With Mother’s Day approaching, it is time to celebrate not only motherly affection and dedication but also to recognize the impact that motherhood has on different areas of life, including the professional sphere. Thinking about the technology sector, more and more women are balancing the challenges of raising children with their careers in a dynamic and ever-changing environment.
According to a survey conducted in 2023 by the consulting firm Elliott Scott HR Brasil, 69% of working mothers with young children believe that professional growth is slower compared to those who are not mothers. The data reinforces the obstacles still faced by mothers in the corporate world, especially in highly competitive areas usually dominated by men.
Nevertheless, many of these leading ladies have turned motherhood into a powerful source of learning, resilience, and leadership. In this scenario, mothers working in the tech market share how the experience of motherhood has directly influenced their professional journeys. Check it out:
Maria Fernanda Antunes Junqueira — Founder of CUPONATION
“Motherhood has taught me to prioritize what truly matters, to set aside procrastination and establish boundaries more clearly. Taking care of my children and dealing with the daily challenges of this role has made me more resilient and prepared for the unexpected. I learned that we do not have control over everything, and that’s okay. I focused on what is within my reach and started to trust more in my team and support network, which opened up space for new ideas and more creative solutions.”
Renata Khaled – Vice President of Sales at Tuna Payments
Motherhood brought profound challenges and learnings for Renata Khaled, who saw her career transform after the birth of her daughter Isis in 2015. Upon returning from maternity leave, the executive decided to seek new directions and worked for a major marketplace, where she led the hunting area. “The double journey demanded organization and resilience, especially as a single mother, but it also led me to prioritize efficiency and autonomy in my work,” says the current Vice President of Sales at Tuna.
Despite facing prejudices, such as the suggestion to ‘avoid hiring mothers,’ she found acceptance and a good part of her career after the birth of her daughter, where transparency about family routine was valued. Today, she leads a predominantly female team, proudly including mothers of young children. ‘The empathy I found helps me a lot in management. For me, concern for the family comes above any goal,’ she emphasizes. ‘Seeing these women grow professionally fills me with pride, especially when they create meaningful memories with their children. The example inspires and multiplies — we are shaping resilient women who will naturally empower others in the future,’ she concludes.
Camila Shimada — Head of Marketing and Human Resources at Lerian
Mother of four young children, Camila emphasizes how motherhood has shaped her leadership vision: ‘Being a mother has taught me that time is a precious resource — and that caring is a powerful form of leadership. Motherhood has brought me a more attentive listening, a more sensitive look at people, and a different urgency for everyday decisions. At work, this translates into real empathy, a willingness to include, and a sharp intuition about what needs attention now — and what can wait.’
The executive, who throughout the journey of being a mother has worked for several large companies in the marketing field, reinforces how the dynamism of motherhood prepared her for the challenges of the tech world. “Balancing the routine with the pace of a startup is never simple, but it is precisely this dynamism that strengthens me. I learned to be more flexible, creative, and present. Motherhood did not distance me from my career; it deepened it and brought perspectives that I apply in my daily life. Building more human and welcoming environments is also a way of caring for the future I want for my children,” she concludes.
Maísa Amaral — co-founder and Legal and Compliance Head at Lerian
Maísa also found in technology an ally in balancing career and motherhood. “It was precisely after motherhood that I understood how the technology sector could be an ally in maintaining my active career without giving up on being present in my children’s routine. The real possibility of working from home made me seek more and more space in this sector — I specialized, changed course when needed, and today I insist on continuing in this ecosystem that offers more flexibility and autonomy,” she states.
Besides professional adaptation, she emphasizes a greater purpose. The legal and compliance head of Lerian believes that being a mother made her commit personally to building more balanced work environments. “I advocate for remote work, flexible hours, and a culture based on trust and results. And working in the tech sector, I also take care to think about how we use the tools we create: that they are in service of people, and not the other way around,” she concludes.
Simone Gasperin – Partner & Head of Marketing and Growth at BPool
For Simone, motherhood brought not only personal transformations but also changes in how she views her career. “Motherhood has transformed me — as a person and as a professional. I became more aware of who I am, what I can build, and, with the same clarity, of my limitations. I learned (and continue to learn every day) to take better care of my time, my choices, and not to put myself last. Being a mother is living the deepest love that exists — and also the most intense responsibility. It is a daily exercise of presence, courage, and balance,” she concludes.
