As conversations around diversity and responsible AI continue to grow within the technology industry, representation in engineering and leadership remains a critical issue. On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, Tech Achieve Media speaks with Sarah Philip, AI Adoption and GTM Practitioner at Altimetrik, about the structural gaps that still exist in the tech ecosystem. In this interview, she shares insights on the impact of underrepresentation in engineering teams, how historical data can influence AI bias, and why building inclusive environments requires listening to diverse voices across race, identity, and experience.
TAM: What part of the tech ecosystem still systematically underestimates women, and what’s the real cost of that blind spot?
Sarah Philip: I don’t know if female engineers are universally “underestimated”, but they are typically the minority of engineering teams. Research shows women represent roughly 15–16% of engineers in the U.S. Homogeneous teams are more likely to miss edge cases, overlook user segments, and reinforce narrow assumptions. The structural gap is impactful.
TAM: If women truly dominated tech leadership, what would change first: products, workplace culture, or business models and why?
Sarah Philip: Depends on the women. I’ve had the privilege of working with outstanding female professionals in every pocket of the industry from GenAI engineers and UX designers to HR and senior leadership. Thinking about these women, I’m certain their influence on all of these areas as leaders would be meaningful and transformative.
TAM: Is AI amplifying existing gender bias or quietly correcting it? What have you seen on the ground?
Sarah Philip: AI has been trained on historical data, which is, of course, full of bias and inequality. That said, we can still use AI to our advantage. I know I have used AI to help shift the tone of an email to something more direct (usually when I’m making a request of some kind), identify qualifiers in my language, and so on.
TAM: What’s the most uncomfortable truth about diversity in tech that no one wants to talk about?
Sarah Philip: Women of color remain significantly underrepresented in leadership roles. Simply increasing the number of women isn’t enough. Diversity means representation of women across race, gender identity, neurodiversity, and caregiving status, and making sure we’ve asked these women what a supportive, inclusive environment and equitable treatment actually means to them.
TAM: What should young women unlearn before entering the tech workforce in 2026?
Sarah Philip: I don’t know that there’s any universal thing to be unlearned. I would encourage young women to come as you are. Surround yourself with people you really trust and who trust you. It’s great when those people are other women, but sometimes they won’t be. A lot of the people in my life who have advocated for and supported me have been men, and that’s great too. Whomever is authentically cheering you on, inviting you into the rooms and the conversations, making sure you are credited for your work and your thoughts – really lean on these people and let them lean on you too.
