In a tech industry that’s rapidly becoming more inclusive, empowering women with advanced technical skills and strong mentorship is essential to closing the gender gap in the tech landscape. With access to the right tools, women leaders can thrive individually and help shape a more dynamic and equitable digital future. This was one of the main highlights from the recently held Women Up Top Masterclass launched by GCash, the country’s leading finance app and the largest cashless ecosystem.
The full-day event brought together 30 participants who completed certifications in Agile 101 and AI/ML Workflow and AutoML. Both courses were led by women leaders within the GCash tech teams, reflecting the company’s dedication to internal mentorship and representation.
While significant strides have been made to help improve representation, women in tech still encounter structural challenges, including fewer opportunities for mentorship, limited access to advanced training, and underrepresentation in leadership. By equipping women with essential technical skills and leadership tools, the program underscored GCash’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and future-ready digital workforce.
“Technology doesn’t run on code alone, it runs on people. And that includes data professionals, agile thinkers, machine learning engineers, and especially, women who bring not just skills, but empathy, intuition, and insight into every solution they help build,” GCash Head of Data Governance Sara Venturina shared a reminder that the success of any tech innovation depends as much on people as it does on code.
The Agile 101 session introduced participants to the principles and frameworks of Agile methodology, a foundational capability in any modern tech environment. Meanwhile, the AI/ML Workflow and AutoML session provided hands-on exposure to the machine learning lifecycle, including practical experience with PyCaret, an open-source low-code machine learning library.
Beyond technical instruction, the masterclass also offered a sense of community to the participants. Throughout the day, attendees shared insights, exchanged ideas, and saw firsthand what it means to be supported by peers and mentors who understand the unique challenges women face in tech.
As Venturina said, “We know the tech world hasn’t always made it easy for women. But we also know this: when women are equipped with the right tools and the right community, we can excel and get far in this field.”
With initiatives designed to uplift women and nurture their careers, GCash reinforces its dedication to building a tech ecosystem that champions diversity, equity, and empowerment for the future.
