Each year, the month of March is dedicated to honoring the countless contributions that women have made to history and to contemporary society. As I reflect on the trailblazers that led the way for change, I think about the women I’m surrounded by here at Groq. These are the next generation trailblazers.
At Groq, we deliver breakthrough technology that brings lasting change to compute. We reimagined the processor by utilizing a single core architecture, solving the complex workload demands of artificial intelligence, machine learning and high-performance computing.
But what we’re most proud of—by far—is our team. This month we’re celebrating the talented women of Groq, from business leaders to veterans and from Ph.D. graduates to engineering managers. These women bring a diverse mix of rich industry expertise, fresh perspective and a growth mindset.
I wanted to learn more about the women who inspired them. Those that paved the way for change and challenged the status quo. It was fascinating to hear about the broad spectrum of inspirational women that influence each of them. Here were varying generations of women in politics, technology, business, society, and our homes. Women lifting up women, from different backgrounds and experiences.
It’s extremely motivating to work with these Groq women. Even if it’s virtually. In fact, I haven’t actually met any of them in person. So it seems appropriate to honor the Groq women powering through what has been a very tough year. There have been significant challenges amid the global pandemic, juggling working from home, with relationships and children’s schoolwork. Amidst these challenges, there have also been admirable successes for women in business, science and technology, at the national level and in society. We saw more Fortune 500 companies increase the number of women in the boardroom and women scientists at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19. We also witnessed the first female, Black and Asian American elected to vice president of the United States, and the GOP made history with a record number of female lawmakers being elected to Congress.
Over the past year, I’ve learned what I am capable of when put to the test: working from home while managing children (three), and taking a risk at a new job! My kids are now back at school, my home office is officially set up (goodbye temporary desk in my bedroom) and I’m looking forward to meeting my Groq colleagues in-person later this year! Yes, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
I salute all the women that came before me, who walk beside me, and who are setting the future ablaze with me. Here’s what I learned from the Groq women about their heroes:
Golda Meir (1898 – 1978): This politician helped found the State of Israel and later served as its fourth prime minister, the first woman to hold the post. If that weren’t enough, she has many brilliant, inspiring quotes: “I never did anything alone. Whatever was accomplished in this country was accomplished collectively.” (Sarit Schube :: Researcher, Groq)
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC): This Representative has empowered and enlightened younger generations of women, showing that positions of power within the government are accessible for all. (Emily Aliamus :: Executive Assistant to the CEO, COO and Chief of Staff, Groq)
Rosa Parks (1913-2005): She sparked a revolution through a simple, quiet, courageous act of defiance. In a world often dominated by extroverts, Parks blazed a trail showing us that a gentle, quiet woman can change the world. (Tobi Crabtee :: Director, People & Culture, Groq)
Angela Merkel: The German Chancellor’s stable leadership, considered decisions, and humanity in a time of political turmoil is truly inspiring. (Tanushree Vachharajani :: Senior Technical Writer, Groq)
Indra Nooyi: The former chairperson and CEO of PepsiCo speaks motivationally about setting sensible goals and balancing personal and professional life. This quote pretty much stands out: “Your heart has got to be in the job, you got to love what you do. It consumes you.” (Shilpa Prakash :: Senior Design Verification Engineer, Groq)
Dorothy Perpich: A medical technologist by trade and an inspiration throughout her life. Dorothy worked her way through college in the 1950s, while supporting her widowed mother and two younger sisters. She raised five children, all of whom became engineers. As health challenges arose (breast cancer) she fought and forged on. Now in her 80s, she takes care of the homeless, brings meals to the homebound, and supports families in need. A true example of how to live a successful and fulfilled life! (Kristina Kuula :: Physical Synthesis, Integration Engineer, Groq)
Madame Curie: The two-time Nobel prize winner showed how women can be outstanding at science— and critical thinking. (Cissy Yuan :: Director of ASIC Design, Groq)
Grandmothers, Mothers and Sisters:
My Grandmother lost her family during the Korean war, graduated in the first class of females in the nursing program at Seoul University, and moved her family to the US with no money. She taught me about grit, commitment, willpower, and the power of perseverance. My Mother moved to the U.S. as a 13-year-old, got a full scholarship to college, became a nurse, and eventually a stay-at-home mom to 3 blessed kids. She taught me about the importance of being grateful for the smallest things, finding positivity in every situation, the light & hope in every person, and the power of unconditional love. These two women will forever be my role models, mentors, and inspiration in how I live my life, and I am so thankful to have built my life upon their shoulders. (Estelle Hong :: Chief of Staff to CEO, Groq)
My mother was a technician for a local power company and saved for an engineering degree (where she was the only female in her class). She has always been my rock and my inspiration to keep striving for greatness. (Victoria Godsoe :: Senior Customer Experience Specialist, Groq)
My mother and sister have always inspired me with the strength with which they navigate difficult situations. Their confidence and creative problem-solving have taught me how to stay true to my own ideas and trust my judgment. (Tanushree Vachharajani :: Senior Technical Writer, Groq)
My mother also works in technology. She loves to find new and better solutions to anything, including cooking. She made me feel that anything can be enjoyable, as long as you have fresh eyes with a growth mindset. (Cissy Yuan :: Director of ASIC Design, Groq)