DESIGN
WOMEN INI TECH
Can diversity in marketing be influenced by geopolitics?
H ere, she reflects on how these early experiences and global events have shaped her work in technical public relations, and how diversity in marketing and life continues to evolve alongside geopolitical shifts. Could you share a bit about where you grew up? Did that affect who you became? Halcyon childhood days playing under African skies, convent schooling in Goa, and the traumatic exodus of Asians from Uganda culminated in teenage years living in Sidcup, Kent. This forged in me a great curiosity about life. This thirst for knowledge has never left me. I had childhood freedom in Uganda – playing outdoors, climbing trees, etc. I enjoyed school and had a keen interest in mathematics and poetry, but also art and music. My love of reading started with Aunty Maggie and Uncle Peter. She gave me my first books, whilst he allowed me access to monthly science and knowledge publications. When you began working in sectors like defence and electronics, did you find yourself facing any particular challenges as a woman in male-dominated environments? How did you navigate those situations?
Karen Mascarenhas, BSc (Hons), MSc, Founder and Director of Mascarenhas PR LTD, has lived a global life. Her journey crosses continents – from a childhood in Uganda, to schooling in India, through to adult life in South East London. These experiences, deeply influenced by both people and politics, have sculpted her outlook on marketing, communications, and diversity.
Learning
I made two key decisions – to read and ask questions. ‘A’ level chemistry, biology, and mathematics offered technical basics whilst the transitional process – from complex medical terminology to electronic concepts – was swift. Females were expected to be intelligent but not given top positions. Finally, a female editor was appointed, and now they florish in electronics publishing.
Karen Mascarenhas, on her 3rd birthday by the shores of Lake Victoria in Uganda.
8 ELECTRONICSPECIFIER.COM
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