Last year, in celebration of International Women’s Day, we spoke with a leader working in a traditionally male-dominated industry about the small actions that can lead to meaningful change. Her story reminded us that progress often comes from individuals who are willing to challenge norms, support others, and keep pushing forward.

This year, we’re continuing that conversation by highlighting another woman making an impact in the world of data and analytics. As the field continues to grow in influence across industries, it’s important to recognise the voices shaping it, especially those helping to create more inclusive and supportive environments along the way.

We spoke with Maria Irinco, an Analytics Lead working in the retail and beauty space. In her role, Maria partners closely with business teams to translate complex challenges into actionable analytics solutions, while also helping to uplift data capability across the organisation. Her journey from data scientist to analytics leader reflects both a deep passion for data and a commitment to creating meaningful outcomes through analytics.

In this interview, Maria shares how she discovered her love for data, her experience navigating leadership as a woman in analytics, and what this year’s International Women’s Day theme — “Give to Gain” — means to her.

Introduction & Career Journey 

To start, could you introduce yourself? 

I’m Maria – an Analytics Lead. I partner closely with business teams to turn their challenges into actionable analytics solutions. I’m particularly passionate about aligning analytics with impactful outcomes, and uplifting data capability across the business. 

What first sparked your interest in technology and analytics, and how did your career journey begin? 

I discovered my love for statistics in high school and loved how data could turn uncertainty into insight. Knowing I wanted a career where I could work with data and analytics every day, I started out my career as a data scientist then transitioned into an analytics lead role to broaden my impact and experience across the data space. 

Navigating Women in Tech & Leadership 

Data and analytics are often seen as male-dominated fields. What challenges have you faced as a woman progressing into leadership, and how did you navigate them? 

Data & Analytics can still be a male dominated field, and at times that has meant being the only woman in the room. I’ve been lucky to have had supportive managers and leaders throughout my journey who have created space for me to contribute and encouraged me to step into different opportunities. Having this support has made a real difference. 

International Women’s Day: Give to Gain 

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Give to Gain,” which focuses on supporting women’s opportunities. What does this theme mean to you personally? 

“Give to Gain” to me represents the idea that lifting others and sharing knowledge ultimately builds collective capability. When we invest in others’ growth and give our time, support, & advocacy for other women, we help create stronger teams and cultures. The more we open doors for others, the better diversity of thought and innovation we gain in return.  

Advice & Looking Ahead 

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in data analytics — especially those interested in beauty, consumer behaviour, or retail? If you could go back and speak to your younger self, knowing what you know now as an analytics lead, what would you tell her? 

One of the best pieces of advice I have been given was to always say yes to new opportunities and to not wait until you feel 100% ready. It is common for women to hesitate before they feel completely qualified, but confidence is built through action and this is where the real growth happens. 

Looking ahead, what gives you the most optimism about the future of women in tech and data? 

What gives me optimism is the increasing visibility of women across tech and analytics leadership roles. Representation matters, and when women see other women leading data and technology teams, strategies, and functions, it expands what feels possible.  

Closing

As the visibility of women in data and technology leadership continues to grow, so too does the inspiration for the next generation considering a path into the field. Stories like Maria’s show how powerful representation, support, and curiosity can be in shaping both careers and industries.

Thank you to Maria for generously sharing her experiences and insights with us in celebration of International Women’s Day. We’re grateful for the time she took to contribute to this conversation, and we look forward to continuing to highlight the voices of women shaping the future of data and technology.