Driving Innovation Through Inclusion – Webinar Recap & Reflections

What happens when diverse voices come together to talk about the future of tech? You get a conversation that is bold, inspiring, and filled with insights that challenge the status quo.

On September 2nd, LantroTech, in collaboration with the Women in Engineering Society (WIE) UET Taxila, hosted a powerful webinar on “Women in Tech: Driving Innovation Through Inclusion.”

From breaking barriers to redefining leadership, our panelists shared stories that went beyond theory and offered real lessons from their own journeys in HR, engineering, and AI. The session was not only about women in tech, it was about building a future where innovation thrives because inclusion is at its core.

Read the blog to explore the highlights, audience questions, and key takeaways that made this webinar so impactful.

Highlights from the Conversation

Setting the Stage: Inclusion at the Core

The session began with Momna Waqas, Head of HR and Operations at LantroTech, who shared how her transition from engineering to HR shaped her belief that inclusion and teamwork are the two key pillars that make workplaces innovative and resilient.

Breaking Barriers in Engineering

Amsal Naeem, Head of Embedded Microcontrollers at MRS Technologies, reflected on her decade of experience in the embedded domain, especially in the automotive industry. She highlighted the value of women’s different approaches to problem-solving and shared her own journey of overcoming initial struggles in male-dominated teams.

When asked about women’s compatibility in tech roles, Amsal replied:

Innovation Through Inclusion in AI

Aqsa Kausar, Tech Lead AI at Red Buffer and Pakistan’s first Google Developer Expert in Machine Learning, described innovation through inclusion as ensuring that every voice carries equal weight. She emphasized the importance of self-learning, confidence, and listening skills in leadership, while appreciating supportive allies who treat women as equals.

When asked to define inclusion in practice, Aqsa explained:

Leadership Lessons from Estimation & Design

Fatima Naveed, Associate Project Manager and Estimation & Design Engineer III at LantroTech, stressed that inclusion is about creating spaces where diverse perspectives are not just invited but truly valued. She shared how women’s empathy, active listening, and ability to balance detail with big-picture thinking add strength to teams.

Reflecting on her experience, Fatima noted:

Women Founders Redefining Leadership

Zirsha Riaz, CEO of ProjectZ, spoke about her journey of overcoming self-doubt and bias as a female founder. She underscored how women’s multitasking and unique perspectives make diverse teams stronger, more authentic, and more innovative.

Sharing her observation from the field, Zirsha said:

Insights That Stood Out

Across these diverse perspectives, several common threads became clear:

• Inclusion unlocks innovation: When every voice at the table is heard and valued, solutions become stronger and more creative.
• Confidence and self-learning matter: Whether it’s breaking into AI or leading in engineering, persistence and continuous growth are critical.
• Small steps create culture shifts: Even simple actions like flexible policies, inclusive decision-making, or recognition practices can make employees feel valued and spark long-term cultural change.
• Mentorship is a catalyst: Having role models and allies  and becoming one for others accelerates progress for women in tech.

Audience Engagement

The webinar wasn’t just about panel discussions, it was shaped by the audience as well. Attendees actively participated through polls and a lively Q&A session, raising important questions about the realities of being a woman in tech.

Poll Insights: Attendees highlighted mentorship, equal opportunities in leadership, and recognition as the most critical forms of support for women to thrive in tech.

Here are some of the standout audience questions and responses:

Q1. How do you handle situations where your expertise is underestimated because of gender?

Aqsa Kausar’s Answer: She emphasized the importance of self-confidence and trusting your own knowledge. If bias is evident, she encouraged participants to “stand your ground” and “call it out.” She stressed that it’s the individual’s responsibility to raise such issues with leaders, while also navigating with confidence in one’s perspective and decisions.

Q2. What advice would you give to women who are just starting their careers in tech?

Fatima Naveed’s Answer: She encouraged young professionals to stay curious and keep learning, build a strong support system of mentors and peers, and most importantly, “back yourself” — trust your ideas and contributions, even if you are the only woman in the room.

Q3. How do we ensure diversity isn’t just a buzzword but actually reflected in hiring and promotions?

Momna Waqas’s Answer: She explained that hiring is only the first step. True inclusion happens when promotions, performance reviews, and growth opportunities are handled fairly. She emphasized the need for leadership to value diverse perspectives and provide flexibility for work-life balance, which enables women to grow and thrive.

Q4. What emerging tech trends should women in tech be aware of to stay competitive?

Amsal Naeem’s Answer: She advised adopting a mindset of continuous learning and seeking guidance from mentors. Sharing knowledge with juniors is equally important. Beyond technical expertise, she highlighted that managerial, leadership, and communication skills are essential for career growth — technical skills can take you far, but it’s these additional abilities that sustain long-term success.

These interactions not only made the session dynamic but also underscored how relevant and urgent the topic is for women at all stages of their careers.

Actionable Takeaways

The session closed with a call to action for everyone, including students, professionals, and leaders alike. Here are five takeaways to carry forward:

Watch the Full Webinar

Missed the live session or want to revisit the insights? You can watch the full recording here:

Closing Reflections

The “Women in Tech: Driving Innovation Through Inclusion” webinar was more than just a panel discussion. It was a reminder that progress happens when diverse voices are not only included but empowered. By sharing stories, breaking barriers, and championing inclusion, we move closer to a future where innovation is driven by everyone, for everyone.

A heartfelt thank you to our speakers and the engaged audience who made this conversation meaningful. Stay connected with LantroTech for more events, resources, and conversations that celebrate diversity and inspire innovation.