"Is this industry safe for women?"
That was the question that stopped Usha Suryadevara in her tracks the first time she spoke to a group of high school girls about working in tech. She had expected questions about coding languages, internships, or career paths — but instead, one student cut straight to the heart of something much bigger.
That single moment stayed with her — and shaped how she thinks about her role in tech today.
From accidental engineer to VP
Usha didn’t grow up dreaming of being an engineer. Her “big decision” came down to dissecting frogs or learning computers. Easy choice. Computers don’t hop off the table.
That choice launched a career spanning more than 25 years, including 15 years in leadership roles. She’s built scalable systems, led infrastructure and product teams, and guided developers through the kind of technical complexity most people would run from.
Today, she’s the VP of Engineering at HealthEdge, an adjunct professor, and the cofounder of a nonprofit. And while the tech challenges excite her, what really drives her is people. She believes in leading with empathy, creating spaces where people feel seen and heard, and pairing technical excellence with human connection.
Early in her leadership journey, Usha made a conscious decision to invest in people just as much as she invests in architecture diagrams and scaling systems. That means coaching, feedback, and honest conversations — and yes, celebrating failures as much as wins. In her words, “Every misstep has taught me more than any easy success ever could.”
When opportunity knocks, she says yes — even when it’s scary. Taking the leap into healthcare tech, stepping into new domains, walking into rooms where she’s the only woman — for Usha, it’s never been about being “ready.” It’s about being willing.
Turning a question into a movement
That question at the CoderGirls camp — “Is tech safe for women?” — stayed with her long after the event ended. She even asked her daughter and niece, both close in age to the girls at the camp, if they had the same fears. They didn’t — because their view of women in tech included someone they knew: their mom, their aunt.
That’s when it clicked: representation matters more than most people realize.
Usha co-founded WATT (We Advance Tech Together), a nonprofit connecting women technologists at all career stages through mentorship, events, and storytelling. She also launched a shadowing program at the University of Florida, pairing women in tech with real-world mentors to help them see a future beyond the classroom and envision a career that might not feel possible otherwise.
“There are so many women out there with the talent and interest to thrive in tech, but they’re waiting to see someone they can relate to,” she says. “We can be that someone. And together, we can do so much more.”
What real support looks like
Yes, tech is still male-dominated. And yes, women still leave the industry — not because they can’t do the work, but because they don’t feel supported. Usha has seen it too many times: non-inclusive cultures, lack of role models, limited growth opportunities, and rigid work structures pushing talented women out.
The good news? Things are changing. More companies are embracing flexibility, inclusion, and leadership development. And change doesn’t have to come from the C-suite.
Usha believes anyone — regardless of title — can make an impact. Coach someone. Give credit where it’s due. Create inclusive meetings. Speak up for those not in the room. These moments create the kind of culture that makes people stay.
Advice for women in tech (and anyone who feels like they don’t belong)
For anyone who loves tech but sometimes wonders if they belong, Usha has a clear message: you absolutely do.
She acknowledges imposter syndrome is real, but sees it as a sign you care — and a push to grow. “Confidence isn’t about never doubting yourself,” she says. “It’s about showing up anyway.”
Her advice is simple, honest, and actionable:
- Own your wins. Your achievements are real — say them out loud.
- Take the leap. You don’t need a permission slip. Say yes and figure it out along the way.
- Speak up. Your voice matters more than you think.
- Be yourself. Authenticity is your edge — don’t sand it down.
- Find your people. Tech is tough. You’re not meant to do it alone.
As Usha puts it, “Women don’t just belong in tech — we’re here to build it, break the rules, and lead it forward.”
Leading with purpose
Usha’s career is built on code, systems, and architecture — but also on empathy, inclusion, and visibility. She’s not interested in climbing the ladder alone; she wants to bring others along with her.
At HealthEdge, she gets to do exactly that — building meaningful, scalable solutions and being part of a culture where people can grow, lead, and bring their full selves to work.
And for those looking for a place like that? HealthEdge is hiring. It’s a chance to work alongside leaders like Usha and help make tech a place where everyone belongs.
