Zendesk
Zendesk is a global customer experience platform used by companies like Sony, Adobe, and OpenTable to streamline customer support and engagement.
AUDIENCE: Engineering and technology professionals (100+)
LOCATION: Virtual (International Women in Engineering Day)
CHALLENGE: To celebrate Women in Engineering Day, Zendesk wanted to create a meaningful moment of reflection and inspiration for women in tech, centered on resilience, leadership, and breaking through adversity.
CARA BROOKINS’ SOLUTION:
25–35 minute keynote: “Rise & Resilience” + 25–35 minute discussion and live Q&A
Delivered virtually in partnership with Keppler Speakers
Framed specifically for female engineers and tech professionals navigating male-dominated spaces
For International Women in Engineering Day, Zendesk sought a speaker who could go beyond technical inspiration and speak directly to the emotional challenges faced by women in tech leadership. Cara Brookins was the perfect fit.
In her keynote “Rise & Resilience,” Cara shared her journey of overcoming adversity and building a home with her children from the ground up. Because she had also worked as a software developer herself for twenty years in the tech industry, she had personal stories of women in tech. Her message struck a chord with attendees navigating their own challenges within highly technical, male-dominated industries.
The extended Q&A session invited reflection on imposter syndrome, risk-taking, and long-term career growth. Many attendees praised the session as a rare, personal moment in a fast-paced corporate culture.
The event reinforced Zendesk’s commitment to diversity and inclusion and spotlighted Cara’s ability to engage deeply in virtual formats, making her an ideal speaker for internal ERG events and women in leadership programming.
