photographer: carly wollaert © | make-up artist: sharmila vooren
karen chao(she/her)
software engineer at tomtom
about
beginning as a software engineer in taiwan, i embarked on my tech journey five years ago. with tomtom, i embraced the challenge of relocating to the netherlands during covid. the transition was challenging yet rewarding. currently, i contribute to the development of a navigation app’s search library, tapping into various projects along the way. outside work, you’ll find me practicing aerial hoop, or journeying through new landscapes while traveling or hiking.
what advice would you give to your younger self?
do not impose limits on yourself. i once feared heights and never imagined i could engage in aerial sports or relocate to another country amidst a pandemic. yet, i overcame these hurdles, proving that what seems impossible can indeed become possible. remember, you’ll never truly know what you’re capable of until you take the leap and try.
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.