Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Starship, diversity and inclusion are not just ideals but fundamental principles guiding our every action. We firmly believe that fostering an environment where everyone is valued and respected is non-negotiable. By standing with the LGBTQ+ community, we demonstrate our steadfast commitment to equality and justice, both within and beyond our organizational borders.

Voices of Our Ambassadors

Kadri Salu, what does an inclusive workplace at Starship Technologies look like to you?

“An inclusive workplace at our company fosters a sense of belonging and respect for everyone, regardless of background or identity. Here are some key aspects I envision:

• Public Commitment to DEI: Our values, website, and participation in Pride events would clearly demonstrate our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), with a specific focus on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Creating an LGBTQ+ ERG would provide a safe space for employees to connect, share experiences, and champion their needs within the company.
• Promoting Allyship: Educational workshops could help cultivate a culture of allyship, encouraging straight employees to be vocal supporters of their LGBTQ+ colleagues.
• Authenticity and Action: Genuine commitment to DEI and Pride is crucial. Our policies and practices should reflect our values, with actions speaking louder than words.”

Juan Canahui, how can allies best support their LGBTQ+ colleagues at Starship Technologies, both in and out of the workplace?

“To be an ally means to support one another. In this context, supporting a historically marginalized group or community — even if you don’t identify as a member of that community. Here are a few key steps that you can take to be an ally:

• Educate yourself. Take the initiative to learn more about the history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. A few great additional sources are The Trevor Project Resource Center, The Library of Congress, & Human Rights Campaign Resources.
• Make an effort to foster inclusive opportunities for LGBTQ+ colleagues to share their perspectives and expertise. Be sure to listen actively and be open to receiving knowledge. Being a good listener in itself can help folks in your workplace feel welcomed and supported. Also, strive to utilize everyone’s preferred names and their pronouns. Avoid making assumptions about anyone’s gender, orientation, or family structure.
• Do the right thing if you notice your colleagues being mistreated or discriminated against. Speak up against discriminatory remarks or behaviors, and be sure to do so respectfully and through the appropriate channels.

By following these steps, you can create a more inclusive, supportive, and equitable environment so that we can Work As One Team and Always Deliver.”

Zeeshan Chaudhary, what can Starship Technologies do to support LGBTQ+ employees in regions where being LGBTQ+ is more challenging, particularly in the tech industry?

“Supporting an LGBTQ+ colleague in a judgmental region can be challenging for a company. However, steps can be taken to ensure their well-being and representation. These include implementing inclusive policies to ensure equality and prohibit discrimination, maintaining a safe work environment, and providing confidential reporting for harassment or discrimination.

Creating safe spaces, such as groups or Slack channels, allows LGBTQ+ employees to connect and support each other. Training and education help foster understanding of diverse identities. Flexible work arrangements, including remote work, are crucial in regions where LGBTQ+ employees may face hostility.

These are the minimum actions an open-minded company should take. Additional steps, like promoting visibility and representation, show LGBTQ+ employees that they are valued and supported, uplifting them and the entire community.”

Matti Markovaara, what message would you like to share with our global workforce at Starship Technologies during Pride month?

“As we celebrate Pride month, let’s take this opportunity to honor and support the LGBTQ+ community. This month is a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and the courage to be ourselves.

Together, we can and have created a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. Let’s continue to champion diversity and celebrate the unique perspectives that each of us brings to the table.

Remember, our strength lies in our diversity. By embracing each other’s differences, we build a more innovative, compassionate, and united workplace. Keep shining brightly and be proud of who you are!”

Supporting LGBTQ+ Employees Globally

Our Global Ambassadors play a pivotal role in our efforts to champion inclusivity and support for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. They help bridge cultural gaps, provide localized insights, and serve as advocates for inclusive practices within their regions. Their visibility is crucial in demonstrating our commitment to diversity and inclusion across the globe.

In line with this commitment, we rolled out Pride Bots across participating campuses, serving as a remote pride parade in a company-wide effort to celebrate alongside the LGBTQ+ community. This initiative aims to foster inclusive communities, where all feel welcome and encouraged to embrace their true selves. By integrating these activities into our operations, we aim to promote cultural change, enhance employee morale, and build a more supportive workplace.

Continuous Commitment to Inclusion

Beyond Pride Month, we continue to implement various initiatives and programs to support our Starshippers of all walks of life.

These efforts include:

• Providing continuous learning opportunities to educate all employees about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity. These communications are designed to foster empathy, understanding, and effective allyship within the context of our work in autonomous technology and delivery.
• Regularly reviewing and updating our policies to ensure they are inclusive and supportive of all employees, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Continuously seeking feedback from our employees to identify areas for improvement and ensure that our efforts are making a meaningful difference. This feedback loop allows us to adapt and evolve our strategies to better meet the needs of our diverse workforce.

Fostering a Better World, Together

As we gather to honor Pride month, let’s pause and reflect deeply. Are our efforts truly sufficient, or are we merely scratching the surface of meaningful change?

Diversity thrives when actively nurtured. Starship is committed to cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our workforce and communities. At present, we have Starshippers from 26 different Nationalities, representing three genders, and four pronoun groups.

Celebrating differences goes way beyond colorful banners. Whether you’re a customer, partner, or advocate, now is the time to seize this moment to make a meaningful impact. Together, we can cultivate spaces where authenticity is valued, stories are shared, and vulnerability is met with empathy.

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For the very first time, our team and Starship Robots will be proudly marching in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a profound demonstration of our unwavering support and commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive exactly as who they are.

As our Starship Robots roll onto the vibrant and lively streets of Los Angeles, we aim to make a resounding statement at LA Pride. This momentous occasion aligns perfectly with our recently launched core value: “We love that you are different, it makes us one of a kind.” By participating in the Pride Parade, we not only embody this core value but also reaffirm our dedication to cultivating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels empowered to be their authentic selves.

To lead our participation in this iconic event, we have carefully selected three outstanding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) ambassadors. These remarkable individuals will provide valuable insights into what Pride means to them personally and why they are passionate about marching alongside the LGBTQ+ community.

Through their thoughtful responses, you will gain a deeper understanding of our shared motivation and the profound significance of Starship’s presence at the Pride Parade. We invite you to join us as we celebrate diversity, embrace inclusion, and demonstrate our commitment to building a more equitable and accepting world.

So, let’s take a moment to get to know Starship’s DEI Ambassadors:

Meet Quyen Huynh (She/Her), US Human Resource Manager:

1. What motivated you to join the Pride Parade?

• I choose to march at the Pride Parade each year to celebrate and honor the LGBTQ+’s communities, voices, and history.

2. Why is it important for you to participate in this event?

• Representation matters. As a first generation student and child of immigrant parents — who decided to further push myself onto many more minority groups by identifying as a lesbian and marrying a deaf wife, I had SO much going for me at the start of my coming out of the closet journey (if you cannot tell)! Jokes aside, it was honestly scary and at times, overwhelming not being able to relate to my fellow 3 queers within my high school bubble because my story seemed so far-fetched from the rest. That was until I attended my very first Pride Parade in Seattle back in 2012. Seattle’s Pride Parade was where I met and connected with so many Asian Americans who shared the same struggles as myself (…coming out to their parents, getting shunned from the family and kicked out of the house, and the list goes on). Now THAT was our coming out story wedged in between two parentheses; sure, it may not make sense to most, but it made sense to us. Pride has allowed me to find a home I never knew I had. Pride also gave me a voice. It’s important to me (and my wife) to use the voice we have, to show up as our authentic selves and reclaim the rights and freedoms we were and still currently are denied, for the generations of queers & baby gays who are still discovering their voices. Visibility is critical and that is why our participation is important at the Pride marches.

3. What does it mean to you that Starship has given you this opportunity to be a leader for this event?

• It has been an honor to get to march alongside Starship at Pride. As a leader, I’m eager to bring the spotlight on civil rights issues while gaining the opportunity to gather all sorts of amazing Starshippers from all walks of life to come and celebrate our authentic selves at this event.

4. What does Pride symbolize to you?

• Pride symbolizes love and acceptance, giving our people freedom to identity and expression while promoting equality, visibility, and justice.

Meet Elda Velazquez Martinez (She/Her), US Support Manager:

1. What motivated you to join the Pride Parade?

• The past and those who have left because of the violence they suffered for being who they were

2. Why is it important for you to participate in this event?

• I can make a change in society, we all deserve the same rights and respect

3. What does it mean to you that Starship has given you this opportunity to be a leader for this event?

• I feel important to represent a company that gives visibility to this movement and that supports diversity and inclusion

4. What does Pride symbolize to you?

• Embracing my true self with boldness and being unapologetic about who I am. Symbolizes being comfortable with my identity and demanding acceptance from others.

Meet Reid Zura (He/Him), Global Social Media Specialist:

1. What motivated you to join the Pride Parade?

• I am joining Starship at the Pride Parade to celebrate and embrace my own identity while elevating the voices of those in the LGBTQ+ community around the world. Pride Parades are a powerful platform for visibility, acceptance, and solidarity. It’s an opportunity for me to express pride in who I am, while also advocating for equality and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals across the globe.

2. Why is it important for you to participate in this event?

• I have only ever participated in one other Pride event before, last year’s NYC Pride Parade. For the first time in my life, I felt what it meant to be part of a larger community that shares similar experiences, challenges, and aspirations. I could connect with other people who have gone through a series of hardships by simply being who they are and celebrate our shared resilience. Secondly, I am honored to be able to participate in this event, because it is a privilege. We live in a world where queer voices are still being silenced or ignored. I attend for those who can’t, and I believe participating in the Pride Parade helps raise visibility and awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, contributing to the ongoing fight for equality and social progress.

3. What does it mean to you that Starship has given you this opportunity to be a leader for this event?

• Marching alongside my coworkers and representing our company, it sends a powerful message of inclusivity and support. It shows that my workplace values diversity and embraces employees for who they are, regardless of sexual orientation. The fact that I have been selected to be a leader in this event is an honor. It shows that my company not only values me as an employee but also recognizes the importance of LGBTQ+ representation and allyship. It signifies that they are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where employees can come as they are and bring their whole selves to work. Being entrusted with this responsibility makes me feel empowered and respected, and it reinforces my sense of belonging within the organization.

4. What does Pride symbolize to you?

• To me, Pride is a celebration of authenticity, resilience, and progress. It symbolizes the freedom to love and express oneself without fear or shame. Pride is a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who came before us, who fought for LGBTQ+ rights and paved the way for greater acceptance and equality. But it also signifies a call to action that we’re not done. It also represents a call to action, urging us all to continue working towards a future where everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and equal rights, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

As we eagerly prepare to march at LA Pride, we are filled with a sense of joy, purpose, and unity. This milestone moment for Starship Technologies symbolizes our unwavering commitment to celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion.

Through the voices of our DEI ambassadors, we have gained valuable insights into what Pride means to them personally, and their passion for this event is contagious. Their stories and perspectives have deepened our understanding of the significance of Pride and the importance of standing in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

As we take this bold step forward, we invite you to join us in celebrating diversity, embracing inclusivity, and advocating for a world where every individual is accepted for who they are. Together, let’s create a future where love, respect, and acceptance know no boundaries.

We are immensely proud to be part of the LA Pride Parade for the first time ever, and we hope that our presence serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring others to champion diversity and create workplaces and communities where everyone can thrive.

The journey is just beginning. Together, we will continue to foster a world where differences are celebrated, and love triumphs over prejudice.

Starship is honored to participate in the Pride Parade, and we look forward to sharing this remarkable experience with you. Let’s make history together and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

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In honor of today’s International Women’s Day, we’ve compiled a list of powerful quotes by Starship women who have made an impact in their fields, for our company and beyond. These quotes serve as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and wisdom of women throughout history, and inspire us all here at Starship to continue fighting for a more just and equitable world.

Despite significant progress in recent years, women remain proportionally underrepresented in the tech and startup industries. According to a report by The World Bank, women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields, and the numbers are even lower for women of color. The lack of diversity in the tech and startup industries is a complex issue with multiple causes.

One of the challenges that women face in the tech and startup industries is the lack of female role models and mentors. Women often struggle to find support and guidance from other women in the field, which can make it difficult to navigate the industry and build a successful career.

Another challenge is gender bias. Research has shown that women are often underestimated and undervalued in male-dominated fields like tech. This bias can manifest in many ways, from pay inequity to exclusion from important decision-making processes.

However, many women are breaking through these barriers, are fighting back and advocating for greater representation and inclusivity in the industry, making their mark in the tech and startup world.

Our Starship women from different corners of the world are a perfect example of this. Let them be your role models and inspiration as we have collected inspiring quotes from many of them. Their words are a reminder that women are strong, resilient, and capable of achieving greatness. So let’s take a moment to reflect on their wisdom and courage as we continue to strive for a more equitable and just world for all.

… … … … … … … … … …

“I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome since day 1 of my career. Working through imposter syndrome sometimes isn’t as simple as having a “girl boss mentality.” I’m 7 years into my career now and I have to remind myself constantly that if I’ve made my way into a room, I deserve to be in that room.”

Andrea Martinez De Carolis, Campus Marketing Manager based in the US

On Recruitment:

“Sometimes in life, you’ll find yourself in positions where only one of the following applies: you like the people you work with, you like the work you do, or you like your compensation. We are all individuals who deserve to be celebrated, valued, and challenged. It takes time to find this balance. But believe me, it’s there. If you find yourself searching for the right career trajectory, don’t settle. Be clear on your objectives, speak up for your needs, and go after what you want. The job market is constantly fluctuating, and now is not the time to wait for recruiters to find you. Don’t be afraid to utilize online resources, application platforms, and your network to further your professional development.”

On My Goal:

“My ambition is to be known as someone who helps others. My work experience started with serving others in the restaurant industry. Then I moved on to help create financial solutions. I’ve also helped owners grow their local businesses. Now I help recruit strong individuals to help us grow our operations. The position has changed throughout the years, but the objective has always been clear: be a constant voice for advocating, inspiring, and helping others.”

Gracie Meadows, Recruiter based in the US

Women leaders are often labeled too bossy, difficult, aggressive, nosy, emotional. What it actually means is you are being assertive, asking the right questions, leading with your brain and heart. Don’t let others change or shrink you, be open for change and growth, but stay truthful for yourself. Take brave decisions patiently and de-prioritise pleasing people.

Teele Kruzman, Head of Service and Deployment based in Estonia

“Diversity of thought and experience leads to breakthrough ideas. No one ever said there’s only one way to eat peanut butter. The whole point of this delicious spread is to make it your own! It’s the same with the tech industry. Innovative women have been inspiring me since I was very little. If I can now do the same, whether it be with an electric screwdriver or peanut butter, count me in.

Sarah Gutierrez, Robot Technician based in the US

“There is never a dull day at Starship! Being in such an innovative company that is working on projects that have never been done in the world before, means every employee gets to feel like they are growing and learning every day. This results in a bunch of employees that genuinely enjoy their jobs, and are incredibly supportive of each other as a result!

There are definitely moments where things get tricky, such as when we’re working on multiple launches on top of our everyday work (which has been the case lately!), but we’re constantly improving our processes, and seeing our happy customers in new cities loving their robot deliveries always makes it worth it!!”

Arianna Namaki, City Marketing based in the UK

“Yes, you can,’ is my girl power mantra I live by. When things or life gets tough, this mantra pushes me to continue to shatter that glass ceiling and live my truth.”

Quyen Huynh, US HR Manager

“I grew up in Mexico for a few years. I did not know how difficult it was to be a woman and live in fear every day, nor did I know that it would be difficult to get a job promotion for being a woman. I hope that women can have the same rights all over the world. We deserve the same opportunities and respect”

Elda Velazquez, Service Team Lead based in the US

On Women’s Day last year, we shared here stories of our two bright and very smart Starship women, Karoliina and Kaari. Check them out too!

-> Meet Awesome Women at Starship: Kaari writes code to help Starship meet its goals

-> Meet Awesome Women at Starship: Karoliina keeps our fleet of robots healthy

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Dr. Gladys West

One of the most notable Black female innovators in technology who revolutionized the way we interact with the world, both humans and robots, is Dr. Gladys West. Her work changed the landscape of mapping technology and helped invent the Global Positioning System, more commonly known as GPS. In her published paper titled “Data Processing System Specifications for the Geosat Satellite Radar Altimeter” (1986), she documented the calculations for making position identification with high accuracy using data collected from satellites. Just like how you and I may use our GPS on our phone or computer, our robots are able to use this same technology to collect information on where to correctly deliver each order. So when you see the little robot on its journey to deliver a hot meal or when it shows up at the exact location you entered every time, you know who to thank for that.

Dr. Mark Dean

Computer scientist and engineer, Dr. Mark Dean, worked with a team of people as a chief engineer for IBM in the early 1980s that would go on to create the first IBM PC, develop the color monitor and lead the team that developed the first gigahertz processor. This chip, built just on the verge of the new century, would allow for higher processing rates at faster speeds within PCs. But how does that affect us or the robots? Have you ever tried to look something up or load a page and it feels like it is taking forever? How about when you are trying to order a coffee before your class early in the morning because you’re in a rush and the app freezes? A phone/computer’s processor clock speed determines how quickly the central processing unit (CPU) can retrieve and interpret instructions. This helps your device complete more tasks by getting them done faster. Just like our phones and computers, our ever adapting robots can complete more deliveries by getting each order in your hands faster. So every street they cross or corner they turn, wouldn’t be possible without the invention of gigahertz processors and its contributions to our ever evolving development to get them to where they are now.

Garrett Morgan

Our robots navigate their way through 140,000 crossings every day but not a single one would have been possible without Garrett Morgan and his creation of the three position traffic signal. Morgan was not only a successful businessman and inventor, but also one of the first BIPoC to own a car in the city of Cleveland during the early 1900s when all modes of transportation could be seen on the streets at once. Horse drawn wagons, bicycles and street cars all meet on the same roads creating chaos and, inevitably, many accidents that Morgan witnessed. With the invention of the three position traffic signal, he was able to eradicate a major issue that we take for granted today, transportation safety. And now our robots are able to cross any street and deliver your food safely to your door.

Roy Clay Sr.

In the history of technology and changing the reality that we live in today, you don’t get nicknamed the Godfather of Silicon Valley for nothing. Roy Clay Sr. was an early adopter and leader at the beginning of the technology industry with code writing and working on computing languages long before Python and Javascript was even a thought. Without Clay, we would live in a world where computers took up entire rooms and crashed frequently. But with his brilliant ability to develop software, Clay and his team brought one of the first computers to market that not only reduced the size of the computer but also improved its reliability in 1966. From there was an industry boom where it found a home in northern California (aka Silicon Valley, and the home base for Starship). As the CEO of Rod-L Electronics, one of the first start-up companies in Silicon Valley, not only did Roy Clay Sr. provide each individual with a powerful and important tool but he also enshrined himself as a leading figure in the world of tech startups that many companies, including Starship, look to as an inspiration.

Clarence “Skip” Ellis

Here at Starship, one of our guiding values is “We work as one team,” and without Clarence Ellis, this would not be possible as we have 500+ employees across five countries working in vastly different time zones. As a pioneer of the field of operational transformation, our teams are able to function in collaborative systems built on the foundation of Ellis’ design that is now found in virtually every work space through computer applications including Apache Wave and Google Doc. We are able to work effectively with people from different corners of the world and bring the idea of food delivery robots to life while continuing to innovate these spaces thanks to Clarence.

These are just five examples of Black innovators, pioneers, and leaders throughout history who have had a profound impact on AI, robotics, and technology. Despite facing unimaginable challenges, their perseverance and contributions have paved the way for the development of new technologies that have improved our lives in more ways than we can even imagine and mostly take for granted. Impacting almost every industry known to date, all the way to the invention of food delivery robots, their innovations have, fundamentally, changed the world and continue to inspire new generations of innovators today. These leaders have been, and continue to be, essential to the advancement of technology and so many other necessary contributions to furthering the advancement of society. It is important as we come to the end of Black History Month, we continue to recognize their achievements and to encourage diversity and inclusivity in the field of technology.

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Black History Month is a time to reflect on the contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history but it is also a time to remember the struggles and challenges they have faced and continue to face. Just as those who have had to overcome obstacles and continue to push forward, we too, must learn from our experiences and use them to be better.

Starship strives everyday to bring our core values to life. These are our values guiding each of us and they don’t stop at the work we do within this company but extend further to the people we work with, the people we reach, and the impact we seek to create far beyond. Each journey, whether it be personal or professional, is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Let’s first affirm that yes, even now in 2023, diversity in tech is a concern. The Kapor Center’s 2022 State of Tech Diversity report found that, “Between 2014 and 2021, the industry produced only a 1% increase in Black representation within technical roles in large tech companies.” The goal is to reach a point where it is universally acknowledged that a workplace that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive benefits everyone. Such work environments provide a space for a variety of perspectives, foster creativity, boost problem-solving skills, and drive innovation. As a company, we’re diligently advocating towards diversifying our leadership team (representation matters) and expanding upon our DEI commitments. As the late activist and literary icon, Maya Angelou, said, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

By working as a team and allowing data to guide the way here at Starship, we can achieve more together than we ever could alone. As we reflect on the countless barriers and obstacles that BIPOC individuals have overcome, we are inspired by this resilience and determination to conquer adversity while climbing over every curb knowing that we too, can push through these challenges. Our Black colleagues, friends and families’ dedication serves as a reminder that with perseverance, we can always deliver on our goals and aspirations.

In the spirit of progress and innovation, we want to use this time to be reminded of the purpose of Black History Month through our conscious recognition of the leaders in history that brought us to where we are today. Later this month, Starship will be sharing highlights of Black contributors in the AI and robotics space, shedding light on the outstanding work our BIPOC pioneers have accomplished. Without their outstanding contributions, AI and robotics wouldn’t be where it is today.

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Should Kaari’s story inspire you or if you feel an interest towards working at Starship, then make sure to check our careers page as we have currently globally more than 120 open positions available.

Happy belated International Women’s Day, Kaari! Please tell us a bit about your career journey.

To be honest, I have never really planned any of my career. I didn’t plan to become a software engineer, it kind of just happened to me. I came to Starship as a bored PhD student, looking for a larger team and for something more fast paced. I do get a lot of energy from other people around me and I like if there are others to lean on.

Whoa, so how exactly did you end up in your position?

I ended up in my position by saying to others that I would like to code more. Seems a cool thing to do. And then others did their best to help me achieve that. It’s easy to help others when they know what they want.

Your story of how to maintain confidence and follow your gut feeling is so inspiring! At your current role in Starship, what is your everyday life like?

I am very involved in deciding what is the most impactful thing to do in our field in order to achieve the goals of Starship. So a chuck of my time goes to data investigations. The other part is implementing all the ideas. I work with managing which robot does what at what time. It’s an endless optimizing exercise. And it’s basically impossible to say what would be the truly correct thing to do. I like operating in this uncertain space.

I especially love lengthy discussions with others about how to solve problems. You shoot out ideas and at the same time try to think why the solution fails.

In general, how would you describe Starship’s culture? Or what do you like here the most? Has anything surprised you?

I’d say that Starship has been a very caring and considerate environment. What I like most is that I know that my managers sincerely care about my wellbeing. That I am not just a human resource that needs to be managed, but I know I can trust my colleagues so that I can open up about all kinds of issues and I can expect understanding.

I think Starship aspires to a very healthy work life balance. As one of our engineering managers recently said, there are much more important things than work.

Finally, can you share with us any career tips or pro tips you may have for women wanting to work or develop in the tech sphere?

I think the essential thing is to learn that everyone else is just as clueless as you are. I think literally everyone feels the imposter syndrome when they start out.

It’s quite typical for young boys to start developing their interest in tech early on, because their friends are into similar things and society as a whole encourages them, which is great. When you start out as an adult it may feel that others just have so much more knowledge, but they have learned techy things for so much longer. I think early on it seemed to me that I can’t catch up, but now I know that you absolutely can. Don’t mix up experience with inherent ability!

Another thing that I would recommend is to take on tasks that you have no idea how to solve. And when you get stuck, ask for help, it won’t make you look stupid. It is great if you find someone sympathetic from whom you are not afraid to ask the dumbest questions. They usually aren’t dumb, even if it seems that it’s obvious to everyone but you.

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Should Karoliina’s story inspire you or if you feel an interest towards working at Starship, then make sure to check our careers page as we have currently globally more than 120 open positions available.

Happy Women’s Day, Karoliina! Please tell us a little about your career journey so far.

During the last year of my Bachelor studies in IT and Biology, I was taking a robotics class. The course happened to run at the same time as the world’s largest robotics competition, Robotex, which was taking place in Tallinn. Accompanying an enthusiastic robotics fan, my friend, I joined as a volunteer to be a judge in the competition. My world was forever changed from that day on.

Meanwhile, I joined the Robotics Club of the Tallinn University of Technology to build a robot of my own. Moreover, I started teaching robotics to children in Tallinn Secondary School of Science. And when all the other stars also aligned, I joined the coolest kids on the block, Starship Technologies.

Being still a student, I joined the company as a robot operator and with much enthusiasm, started my job as a robot technician already less than a year later. Currently I am the Service Team Lead in Tallinn/Helsinki.

Today, I am as much in love with robots as when I first stepped through the doors of Starship in 2018. Since that day, the growth and discovery journey in the tech world and at Starship has been astounding and I have loved every moment of it.

Whoa, you and robots really go hand in hand already from the very beginning. What does your regular day in your current role look like?

In addition to my robots in Tallinn, where Starship’s development office is situated, being a technician has also taken me to the UK, Washington, California and Wisconsin, meaning that I contribute globally by giving my helping hand wherever our robot friends need that. Recently, my dedication was rewarded as I was offered a new exciting position as a team leader in Estonia and in Finland.

My day-to-day job at Starship is very versatile. In the mornings, our team usually has a to-do list review meeting. Our highest priority is to keep our fleet of robots healthy. Being a robot technician is very much like being a doctor. You have a certain number of patients whose names and issues you know by heart. They come in with complaints or for monthly health check ups and it is our job to provide them with the best care. We keep detailed documentation on each robot and a strict eye on all the upgrades and fixes that are needed.

Besides the robot repairs, I also work daily with building electronics testers, testing, diagnosing and repairing our printed circuit boards (PCB). One of the things I fell in love with as a newbie tech enthusiast were PCBs. The capability of a little but powerful electronic board just opened up a whole new world for me, electrons moving through a miniature city to fulfill a program’s task still seems like magic to me.

Moreover, I get to work with the brightest minds in the field at Starship, and it is an absolute honor.

We love your insights! Can you also please enlighten us on Starship culture?

Starship’s culture is like no other. I get up each day excited to go to work, and I often don’t even realize when it’s time to go home at night. People at Starship come together to share a common passion, and I can’t get enough of it! The company has grown (and continues to do so!) fast and furious, yet able to maintain the feeling of family amongst the new and old team members.

We love it! Finally, do you have any advice for women who would also like to enter the tech field or join the world of robots?

Growing up with an older brother and always hanging amongst his friends, taught me early that more important than your gender is how you present yourself. Meaning, that I have never felt as an outsider in the often male dominated tech field, as more important than your gender is the passion and love you bring to the table and to your team each day.

At Starship, employees are valued based on their abilities and passion towards robots, whatever their gender is. I have always felt appreciated and cared for by each team member.

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