Many organizations talk about helping women “find their voice.” Most of the women we’ve encountered at Avanade have a clear voice and the knowledge to back up what they are saying. What we needed more of was the opportunity to use our voices. We are excited to give Avanade women across Europe that opportunity as we launch a connected Europe-focused group within the Avanade Women’s Employee Network (EN).

Avanade’s European chapter of the Women’s Employee Network is led by co-chairs Savitha Chennagiri (Switzerland) and Magdalene Amegashitsi (United Kingdom). Let’s get to know them and why they are passionate about creating an inclusive, diverse and open culture that attracts, develops and retains women.

How Magda and Savitha got involved with the Women’s EN

Savitha: I joined Avanade two years ago from Microsoft. At Avanade, I felt confident and welcome to use my voice from day one. Based on my past experiences of being either the first woman to join the team or the only woman on the team, I understand what it takes to sit at the table and be heard. I strive to share my learnings and experiences and help fellow women to achieve their goals. With that in mind, I looked and found the Women’s EN pretty quickly. I was so excited that there was a place for women to connect, share their experiences and support one another. When there was an open seat on the board, I put my name in without thinking twice. I got elected to a leadership position and I was the only representative from Europe on the board. After a couple of months of having meetings at 10 or 11 p.m. my local time to accommodate the global team, I asked if we could sometimes have the call earlier in the day. It was one of many examples of being welcome to use my voice to raise issues big or small.

Magda: I was recruited into Avanade with a background in data science and nonprofit work. When I saw the talent around me, I was humbled to be invited in. I was asked if I would lead the setup of the Women’s Employee Network for the United Kingdom and Ireland (UKI) and I said yes, not really fully aware of the enormity of the task at hand. I took on the challenge as founder and lead of the UKI Women’s Employee Network; I started by enlisting some colleagues to form the core team focusing on initiatives that could empower women within Avanade. Then Covid hit and we started looking for ways to give back to our communities. With the team, we set up the Coding for Kids Workshop to engage children of Avanade employees by giving them coding lessons virtually. Following that, we started engaging with The Girls Network Charity, an external organization supporting girls from less privileged backgrounds with mentorship and other initiatives. I had no idea that my past and present worlds would come together like this, but it’s amazing to see how excited people get about giving back.

The beginnings of the Women’s EN in Europe

With a strong presence in UKI, Switzerland and on the global board, we were asked to help create a network across Europe. We have tremendous diversity among the women we are drawing into this network—which is a huge plus and something we must consider as our membership spans 16 different countries, each with its own cultural nuances. And yet, we know what it takes to build momentum around activities that feel right for the women (and male allies!) in each country and across Europe as part of our larger network. Involving Inclusion & Diversity (I&D) and HR leads at the local level is key; we worked closely with them to find out what people are passionate about.

Magda: The work we’re doing in the UKI Women’s Employee Network is even being noticed by our clients. We’ve started organizing workshops with clients who also want to better attract and empower women in their organizations— they are looking to us for ideas! It’s exciting to know we’re making a difference in women’s lives within and outside Avanade and very excited to bring this value across Europe.

Savitha: Women in Europe still have room for more representation, especially in the tech industry. We are on a journey to amplify their voices and ensure that our ideas receive the attention they deserve. In addition to helping women tap into their confidence, we’re also focused on helping men understand their roles as allies. If a woman doesn’t speak up on a call, don’t assume she doesn’t have anything to contribute. Realize she may not be comfortable interrupting so she can’t find an opening in the conversation.

We welcome all Avanade women — and men — across Europe to be part of the conversation around how we make sure we’re all benefitting from the perspectives and ideas that women can contribute to our ability to do what matters. For us, doing what matters means making sure every voice is heard.

Over the next several months, we’ll be talking with some members of the Women’s Employee Network about someone who had a big influence on their lives and careers. Here’s what Savitha and Magda had to say:

Savitha: I am a walking example of how having men as allies can prove vital for achieving one’s ambitions in life. Early on my father recognized my drive and passion and consistently supported me in all avenues and encouraged me to take the bold step of moving to a foreign country. While pursuing my higher education, being the only woman student in my faculty at the technical university, my professors encouraged and supported me to achieve my goals. In my professional life, my managers and mentors (all men) have identified my talents early on and opened paths, directions, and doors that have led to immense learning and great results. On a personal level, my husband has stood by my side giving me the nudge to go the extra mile while taking on a fair share of family responsibilities. Three key learnings I have taken away from influencers in my life are: always show up and stand up to whatever life throws at you; have the end goal in mind, never deter; and take people with you, be a guiding force.

Magda: Two people who have made immense impacts on my career are my former career adviser, Julie Evans, whom I will look to as my mentor for life, and my current career adviser, Chris Willis, who is a true male ally that actively plays the role of executive male ally sponsor for the UKI Women’s Employee Network.

My experience having Julie Evans as my career adviser and now mentor has been invaluable. With her nurturing energy, she focuses on helping you find and build on your strength instead of belittling yourself due to your weaknesses. Being a strong critic of self, I have always been quite hard on myself for what I am less able to do instead of focusing on what I am good at and so having a mentor like Julie who is genuinely interested in my success is amazing.

To celebrate International Women’s Day this year, Chris shared a wonderful post on LinkedIn celebrating three formidable women in his life and I was immensely humbled to have my name mentioned. He exhibits in so many practical ways the true meaning of allyship. I still remember a global webinar I hosted under the flagship of the Women’s Employee Network Group in Avanade UKI in celebration of allyship: we talked about the practicality of male allyship, and Chris shared on this giving real-life examples that were not just inspiring but also very educative.

Drop a comment to tell us who has had a big influence on your life and career. And check back to hear from our colleagues.