Celebrating our Helcim Team for International Women’s Day!

At Helcim, we're celebrating the incredible contributions of women in tech and highlighting the amazing opportunities a tech career offers this International Women’s Day. This year, we asked six of our talented team members one simple, yet powerful question: "Why do you think a career in tech is awesome?" Their answers reveal the passion, innovation, and excitement that drive their work, and we're thrilled to share their insights with you.

Mariana - Fraud Specialist

I’m driven by natural curiosity, a desire to untangle big problems, and outsmarting bad actors. Knowing my work, and my vigilance, contributes directly to the success of Helcim and our merchants is invaluable.

As a woman in fraud, I bring a unique perspective. My intuition and empathy really help me connect with our merchants, understanding the human element behind every transaction, which is vital in building trust and finding that balance between efficiency and care.

Every day is a new challenge, a new opportunity to learn and grow. It drives me to give my best and contribute meaningfully,knowing I’m doing something good by keeping fraudsters at bay and safeguarding our merchants

Stephanie - Credit Risk Analyst

When you hear “tech careers,” you probably think of Software Developers, IT, or Programmers—but tech is so much more than that.

For me, fulfillment comes from knowing I’ve helped and made a positive impact on people. With a background in Finance, I always thought I’d be stuck at a bank forever—until I found Helcim.

Helcim opened my eyes to the vast opportunities in tech. Surrounded by brilliant women here, I now see that the possibilities for us are endless.

My role isn’t just about helping small businesses get access to affordable payments. It’s about connecting with the people behind those businesses. Every day, I meet passionate entrepreneurs, learn their stories, and find ways to support their growth. It’s rewarding to know that I’m not just helping a business process payments, but also making a real difference in someone’s livelihood.

Tech is constantly evolving, and so are the opportunities for women. Our skills, perspectives, and ambitions are shaping the future of this industry. There’s never been a better time to explore what’s out there, break barriers, and carve out our own paths.

Sharmeen - Product Design Manager

Alright, let’s talk about design and the evolving role of AI. The real transformation isn’t just about tools—it’s about a mindset. Rather than simply automating tasks, AI is empowering designers to think more strategically, focus on deeper problem-solving, and craft experiences that truly adapt to users’ needs.

Now, in FinTech, this shift is even more exciting. AI enables the creation of products that offer personalized, seamless experiences—making financial interactions feel more intuitive and user-friendly. We’re not just building features; we’re building relationships.

So, what makes a career in tech so rewarding? As designers, we are shaping the future of how people interact with technology. Our focus on user empathy and creative problem-solving makes every day exciting and meaningful.

Nishrin - Software Developer

Working as a Software Developer in tech is more than just about writing code – it’s about crafting solutions from the ground up. Alongside programming, my days at Helcim are a blend of collaborative discussions and impromptu brainstorming, dissecting complex problems and exploring a variety of solutions.

My current focus on greenfield projects allows me to truly conceptualize and create from a blank slate. Translating product designs and user stories into functional UIs is a creative exercise in itself. I’m always challenged on how to make things not just work, but work well and deliver an experience that delights.

Each project is an opportunity to problem solve, often explore ideas outside-the-box, and create something that delivers immediate positive impact on our users. I am able to learn and grow professionally with each project I take on, and this unique cycle of ideation, collaboration, problem-solving and creative thinking is what I find so rewarding in my work.

Jocelyn - Merchant Success Specialist

I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find out that the tech industry is way more collaborative and community oriented than I thought it would be! Often we think of tech as heads-down coding or solo projects, but instead it's actually an awesome team effort.

Every day I get to work with many different teams and disciplines - product, development, support - where we collaborate on a ton of exciting projects and products. We invite each other to have a seat at the table (metaphorically and literally at the lunch table), and I think that this has a positive impact and ripple effect on the community and industry as a whole. During a time when it seems like some tech giants are moving away from diversity, equity, and inclusion, I feel like seeing and being part of the diverse, collaborative and inclusive community here at Helcim is especially fulfilling and important.

There is a whole community out there too! Our local tech scene is buzzing and this is a great way to get connected. I've had the opportunity to attend local tech community and networking events including events specifically for women in tech. These events are super welcoming and it’s been very uplifting to connect with others in the tech industry, and who share similar experiences and challenges. I think our local tech community is currently at a great point to continue to build a bigger tech community with even more opportunities to collaborate - I'm looking forward to seeing the progress we continue to make as a community and as an industry to create truly collaborative and inclusive spaces for everyone!

Shaelynn - Product Manager

If you’re thinking about a career in tech, here's my take: Find companies whose business practices (what they do, not what they say) align with your values.

A career in tech offers incredible opportunities for growth, innovation, and the chance to work on challenging problems. But for me, it was most important to find a company whose mission I truly believed in. Tech can be a demanding field with jam-packed days and punching above your weight class, but being able to feel that you are contributing to a mission you believe in provides the passion and energy you need to grow and push yourself.

I entered tech because I saw a value alignment in Helcim - fresh from a Masters at University of Victoria, I was looking for a role with a business that was actively working to create change in industry. Now, as a Product Manager with Helcim, I have the opportunity daily to incorporate the needs of small to medium businesses (SMBs) in our solutions. Growing up in a small town, I learned firsthand that small businesses are what bring life and brilliance to our communities.

Further, I believe that change in our world is critical. And I believe that change will only happen if business gets on board and turns away from the old-school business idea of profits over everything and prioritizes people and the planet. During a time where little seems certain, working hard every day to build something you believe in is grounding.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, it's more important than ever to recognize the vital role women play in shaping the future of tech, and our world. Our unique perspectives and experiences are critical for building inclusive and innovative solutions.

These diverse perspectives highlight the many reasons why careers in tech are truly awesome. From the constant opportunities for learning and growth to the chance to make a real impact on the world, our team's experiences demonstrate the excitement and potential that this industry offers.

If you're interested in learning more about careers in tech, we encourage you to check out our careers page. We're always looking for talented and passionate individuals to join our team!

And to all the women out there considering a career in tech: Go for it! It's an awesome journey filled with innovation, challenges, and endless possibilities.