Kirti Kama, Senior Vice President, Technology at Mastercard, Shares Insights on Her Diverse Career and the Importance of Gender Diversity in the Tech Industry
Kirti Kama, the Senior Vice President of Technology at Mastercard, stands as a beacon of inspiration for women in the tech industry. With a remarkable journey spanning over 22 years, Kama has broken barriers, shattered stereotypes, and championed gender diversity in a male-dominated field.
Kirti Kama’s voyage into the world of information technology began in a time when computers were not yet a part of school curriculum. Her introduction to programming came shortly after completing her 10th grade. Recognizing her interest and potential, Kama’s parents enrolled her in private institutes where she immersed herself in learning languages like BASIC, COBOL, and others while pursuing a BSc degree in Zoology.
Her curiosity and determination led her to explore various programming languages, witnessing the evolution of technologies like Windows 3.11 and mastering tools like DBase, FoxPro, and Oracle. Kama’s academic journey culminated in a master’s degree in Computer Management from Savitribai Phule Pune University.
With a career that spans two decades and beyond, Kirti Kama’s professional trajectory has been characterized by versatility and tenacity. From telecom to manufacturing and digital payments, she has ventured into diverse domains, constantly pushing boundaries and embracing new challenges.
Kama’s career kicked off in the late 1990s, a time that marked the onset of the IT boom. As one of the few women in the sector, she navigated uncharted waters and rapidly advanced from being a programmer to taking on multifaceted roles involving customer interactions and product showcases. She acknowledges the importance of finding her voice and making her presence felt in an environment where she was often the sole woman.
Her journey continued as she joined Tech Mahindra in 2001, where she delved into various technologies and positions, demonstrating her appetite for continuous learning and adaptability. Kama’s ability to transcend traditional boundaries and immerse herself in diverse tech realms laid the foundation for her success.
A significant leap took her to Amdocs, a pivotal juncture where she built and led teams from scratch. Despite initial challenges and transitions, Kama’s resilience and leadership were instrumental in forging a path of growth and stability for her team.
In 2015, Kirti Kama embarked on a new chapter at Mastercard, overseeing development, engineering, and later, infrastructure and technical operations in the Asia Pacific region. Throughout her journey, Kama realized the importance of female role models and their ability to inspire and empower others. She emphasizes the significance of instilling confidence in women, particularly during their formative years, and creating a supportive ecosystem that enables them to ascend to leadership positions.
Kama’s passion for promoting gender diversity led her to champion Mastercard’s Girls4Tech program, which aims to engage and inspire young girls in STEM education and careers. Through a gamified learning program, Girls4Tech has reached millions of girls globally, encouraging them to explore the world of technology. In India, the program has partnered with the American India Foundation, reaching over 112,482 girls across urban and rural areas.
Furthermore, Kama is a driving force behind Mastercard’s “Relaunch Your Career” program, designed to facilitate the return of mid-career professionals who have taken breaks from their careers. The initiative provides comprehensive support, including learning resources, mentors, and a clear path to permanent positions.
Kirti Kama’s journey exemplifies the potential of women in technology and underscores the imperative of creating an inclusive environment that empowers individuals to reach their full potential. As she continues to pave the way for women in tech, Kama’s dedication to promoting diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities serves as an inspiration for generations to come.
