to lifelong learning, stay updated with industry trends and seek guidance from experienced individuals. Mentors can provide insights, career advice, and emotional support. Soft skills are crucial – Develop strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with effective communication skills. Their diverse perspectives and skills contribute significantly, and they should not hesitate to share their insights. They should aim high, stay curious, and keep pushing boundaries while remembering that they have the power to shape the future of technology.

Q) How do you see the role of women evolving in the field of high-end technology manufacturing in India, and what steps do you think are necessary to accelerate this progress? 

The role of women in high-end technology in India is evolving, and there’s still room for improvement. Each of us plays a pivotal role in creating an inclusive workplace. When we notice someone not being heard or not given a chance to speak, it is our responsibility to provide that opportunity. 

Additionally, the lack of visible role models can hinder progress. At Micron, we have developed an Employee Resource Group to foster strong internal communication and support. To create an inclusive workplace, we must challenge the stereotypes/assumptions, preconceived notions about abilities, interests, or behaviour based on gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics that can limit opportunities and hinder collaboration. 

Even well-intentioned individuals may unknowingly harbour biases based on gender, race, or other factors. These biases can affect decision-making, hiring, and interactions within the workplace. Creating an inclusive workplace requires ongoing effort, education/awareness, and a commitment to change.