What’s Empowering Women Professionals at These LA Companies — On Women’s Equality Day and Beyond

These Los Angeles companies take a substantive, multifaceted approach to championing women to achieve their professional and personal goals.

Written by Lucas Dean
Published on Aug. 23, 2023
Brand Studio Logo

Women’s Equality Day is just around the corner, providing an opportunity to celebrate advancements in equity, inclusion and representation while also reflecting on the progress that needs to be made. 

In STEM fields, women have made steady progress. Between 1970 and 2022, their involvement in the overall STEM workforce increased from 8 percent to 27 percent. Specific to large global technology firms, women accounted for roughly a third of the employees in 2022. 

 

Related Reading24 Women in Tech Statistics to Know in 2023

 

Facts and figures can illustrate women’s increased presence in tech spaces and positions of leadership, but what truly matters to women professionals lies beyond the initial hurdles and first impressions. 

A foot in the door is a start, but deeper investments in development and equity can drive career advancement and unearth promising possibilities. 

According to a 2023 Monster survey on the benefits women value most in the workplace, respondents ranked fair and equal wages as most important, followed by a clear vision for the future of their career, women mentors and leaders, and maternity leave and childcare benefits. 

At Anduril and Dubsado, women team members detailed how their companies champion women, demonstrate allyship and provide tangible benefits that enable further success. 

 

Image of Yeunha Kim
Yeunha Kim
Software Engineer • Dubsado

Small business owners use Dubsado’s online business-to-business platform to automate work and manage clients, documents, projects, payments and more all in one place. 

 

What does Dubsado do to support, champion and empower women in the workplace? 

As a woman software engineer, my experience at Dubsado has been amazing. Dubsado has shown a strong commitment to supporting and empowering women in the workplace, and the open and inclusive culture here creates a supportive environment.

I feel comfortable and encouraged to express my thoughts, concerns and ideas regarding how we can improve the work environment to be even more inclusive. The company leadership has been receptive and open to discussions, ensuring that my input is heard and taken into consideration.

 

How do your colleagues — and company leadership — show that they are allies to women in the workplace?

Under the leadership of Becca, our CEO and co-founder, Dubsado is a place where women can thrive and excel. It is incredibly empowering to work in an environment where more than 50 percent of our team leads are female. Dubsado provides a level playing field for everyone to succeed. Knowing that there are no limitations or barriers to my growth within the company allows me to fully focus on my professional development without the worry of my efforts going unrecognized.

Knowing that there are no limitations to my growth within the company allows me to fully focus on my professional development without the worry of my efforts going unrecognized.” 

 

Jake, our CTO and co-founder, ensures our workplace is inviting to everyone. His keen awareness and dedication to creating an inclusive environment set the tone for a culture that values and respects every individual. Jake helps to create a safe and supportive workplace where every individual feels valued.

 

To fellow women in your field interested in your company, what would you share with them?

Dubsado’s core values are: create customer obsession, play as a team, seek to understand, compound growth and be scrappy.

As shown in these values, Dubsado not only strives to deliver great software but also prioritizes the learning and growth of its people. In addition to providing child care and parental leave, Dubsado also excels in promoting work-life balance. The company values the feedback of its employees. Moreover, Dubsado recognizes the importance of rest and rejuvenation, offering winter breaks to further support the well-being of its workforce. Together, these elements contribute to a workplace where individuals can flourish both personally and professionally.

 

 

Image of Joshelyn Smith
Joshelyn Smith
People Program Manager • Anduril

Anduril is a defense technology company that leverages AI, autonomy and sensor fusion to solve national security challenges.

 

What does Anduril do to support, champion and empower women in the workplace? 

At Anduril, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in the workplace. We take pride in supporting our employees and their families by covering 100 percent of premiums for eligible employees and their spouses and dependents, ensuring their well-being is a top priority.

Our dedication extends to offering up to 16 weeks of caregiver and wellness leave, allowing our employees the flexibility they need during important life moments. Moreover, we understand the significance of professional development, which is why we provide a generous stipend of up to $1,500 per calendar year to invest in growth.

Our dedication extends to offering up to 16 weeks of caregiver and wellness leave, allowing our employees the flexibility they need during important life moments.” 

 

Our ERGs are a testament to our commitment to championing women’s success. Our ERGs for women, mothers and several other groups serve as vibrant communities that foster professional growth through networking, mentorship opportunities and engaging events.

 

Responses have been edited for length and clarity. Images provided by Shutterstock and listed companies.