Anna Stepanova

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

My passion for leveraging technology to drive global change and my commitment to international development led me to a career in technology at the United Nations. The opportunity to work on impactful projects that address complex global challenges, combined with the chance to collaborate with diverse and talented professionals from around the world, made it an ideal career path for me. Plus, the idea of contributing to a safer and more equitable world through innovative tech solutions is incredibly motivating.

What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?

Working at the UN Office of Counter-terrorism truly feels like a dream come true. It offers everything I value: engaging and challenging assignments, a supportive and collaborative team, exceptional leadership, and a healthy work-life balance.
Since joining the team in 2023, I have been responsible for developing a robust test automation framework to minimize manual testing efforts. This initiative is especially rewarding as it directly contributes to global safety. My role involved leading a team of talented QA engineers to design and implement the platform. We leveraged cutting-edge technologies and best practices in test automation to ensure the software is not only operational but also meets the needs of Member States and assists users in their daily activities related to terrorism prevention.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

Believe in your abilities and pursue your passion with confidence. Seek out mentors and never stop learning. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember, your unique perspective is valuable and needed in the tech industry. Stay resilient, and don't be afraid to break barriers.