Hanna has over 30 years’ experience in the Human Resources Field.
Her career within the IT Industry started many years ago when she was appointed as an HR Administrator at an IT Company. This is where her interest in the IT Industry started and where she was promoted into her very first leadership role as a Supervisor within the Human Resources Administration Department.
While working within a Human Resources environment, she was inspired to pursue her career further in Human Resources. This inspiration led her to pursue a BA Degree in Industrial Psychology. Balancing full-time work with part time studies she gained valuable experience in the Human Resources field. Upon completing her degree, she successfully applied for a Human Resources Manager position.
Throughout her career as a Human Resources Manager, she had the privilege to report to many great leaders who guided and mentored her. Their contribution has been instrumental in her career development and growth for which she is eternally grateful.
Success in your career is not just about climbing the ladder, but also about lifting others as you rise. The true measure of achievement is not only personal growth but the positive impact you make on the lives and careers of those around you.
In your role, how do you actively foster an environment that supports and promotes the growth of women in IT?
The company fosters an environment that supports and promotes the career growth of young individuals in IT. Through our Learnership Program, participants gain access to resources, systems, professional development, and mentorship. Closer to the end of their learnership, they are placed on programs where they acquire real-life practical experience in the IT field.
As the Head of Human Resources, I have taken on a dual role, guiding the learners through tailored Soft Skills courses and facilitating sessions that include practical exercises, role plays, and a safe space to explore and inquire about professional behavior and workplace etiquette. This prepares learners for their first job and career in IT. With their practical experience and developed Soft Skills, many young women are successfully placed in IT careers. Witnessing these young women’s development and seeing them succeed in IT is immensely fulfilling and drives my ongoing dedication to this dual role.
As a leader, how do you ensure that women’s voices and perspectives are heard and valued in decision-making processes?
As the Head of Human Resources, I approach women to obtain their input on matters. I encourage them to share their ideas and experiences. By fostering an environment of mutual trust, respect and collaboration, I ensure that women’s perspectives are included in our decision-making process.
What strategies have you employed to mentor and guide emerging women leaders within our organization or in general, helping them navigate their career paths effectively?
I maintain an open-door policy and provide a safe space for open and honest two-way communication. I offer constructive feedback on work performance, acknowledging accomplishments and guiding improvement areas. Additionally, I share my real-life experiences, including lessons learned, challenges I faced as a woman in a leadership position, and how I overcame those challenges. I highlight strategies that worked well for me and those that did not, to help others navigate their own paths.
In what ways do you collaborate with other departments to promote a culture of gender
equality and empower women across different aspects of our organization?
As an HR team, we collaborate with other departments to promote a culture of gender equality and empower women by ensuring our policies and practices are inclusive and equitable.