Sarah Griffis @ Good Rx

How can we proactively make a change to achieve equality and inclusion in tech? It's International Women's Day in March and Orbis are dedicating the entire month to celebrating the womxn of Tech and Design. If we want more women in tech, we have to do more than want. Our team felt we needed to share stories from the industry, told by voices with first-hand experience. All of the exposure International Women's Day kicks up is critical, not just for our own education as a business, but also to support the exposure of gender equality and inclusion in tech. These stories are not told by a company or PR, or any other bias perspective. These are the real women of tech shaking up the industry. 

Sarah Griffis
Director of Engineering
Good Rx

Sarah, what has your personal career journey into the tech industry been like? 

I started programming in statistics while doing economics research for Raj Chetty and continued with a variety of big data projects while working in litigation consulting. I then started to become more interested in startups, so I looked into a new field that was called “data science” at startups. 

I joined Paperless Post in NYC and started leading data science, engineering, and learned iOS.  My first big management role was working for MyPizza, now called Slice, as a Director. 

I spent a few months standing up Trade, a coffee company before joining as part of the founding team at Kindbody.  Kindbody was my first role as Head of Engineering. I know run part of GoodRx’s engineering team!

What do you think leaders could do to help support gender equality within their teams?  

Have a growth mindset, really prioritize DEI on the team, support training for the team.

Widening that point, how can businesses adapt to ensure they are enhancing women with their careers?

Companies need to make DEI a priority, not a check-the-box type initiative.  Consider a DEI officer, regularly evaluate hiring practices, promotions, salaries, maternity leave, and pay attention to DEI metrics.

What are your top 3 tips for women looking to break into tech and design, or progress from their current position into a more senior role?

Be curious and prepared! Read management books, take courses, find a mentor.

In tribute to IWD’s 2021 campaign, what do you choose to challenge? 

I choose to challenge stereotypes.