Empowering women in tech: My Vanguard TLP journey

As women in tech, we possess the power to drive change and shape the future of innovation. I’m excited to share my journey to Vanguard and how the Technology Leadership Program (TLP) has helped me grow, overcome challenges, and connect with a community that supports and empowers women in tech every step of the way.

My journey to Vanguard began in 2020 as a co-op from Drexel University, where I joined the Personal Investor Technology (PITech) team. From day one, I experienced a culture centered on innovation, collaboration, and support—a place where my ideas mattered and where people cared about helping each other grow. That initial experience made a lasting impression on me, and I knew I wanted to return as a full-time crew member after graduation.

When I started my career search, I chose Vanguard’s Technology Leadership Program (TLP) because it offered a chance to explore different roles and develop as a leader in a supportive environment. Since joining TLP, I’ve had the opportunity to rotate across teams with distinct missions, each enriching my experience in unique ways. My first rotation was with the Market Data Team in PITech, where I contributed to a major modernization initiative to build cutting-edge investor technology platforms. This work was both challenging and inspiring, allowing me to see how technology could transform client experiences.

In my second rotation, I joined the Data & Analytics Engineering team. Here, I helped support Vanguard’s advice strategy, which empowers millions of investors globally to achieve financial success through data-driven insights. Working on projects that impact investors directly was incredibly rewarding and showed me the powerful ways data can drive meaningful financial outcomes.

Beyond technical skills, one of the most fulfilling aspects of TLP has been the connections I’ve built and the leadership experiences I’ve had. In TLP, we’re encouraged to lead, collaborate, and make an impact on our community. I’ve had the privilege of leading two TLP committees—Engagement and Talent Attraction—where I worked with my peers to strengthen our program’s culture and build our recruiting efforts. I was also selected to represent Vanguard and the TLP program at the Grace Hopper Celebration, where I connected with incredible women in tech and shared Vanguard’s commitment to DEI. Additionally, I co-led the IT Women’s Initiative for Leadership Success (WILS) Summit, a program focused on empowering women in technology and creating a workplace that values everyone’s unique contributions. Each of these experiences has strengthened my leadership skills and built my confidence, reminding me that we have the power to make a difference by supporting one another.

Being a woman in tech has its challenges, but at Vanguard, I’ve found a community that both supports and celebrates me. The people around me—mentors, peers, and leaders—have empowered me to grow and have encouraged me to take on new challenges. This experience has deepened my commitment to advocating for women in tech, because I believe that our voices and perspectives are essential to shaping the future of this field. My goal is to help create an environment where women feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to lead.

To any woman considering a career in technology, my advice is simple: be curious, be brave, and trust in your own path. Every experience—whether a rotation, a project, or a challenge—will teach you something valuable. And remember, this industry needs your perspective and ideas. Together, we can create a tech landscape that’s more inclusive, innovative, and empowering for everyone.

-Justina D.

Learn more about our Technology Leadership Program.