A powerful transformation is underway in an industry where women remain significantly underrepresented. At Augury, women across departments are not just joining the manufacturing technology revolution but helping lead it. What advice do they have for those who want to join the cause?
They represent different departments at Augury—product management, operations, and sales—but these women share a common thread: each has forged her path in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
During Women’s History Month 2025, these women’s stories take special significance. According to the World Economic Forum, at the current rate of progress, we won’t reach full gender parity until 2158—five generations from now. This sobering statistic underscores why this year’s International Women’s Day theme, #AccelerateAction, resonates profoundly across manufacturing.
“I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I only knew I didn’t want to be a doctor.”
Forging Unexpected Paths
Einat Freidzon, VP of Product and Alliances, comes from a lineage of female doctors but deliberately charted her own course. “I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. I only knew I didn’t want to be a doctor,” she smiles. After studying computer science—”with absolutely zero background”—she discovered a passion for systemic thinking and clear logic. Her early frustration as a software engineer, working on “features that nobody really needs,” led her to customer-facing roles where she could bridge the gap between technological possibilities and real-world problems.
“I’m especially excited about bringing technological solutions that disrupt the market,” says Einat. “This requires a lot of change management, as people need to change their habits. The psychology behind it never ceases to fascinate me.”
“As a child, I wanted to be an architect AND an archaeologist.”
For Melissa Pasqua, Head of Project Management Operations, childhood dreams took unexpected turns. “As a child, I wanted to be an architect AND an archaeologist,” she recalls. “While I’ve always loved history, data, and details, I found a way to repurpose that energy into a 15-year career in operations and management.”
She entered the manufacturing world during the challenging job market after the 2008 recession. “I was able to land a temporary position in a warehouse, and from that time, I have been hooked,” she says. What began as a necessity evolved into a passion, allowing her to grow in ways she “never could have envisioned.”
“My first passion was and is people. I love influencing people and getting things done.”
Naama Zarfati, Senior Product Manager, traces her journey to a formative childhood gift. “When I was four, I got a young physicist kit for my birthday. I fell in love with physics and wanted to become a physicist.” Her path weaved through music, physics studies, software engineering, and team management before landing in product management seven years ago.
“My first passion was and is people,” she emphasizes. “I love influencing people and getting things done. I love solving problems, and the best way to solve problems is together as a team.”
“Guilt is not a productive feeling.”
The Power Of Role Models
Each woman acknowledges the powerful female figures who shaped her journeys. For Einat, it was her parents who demonstrated that it’s possible to “have a career, be a great mom, a spouse, and a friend.” They taught her that “family is a partnership” that evolves over time and that “guilt is not a productive feeling—it’s okay to define yourself as more than the individual roles in our lives.”
Sarah Heffron, an Enterprise Account Executive, credits her mother for showing that being “eager to learn, disciplined, coachable, and above all else, kind” were essential attributes for success in all areas of life.
Naama speaks with reverence about her mother, who “broke every glass ceiling and never took no for an answer. She was never afraid to say her opinion. She was almost always the only woman in the room, the only woman speaker, and most certainly the only woman accomplishing in her field.” Even now, while struggling with illnesses and disabilities, Naama’s mother “doesn’t give up on anything, including work, research, and development”—providing a living example of determination against the odds.
“You have a seat at the table; now dive in headfirst and enjoy the journey.”
Claiming Your Rightful Place
The wisdom these women would share with their younger selves reveals a common thread: confidence in your rightful place at the table. “Always sit at the table, never behind in the second row. Don’t be afraid to be heard,” says Naama emphatically.
Einat reinforces this: “Trust yourself and speak up. The fact your opinion is not popular doesn’t make it wrong.” Melissa also cuts to the chase: “You have a seat at the table; now dive in headfirst and enjoy the journey.”
And for Sarah this journey involves listening. “Don’t be sensitive to feedback! Constructive criticism is key to your success. Most team members and bosses wouldn’t give it to you unless they want to see you succeed!”
“It means both men and women can find the balance that is right for them and be their best on their terms.”
Creating Environments Where Everyone Thrives
For these professionals, Augury represents more than just employment—it’s an environment where women can define success on their terms.
“It means both men and women can find the balance that is right for them and be their best on their terms,” Einat explains. Naama adds, “I value my encouraging environment every day, where I can be myself and be accepted for what I am and stand for, not for my gender or background.”
This supportive culture translates into unique perspectives that strengthen the company. “I believe that as a woman, I bring compassion and humility to my work, as a leader, and as a teammate,” Naama reflects. “This helps me convince and lead better towards goals.”
“What excites them about the future? The dynamic nature of their industry, where ‘anything is possible’.”
Accelerating Forward
International Women’s Day holds special meaning for these Augurians. “Despite the immense advancement in equality for women, there is still a very long way ahead of us,” Einat notes. “International Women’s Day is an opportunity to share stories and inspire others.”
Melissa sees it as a day to “celebrate the achievements of women throughout history, recognize those around us, educate those around us, and have honest conversations about where we can go and grow from here.”
“These women aren’t just adapting to change—they’re helping create the future, accelerating action toward gender equality one day at a time.”
Naama articulates the fundamental challenge: “It should be natural that women are treated equally as men, but unfortunately, we are not there yet. Every chance we have to put strong women in the front and influence towards true equality is meaningful.”
What excites them about the future? The dynamic nature of their industry, where “anything is possible,” as Naama puts it. These women aren’t just adapting to change—they’re helping create the future, accelerating action toward gender equality one day at a time.
Their collective message is clear: Trust yourself, speak up, embrace feedback, remember that unconventional opinions aren’t necessarily wrong, and, most importantly, take your rightful seat at the table.
Read more inspiring stories about women in technology and manufacturing:
‘Delivering “Damn Good Results”’
‘Women In Manufacturing: More Please!’
‘International Women’s Day: Inspirational Insights From The Manufacturing World’
‘Women in Engineering Day: A Tribute to Heroes’.
