In honor of Ada Lovelace Day, Rovio Tech Manager Ann-Sofie Hansson shares her experience as a woman in tech and her passion for advocating for diversity in the industry.
Ada Lovelace Day, celebrated annually on the second Tuesday of October, is more than just a date on the calendar. It’s a vibrant reminder of the incredible contributions women have made and continue to make in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Named after the visionary mathematician Ada Lovelace, considered the world’s first computer programmer, this day serves to inspire and encourage girls and women to pursue their passions in STEM.
Ada Lovelace, born in 1815, defied societal expectations by delving into the world of mathematics and logic. Her collaboration with Charles Babbage on the Analytical Engine, a theoretical mechanical general-purpose computer, led her to write what is now recognized as the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine. Ada’s groundbreaking work laid the foundation for modern computing, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of women in STEM.
Ada Lovelace Day is a global celebration of these achievements, aiming to increase the visibility of women in tech, create strong role models, and ultimately, close the gender gap in these fields. Over 170 years after Ada Lovelace’s passing, the gender gap in tech is still very much alive.
In honor of Ada Lovelace Day, Rovio Tech Manager Ann-Sofie Hansson shares her experience as a woman in tech and her passion for advocating for diversity in the industry. In the following interview, Ann-Sofie discusses her journey to Rovio, her role as a Tech Manager, her thoughts on the gender imbalance in tech, and the importance of representation. With over 13 years of experience in tech management roles, Ann-Sofie offers valuable insights and perspectives on creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women in tech. Read the full interview below!
Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to Rovio.
I joined Rovio Stockholm and the Angry Birds team just before this summer, bringing with me 13 years of experience in tech management roles. My entire career has been within international product development organizations of various sizes. Outside of work, I’m a mother and a passionate Liverpool football fan!
What does a typical day as a Tech Manager at Rovio entail?
My primary responsibility is leading the Angry Birds 2 Client Game Engineers, a talented team of 17, along with a few contractors. They’re embedded within cross-functional game pods throughout the studio. My role is to empower them and ensure their technical expertise has a significant impact on AB2’s critical missions. I work closely with our Tech Director, Luiz Tenório, to align our efforts with the overall tech vision and strategic goals for the game. We complement each other in our main focuses and biggest strengths. That’s a good thing!
How did you first become interested in computer science?
I’ve always been a curious person and have had the courage to say yes to opportunity. In my early twenties, my local municipality offered a computer and data course to get more people (of all genders) interested in computers/data. I jumped at the chance, my family supported me with a computer, and I went on to study computer science for three years. So, opportunity, encouragement and availability helps!
Tech fields are often perceived as male-dominated. Has this been your experience?
Yes, the tech craft and engineering is still predominantly male. However, in cross-functional organizations and teams, there are more women who are working with, or very closely with, technology and systems, even if they may not be in an”engineer” or “developer” role specifically. I think we should start to encourage more women’s curiosity and interest in tech & tech companies, in general. From there it can pollinate better.
Was there a specific moment when you first became aware of this gender imbalance?
I was the only woman in a tech company for 4 years in my first job. There were much fewer women in IT in general. I worked in Tech for 22 years before I had a woman as supervisor or higher-up. I guess that speaks of the historic lack of diversity in tech in the past 20+ years.
How has this impacted you personally?
Personally, I’ve always had the mindset of being unlimited by gender. It may sound a bit naive, but I anyway share my views and act based on my personality and my values – “Be the change you want to see”.
I have been very fortunate to have had very good men as my direct supervisors and closest colleagues. They have always included me “just as me”. They lifted me up, gave me opportunities and backed me up, when I was not in the room. I still have contact with many of them. I do understand that it is certainly not the experience that all women in tech have had over a period of about 25 years, but I also want to lift up the very supportive men that I have worked with, in Sweden and in several countries across the world. So that kind of experience also exists. It’s not all gloomy.
However, I do believe that I might face more gender related obstacles if I was pursuing high-level positions in some company cultures. However, so far Rovio has not felt like an obstacle course.
Is it important to you personally that women and girls have greater representation in tech?
Yes, I think when we have greater representation, we all build & deliver the best things, have the most fun, and learn the most from each other. And why shouldn’t women work in Tech? It’s a lot of fun and so much of the future’s opportunities will be here.
Do you do any advocacy for decreasing that gender gap, or for any other issue?
In a previous role, I was quite heavily involved in initiatives to support women in tech.This included representing my company in a prominent Swedish engineering talent program for women, participating in recruitment and mentoring, and promoting employer branding focused on opportunities for women. I also actively participated in our company’s Women Resource Group. Beyond formal programs, I believe in the power of everyday advocacy – being a role model, an ally, and continuously supporting and encouraging women in tech. They do the same for me. That’s also how we cope, I guess. Take support and pay it forward. If you’re not a woman or non-binary, then consider giving.
Thank you, Ann-Sofie, for sharing your insights and experiences!
Ada Lovelace Day is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women in tech and to inspire the next generation of female innovators . We hope you’ll join us in honoring Ada’s legacy and working towards a more inclusive future for tech. Every small step we take towards gender equality makes a big difference. So let’s keep pushing boundaries, breaking stereotypes, and empowering women. Together, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to shine.
