Photographer: Carly Wollaert ©
Make-up artist: Sharmila Vooren
TOMTOM
Technology plays an enormous role in our lives, as it continues to evolve and solve new problems every day. Yet women in tech are majorly underrepresented. At TomTom, we’re working hard to boost representation, equity and inclusion. But we know we can do more. Joining Equals for IWD is another step in the right direction. We’re thrilled to celebrate TomTom role models while inspiring girls and women everywhere to pursue world-changing careers in tech.
Alina Ushakova
Software Engineering Manager at TomTom
About:
“I am a Ukrainian that one day ten years ago decided that it would be cool to move to Western Europe, so I did. Without any preparation, job offer or further thinking. It was quite tough.
I hope I became a bit wiser since then, but I do not regret any spontaneous decisions I made in my life.
I started my career as C++/C# software developer, worked in various companies, latest one before TomTom was Guerrilla Games. Right now I am a manager software engineering. I have to make sure that my team knows what we are doing, why we do what we do, keep them productive, happy and ensure their future growth. Overall we are part of the delivery for TomTom Navigation SDKs – check it out if you are into apps building. ”
What or Who inspired you to pursue your chosen career?
“I think the biggest influencer in my early life was my grandma – she has a masters degree in radio physics, worked her whole life in the corresponding field. She always told me that I am great in mathematics, that I am smart and if I work hard I can achieve anything.
I chose to study applied mathematics that gradually shifted into computer science. I love puzzle solving. I enjoy creating a product that can be useful. Those two fit perfectly for me to choose for the software engineering field.”