On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who are shaping the future of tech. One of them is Hanne-Lotta Mäenpää, a senior software developer based in Helsinki. Her journey into IT wasn’t meticulously planned, but it turned out to be a path filled with curiosity, continuous growth, and brilliant encounters.
From an Unexpected Start to a Passion for Tech
“I applied to study computer science at university, partly because there was no required reading for the entrance exam,” Hanne-Lotta recalls with a smile. To her surprise, she was accepted, and while still studying, she landed her first job as an application developer. That was the beginning of a career she has never questioned.
“Programming and software development have been so interesting that I haven’t considered anything else.” The learning never ends, and that’s what keeps Hanne-Lotta engaged.
The Power of a Supportive Community
One of the things she values most about working in IT is the people. “I’ve met some really brilliant individuals,” she says. While the tech industry still has progress to make in terms of diversity, she has found support and inspiration along the way.
When asked about challenges she has faced as a woman in IT, Hanne-Lotta shares: “I’ve been super lucky because most of the challenges have been inside my own head. I’ve overcome them by becoming better at programming—but sometimes, it’s not even about that. Some situations have taught me to stand up for myself and my fellow female coders. I’ve had a lot of practice in that.”
“Programming and software development have been so interesting that I haven’t considered anything else.“
– Hanne-Lotta Mäenpää, senior software developer Visionite, Helsinki
Finding Role Models in Tech
One of her biggest inspirations is Margaret Hamilton, the software engineer who led the team that developed the code for the moon landing in 1969. “She even came up with the term software engineering!” Hanne-Lotta says.
Encouraging More Women into IT
The IT industry needs more diverse perspectives, and Hanne-Lotta believes the best way to encourage more women to pursue a career in IT is simple: If it interests you, let that be your guiding light. Don’t do it for any other reason. It is challenging—in a good way—but that’s what makes it worth it.
“If it interests you, let that be your guiding light. Don’t do it for any other reason. It is challenging—in a good way—but that’s what makes it worth it.”
Work-Life Balance – A Personal Approach
For Hanne-Lotta, work-life balance isn’t about strict schedules. “I’m not the best at this myself because my working style varies. Sometimes it’s more intense, sometimes very light. I guess the freedom to work in a natural flow is the best.”
When she’s not coding, she enjoys reading, taking walks, and gardening—although she admits that sometimes, even in her free time, she finds herself coding. “I guess that’s what happens when you genuinely enjoy what you do.”
Looking Ahead – The Future of Women in Tech
Hanne-Lotta’s story is a testament to the fact that passion and perseverance can open doors in tech, regardless of background. By sharing experiences, supporting one another, and fostering inclusivity, we can create a future where more women thrive in IT. And as Hanne-Lotta has shown, sometimes the best journeys begin with unexpected choices.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, stories like Hanne-Lotta’s remind us why representation in tech matters. The industry thrives when diverse voices are heard, and at Visionite, we are committed to making that happen.
Contakt:
Lovisa From, Marketing Manager
lovisa.from@visionite.se
www.visionite.fi
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