When Irene Corpuz, 2016 The Filipino Times IT professional of the Year awardee came to the UAE 10 years ago, she was faced with a big challenge being a woman who was trying to find her niche in a man’s world. Her 18 years of experience in the field of Information Technology in the Philippines did not help her much.
She initially landed as a business analyst at a government entity in Abu Dhabi. She later on decided to open a consulting business; a decision that actually catapulted her career. Corpuz became one of the most influential voice in the UAE’s IT industry and became known among her peers as “UAE’s Iron Lady of IT.”
“I became a full time consultant and I got a few projects outside the UAE. So I was an OFW here who worked outside the UAE. That’s when I became successful. It’s like you left a mark in any project that you do. You set the stage, they get to know you and then eventually, they will call you,” she said about her journey to success.
The 48 year-old IT security specialist was eventually hired by the Abu Dhabi government again. She is currently the Head of IT Security Section at an Abu Dhabi government entity.
She is also a strong advocate of women’s rights, who believes that gender equality in the technology sector will benefit not only the organization but the global economy.
“There shouldn’t be any discrimination. What you should receive is something that you deserve, coming from your education, your background, your skills. I am proud to be a woman in IT, which they say is a man’s world,” said Corpuz.
“TFT Awards is one recognition that all Filipinos must value because it’s a recognition of your efforts and your contribution to the Filipino community as a whole,” she said.
“It shows that one, have given something to the community; second, you have proven yourself as a powerful and a successful Filipino in your chosen field in a different country; and third, you have lifted the Filipino community up.”
