Celebrating Women in Tech: Progress, Challenges & Leadership
How Far We've Come
The tech industry has seen incredible progress in gender diversity over the years. Decades ago, women in technology were rare, often facing barriers to entry and advancement. However, thanks to ongoing efforts in education, mentorship, and workplace inclusivity, the landscape has changed significantly. Today, women are shaping innovation, leading companies, and breaking barriers in fields once dominated by men.
At NextGen Automation, we recognize the vital contributions of women in the industry and are proud to support and celebrate their achievements. While progress has been made, there’s still work to be done in ensuring equal opportunities, representation, and recognition for women in tech.
Leading the Way at NextGen Automation
This International Women’s Day, we want to shine a spotlight on one of our own leaders, Terri Lynn McDonald, our Director of Finance and Operations. As a key member of our leadership team, Terri Lynn plays a crucial role in driving financial success and supporting NextGen’s growth.
We asked her a few questions about her journey, experiences, and advice for women in tech:
Can you share a bit about your journey at NextGen Automation and how you got started?
"I started back in May 2000 with Digital Connection Inc. in the newly opened Lloydminster branch. The original branch was on Main Street in Cold Lake, and there were only nine of us—three in Lloyd and the rest in Cold Lake. I was fresh out of Reeves Business College, where I had just completed my Accounting Technician, Business Management, and Administrative Reception Diplomas, all three with Honors. In fact, I was the first Reeves student to ever achieve three course diplomas!
I had always loved accounting and numbers. In high school, I chose an accounting elective and earned a perfect 100% final mark. However, I didn’t realize I would pursue this field until two years after high school, after working in restaurants, bars, and even farming. I decided to further my education and choose a clear direction. After a year at Digital Connection, Troy asked me to move to Cold Lake, and I did. I worked there for 13 years, also handling bookkeeping for Troy’s other business. In 2013, I moved back to Lloydminster to be closer to family, and the rest is history!"
What advice would you give to young women who want to take on leadership roles?
"My advice for young women aspiring to leadership roles is to recognize the unique strengths and perspectives they bring to the table. Women often excel in areas such as empathy, connection-building, and inclusiveness, which are crucial for fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
One key piece of advice is to seek out mentorship and build a strong support network. Connecting with experienced leaders can provide valuable guidance, insight, and inspiration. Additionally, investing in leadership training and continuously developing skills in public speaking, negotiation, and decision-making can prepare you for the challenges of leadership.
Remember that every experience, whether successful or not, is a valuable learning opportunity. Lastly, always stay true to your values and lead with integrity. Your unique perspective and approach can drive positive change and innovation within your organization."
How do you balance your work responsibilities with your personal life?
"Haha, what is work-life balance? Just kidding! I am a single parent to two fantastic boys, Tyce (16) and Quin (13). Due to the nature of my job and long hours, they’ve become very resilient and independent. Quin actually cooks more meals than I do at this point—he's a fantastic chef and baker, and he hopes to pursue something culinary, even if just as a hobby. Tyce, on the other hand, is deeply involved in Cadets and has escalated in rank four times in less than two years. This summer, he’s leaving for an entire month of Cadet training!
On weekends off, we spend a lot of time together doing household chores and enjoying nature whenever possible. We love visiting my family cabin, an hour north of us, and try to spend as many weekends there in the summer as possible—out in the bush or on the lake with family."
What do you enjoy most about working in a tech-driven company?
"What I enjoy most about my time at NextGen is the continuous learning, growth, and process creation. I love that we are committed to evolving and growing as a company. Over the years, we’ve diversified the products we provide and expanded across Western Canada from our humble beginnings in Cold Lake and Lloydminster. Being part of a tech-driven company means always adapting and improving, which keeps things exciting and fulfilling!"
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s continue to champion and uplift the women who make a difference in tech and beyond. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply recognizing their achievements, we all play a role in fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry.
Thank You Terri Lynn for taking the time to answer those questions!
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