At Acumatica, we’re passionate about creating an equitable and inclusive Community of diverse voices—something we know strengthens our ability to provide our customers with a comprehensive, award-winning, and success-securing cloud ERP solution. Our commitment to this environment powers every process we implement and every decision we make.

And that includes who we hire.

“We’re making strides towards a more equitable team,” says Marcia-Lucia Groulx, Acumatica’s Chief People Officer, “with women now representing over 35% of our workforce and over 30% of our management.”

As we continually work to improve our technology, we rely on the expertise of the women of Acumatica—like Varthini Bhaskaran, Vidhyalakshmi Hariharasubramanian, and Ekaterina (Kate) Androsova. We had a chance to speak with these three inspirational team members about who they are, what they think about working in the technology industry, and what they have to say to young women contemplating a career in STEM.

We’re excited to share their stories and how they are impacting our Community.

Varthini Bhaskaran

Varthini is a graduate of Kumaraguru College of Technology, with a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science, and of Concordia University, with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). While attending college, she interned at Infosys before securing a role as Software Engineer at Verizon Data Services. She continued at Verizon as a Software Analyst after graduation and then enjoyed a brief internship at Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier before becoming Chief Technology Officer for Montreal-based blockchain startup Auxiun.

In May 2021, Varthini joined the Acumatica team as one of our Technical Account Managers—specialists who work directly with our partners and customers to make sure their implementations and ongoing use of Acumatica are successful. Four short years later, Varthini attained the title of Senior Technical Account Manager. Her rapid rise and success in the tech space has solidified her belief that choosing a career as a woman in STEM has been a positive, life-changing decision.

“The ability of STEM to improve lives is unmatched,” she says. “In today’s digital age, it impacts everything we do and is vital for survival. For women in particular, it offers a secure, welcoming environment full of opportunities, providing both a strong sense of purpose at present and the chance to influence our future.”

As Varthini pursues her career in tech, she finds it particularly rewarding to develop professionally while changing the lives of Acumatica customers and helping them succeed: “Helping small businesses adopt advanced technologies and supporting their growth—that kind of impact is truly rewarding. [My role at Acumatica] has been about tackling practical challenges and witnessing how our solutions positively affect customers daily. That ongoing impact motivates me to keep learning and advancing.”

But the fulfilling excitement of helping others is not the only thing that motivates Varthini. She says that technology and its constantly changing processes contribute to her continued love of the industry.

“The vast and ever-changing nature is what keeps me engaged. There’s always new knowledge to gain, which makes this field stand out. It’s also reassuring that STEM gives you the opportunity to learn and return after a career break, with plenty of fresh opportunities. Plus, being part of a growing industry adds to its stability.”

Clearly, STEM for Varthini has been the perfect choice for her career, but does she think more young women should be making the same decision? In a word: Yes.

“Just go for it,” she says. “Welcome to this world; you are going to love it! If you need a path for long-term growth and security, STEM is the way to go.”

Vidhyalakshmi Hariharasubramanian

Like Varthini, Vidhyalakshmi, one Acumatica’s Lead Technical Account Managers, is excited to be in an industry that challenges her to continually learn new things. She says that technology is evolving every day, and she is “amazed to be part of a field where you are always on your toes.”

Vidhyalakshmi is a graduate of Velammal College of Engineering and Technology, with a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology. She began her tech career as a freelance website developer, Android application developer, and Android technical trainer before becoming an Assistant System Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services and a System Development Analyst at Verizon Data Services. She then served as a Delivery and Automation Application Developer for IBM before joining Acumatica.

Vidhyalakshmi’s love of learning is eclipsed only by her desire to solve problems for others. “I have always had the thirst to develop solutions for many problems, right from building piezoelectric shoes during my school science projects to building different application blocks for manufacturing companies’ ERP solutions. I have had immense pleasure when I solve a problem or when it is resolved. That happiness in people’s faces when they realize something can solve their issues? That motivates me.”

Vidhyalakshmi’s motivation has been seen and felt during her five-year tenure at Acumatica, where she has worked with ISV partners and customers to resolve critical issues. On top of her seven years of experience as a developer, helping ISVs with their solutions opened the door to a new career opportunity.

“I moved to an entirely different role, working very closely with customers and helping them resolve issues, and I was able to excel as well,” she says. “My change of career has made me more aligned towards solving issues for the customers, leading to a sense of accomplishment.”

Another accomplishment making Vidhyalakshmi proud? Being a member of the winning Hackathon team at Acumatica Summit. “I felt like I did something to prove that I can accomplish something. Women can be good at coding applications, not just at presentations.”

And her continued success in a male-dominated industry proves that being a woman in STEM is well worth it and encourages other women to not let fear hold them back.

“Don’t be afraid to venture into technology. As women in tech, we are not always taken seriously, and that is changing because now we are slowly seeing a large number of women in technology. We have a lot of good mentors ready to share their expertise and experience with them.”

Ekaterina (Kate) Androsova

For Kate, pursuing a career in STEM was a family affair. Kate’s parents graduated from a top technical university in Russia, Bauman Moscow State Technical University, with degrees in software engineering, and she followed suit.

“From a young age, I was surrounded by computers, books on computer science, algorithms, and programming languages. And since the age of 12, I was attending various computer science courses [at Bauman Moscow State Technical University], so there was no question on which path to choose when I finished high school.”

After she graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Engineering) in Software Development and a Master’s, also in Software Development, Kate’s journey led to a very fulfilling career in an industry that she says is always evolving. She was hired by one of the largest IT companies in Russia, Kaspersky Lab, as a Senior Technical Writer, and she has now worked at Acumatica for seven years, where she’s created training courses, participated in multiple Summits, and conducted training events for internal and external developers.

“It’s such a rewarding experience to teach people the technologies we create at Acumatica! Modern technologies offer endless possibilities to improve our lives and the environment around us, and I want to be a part of that process,” she says.

Kate’s tenure at Acumatica—first as Senior Technical Communicator, then Assistant Manager of SDK, and now Content Architect—has solidified her belief that the STEM field is continually developing, which is something that appealed to her from the beginning.

“At Acumatica, we are always encouraged to learn and grow, so I have learned quite a few things since joining Acumatica, particularly about specific technologies or the software development process itself,” she says. “And I keep learning all the time, which is one of the things that inspires me to continue working in STEM.”

As for women who are researching STEM opportunities, Kate has this to say: “Listen to your heart, follow your ambitions, and never stop studying!”

Women in STEM: Vital and Powerful

The journeys of Varthini, Vidhyalakshmi, and Kate show that women are a vital and powerful force in the tech industry. Unfortunately, the World Economic Forum reports that women only make up 28% of the global STEM workforce.

But it doesn’t have to stay that way.

Acumatica is actively hiring, encouraging, and supporting women within the tech landscape. This includes our:

• Women in Tech (WiT) Community, which provides women a forum to connect with, support, and mentor each other, as well as to learn about career opportunities.
• Women in Tech Luncheon and Networking Reception at every Acumatica Summit, which is an in-person, community-building opportunity.
• Partnerships with women athletes who compete—and win—at the highest levels, which also provides scholarship opportunities for young women in STEM.

As the beneficiaries of the talent, professionalism, and expertise provided by women in STEM, our goal is to continue growing their presence and impact within our Community.

Reach out to us today if you’d like to be a part of Acumatica’s future!