More Than Their Job Title: The Women of GENE Commerce

The strength of who we are as a company lies fully within the people who shape it. This International Women’s Day, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the women of GENE.

Working women often wear multiple hats; leaders, innovators, caregivers, mentors, community champions, and so much more. While the professional titles they hold are impressive, their contributions extend far beyond their job descriptions.

In our team, we have women who are forging paths in tech, women in senior leadership roles, mothers navigating work and family, volunteers giving back to their communities, women from diverse ethnic backgrounds, and women who bring lived experiences of disability to the table, shaping a more inclusive industry. Their stories, their triumphs, and their everyday experiences all play a part in making GENE what it is today.

This is our tribute to them, because without you, we would lose who we are as a team. 

Women at GENE – A Force in eCommerce

Thriving in eCommerce isn’t easy. It takes talent, resilience, and strategic thinking to excel. Women have long been underrepresented in the industry, particularly in technical and leadership roles, but at GENE, we’re proud to be changing that narrative.

Our women are shaping the future of eCommerce in roles across strategy, development, marketing, customer experience, project management and leadership. They are responsible for ensuring our clients stay ahead of the curve, bringing fresh ideas, sharp insights, and technical expertise to the table.

But what truly sets them apart is not just their ability to excel in these roles – it’s how they do it while embracing every aspect of their lives. They are mentors and mentees, supporting one another to grow. They are advocates for inclusivity, ensuring that the tech space becomes more diverse and welcoming for future generations. They are problem-solvers, innovators, and leaders, proving that success isn’t just about what you do, it’s about how you bring your whole self to it.

1. Women in Leadership: Steering the Future of eCommerce

eCommerce is an industry that demands agility and vision; both qualities that define the women leading GENE Commerce forward. Within our senior leadership team, women are shaping the strategic direction of the company, influencing decision-making, and ensuring that innovation stays at the core of everything we do.

Yet, the journey to leadership isn’t always straightforward. Many of these women have had to carve out their space in a historically male-dominated industry, overcoming bias and proving their worth time and time again.

“I have been to several events where women in tech have had panel discussions on why there aren’t enough women in senior leadership roles in the tech industry with company culture being mainly to blame.

I always feel so lucky that this has not been my experience in my career and throughout my 6 years at GENE, I have been supported, encouraged and presented with opportunities along my journey to becoming part of the Senior Management Team. It takes everyone doing their part to impact and foster a culture of change.” – Maxine Tremain, Head of eCommerce

“A leadership team that is 50% women isn’t just a statistic—it’s a statement. Equality, innovation, and empowerment in action.  I’m grateful to work in a company where strong, talented women and men uplift and inspire each other every day.” – Angela Milne, Head Of eComm Operations 

“Leadership isn’t about fitting into a mould. It’s about carving out space for others to grow and thrive. As women in leadership, we have a responsibility to challenge outdated norms, advocate for inclusivity, and create an environment where ambition and balance can coexist. At GENE, leadership is about fostering a culture where women feel empowered to lead in their own way.” – Lauren Beer, Chief Delivery Officer

At GENE, we champion leadership that isn’t defined by hierarchy but by impact. Our women leaders mentor, advocate, and drive the business forward, not just for themselves, but for the future of eCommerce.

2. Young Women in Tech: Breaking Barriers and Building Careers

For young women entering the tech industry, the path can sometimes feel daunting and uncertain. The statistics still show an imbalance, with women underrepresented in technical and development roles. But at GENE, we are forcing that tide to turn.

The young women in our team are forging their own paths in eCommerce, from developers to UX designers, strategists to project managers. They bring fresh perspectives, a hunger to learn, and a determination to challenge outdated norms.

“A decade ago, I took my first steps into web development with GENE, unsure of where the journey would take me. Fast forward to today, and as a Senior Frontend Developer, that path has led me across the globe to incredible Magento events—where I’ve built more than just websites; I’ve built confidence, connections, and a career fueled by passion. At GENE, we’re not just shaping the future of eCommerce—we’re empowering the next generation of developers to carve their own paths and proving that there’s space for everyone in tech.” – Chloe Langford, Senior Frontend Developer

“Since joining GENE, I’ve discovered a whole new approach to collaboration. On every project, we work together as a unified team—scoping, developing, testing, and deploying as one. This collaborative environment has taught me how to approach a project from every perspective, pushing me to challenge myself beyond my project management role. Through this experience, I’ve gained invaluable knowledge, and the same growth happens for others on the team as well.GENE has provided me with countless opportunities to work on product-based projects, collaborating with some of the leading payment service providers in the industry. This has given me the chance to work with partners from around the world, expanding my network and knowledge. Additionally, it has opened up travel opportunities, broadening my professional and personal growth.” – Chloe Mulhearn, Senior Project Manager.

Through mentorship, training, and a culture that encourages growth, we’re making sure that the next generation of women in tech thrives.

3. Motherhood and Careers: Redefining Work-Life Balance

The myth that women have to choose between a successful career and a fulfilling family life is being rewritten every day at GENE. We have women who are navigating both the early days of motherhood and those who are seasoned parenting pros, all while excelling in their roles, proving that parenthood and professional ambition can go hand in hand.

“Juggling a full time career and 2 children is an art but working at Gene allows me to have the flexibility to be there for my kids and to also be there for my team.” – Angela Milne, Head Of eComm Operations 

“I’m a new mum to a 9-month-old baby girl, and as I prepare to return to work, I feel so lucky to be part of GENE! For so many women, the idea of coming back to work and balancing it all can feel overwhelming, but I’m not stressed at all and instead feel so excited to come back, because I know GENE will support me just as they have throughout my pregnancy and maternity leave. It’s rare to find a company that truly understands the importance of family and career balance and has a genuine commitment to supporting women during these transitions, and I’m so grateful for this.” – Valeria Del Sordo, Solution Specialist

“As a mother of two young children with a demanding role, I’ve learned to juggle both, but I’m fortunate that GENE supports this balance. They understand the importance of family commitments and are flexible when I need to take time to care for my children. This understanding allows me to fully engage in both my career and motherhood, creating a fulfilling and manageable work-life balance that works for me.” – Chloe Mulhearn, Senior Project Manager. 

“The struggle that all working mothers face is complex and very real. The guilt that you’re not being the best parent or the best employee is something women feel all over the world. It is possible to do both, and be great at both, but it takes respect and understanding on both sides. I had no support from my employers when I became a mother, and it was a pretty awful experience. I didn’t want that to be the case for any of our team at GENE, and the entire SLT team were fully on board with the proposal to become members of the Motherboard charter. It’s not fair for mothers to be penalised for raising the next generation. When we can stop looking at excellent maternity support as a bonus or a ‘nice to have,’ we begin to contribute to the momentum of change. GENE are committed to playing their part to enforce this change in our corner of eCommerce.” – Lauren Beer, Chief Delivery Officer

For more on Lauren’s expertise and passions for supporting mothers, read her interview with Motherboard here.

GENE is committed to creating a workplace that understands the realities of working parents. Whether it’s flexible working arrangements, a culture of support, or simply recognising that life outside of work matters, we are proud to back the women who take on both roles, mother and professional, without compromise.

4. Women of Diverse Backgrounds: Celebrating Identity and Strength

Diversity isn’t just about representation; it’s about fostering an environment where every voice is valued. The women of GENE are a vibrantly international group, coming from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, bringing perspectives that enrich the company’s creativity, strategy, and decision-making.

But diversity comes with its own challenges. Many of these women have had to navigate industries where they were the only ones in the room who looked like them, spoke like them, or had their lived experiences.

“As an Italian and non-native English speaker, I’ve worked in the UK for years and have always felt welcomed and never discriminated against. However, in many companies, I found myself as one of the few people from different backgrounds and often the only person in the room with a language other than English as my first, maybe taking a second or two to understand a joke, and that could make you feel uncomfortable. At GENE, that’s not the case. Here, alongside English colleagues, my team comes from diverse backgrounds, and it’s amazing to see that this diversity is celebrated as a strength, rather than viewed as a weakness. It’s empowering to be part of a company that truly values inclusion and embraces different cultures.” – Valeria Del Sordo, Solution Specialist

“True diversity isn’t just about who is in the room – it’s about making sure every voice is heard, respected, and valued. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how much stronger teams become when we embrace differences. At GENE, we’re not just ticking a box – we’re building a culture where women from all walks of life can bring their full selves to work and know that they belong.” – Lauren Beer, Chief Delivery Officer

At GENE, we recognise that true inclusion isn’t just about hiring diverse talent, it’s about creating a culture where every woman, regardless of her background, has the opportunity to thrive.

5. Women Who Give Back: Juggling Careers and Community Service

Many of the women at GENE don’t just dedicate their time to their careers, they also give back to their communities. From volunteering with local charities to helping shape the future of the Magento Association, they are committed to making a difference beyond the workplace.

“I volunteer at my local hospital once a week as a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter, helping new parents navigate their first hours of feeding. I feel incredibly honoured to hold that space for them—it’s a moment of intense vulnerability, and sometimes all they need is reassurance that they’re doing great. Having an employer who appreciates the role of new mothers and the importance of volunteering makes my passion for motherhood-support, both in and out of the workplace, even stronger.” – Lauren Beer, Chief Delivery Officer

“Community is everything—whether it’s in open-source collaboration, the Magento/Adobe ecosystem, or the local charities I support in Guernsey. Working at GENE/Bluefinch allows me to contribute meaningfully in all these spaces, knowing that real success is about more than business—it’s about building something that benefits everyone.” – Katy Wilson, Partnerships & Enablement

“As a relative newbie to eCommerce, I’ve fallen in love with the community. Giving back makes sense. In my role as CMO of the Magento Association, I am proactively driving real, positive change for the Magento community. I am invested in doing what I can for all things Magento, and knowing I have GENE’s support to make a difference enables me to bring my A-game to this demanding volunteer role.” – Emily Sturge, Marketing Manager

Their ability to balance career success with social impact is a testament to the many ways women show leadership, not just in boardrooms but in the communities they serve.

6. Women with Disabilities: Advocating for Inclusivity in Tech

Tech should be for everyone, but our industry still has work to do in creating fully inclusive environments. At GENE, we are proud to have women who bring lived experiences of disability to the conversation, ensuring accessibility and inclusivity are always priorities.

“I’m old enough to remember a time when admitting to being disabled was sometimes a death sentence to a job. Times have changed and whilst equality isn’t there yet, I am confident enough with who I am to be open around my own disabilities. Having had some disgraceful employers, I am now far more invested in taking the lead on who I’m going to spend my working-life with. Knowing your employer not only offers a truly flexible approach to the day to day management of health conditions but pro-actively encourages you to be authentically yourself is a key reason I joined GENE – the huge ratio of awesome women in the company was a big selling point too!” – Emily Sturge, Marketing Manager

Their presence and advocacy remind us that inclusivity is more than compliance, but creating workplaces that are supportive to the widest range of individuals should be on any agenda. 

7. Women and Their Passions: Creators, Artists, and Explorers

The women of GENE are not only innovators in eCommerce but also creators in their own right. Beyond their professional roles, many of them are talented artists, musicians, writers, athletes, and makers, each bringing a unique passion that enriches both their personal lives and the workplace.

For some, creativity is a way to unwind and recharge, whether through painting, photography, or music. Others find their balance in physical pursuits like running, yoga, or dance. Some channel their energy into storytelling, crafting, or community projects, using their talents to make an impact beyond their careers.

“Through my passion for painting, I am able to give my mind a meditative break, sparking innovative thinking that enhances my problem-solving skills at GENE — all while approaching each new challenge with a more joyful heart and renewed calm.” – Marisa Domizio, Senior Project Manager

“Staying active is a huge part of my life. Weightlifting and cardio aren’t just workouts, they are my way to reset, refocus, and bring my best self to work. With GENE’s flexible working approach, I can prioritise both my career and my well-being.” – Chloe Langford, Senior Frontend Developer

“I’m a gym bunny and not only go for physical health benefits but also very much for my mental health and the release the gym gives me in terms of either starting the day positively and empowered or shutting the day down in terms of leaving it at the door, focusing on my strength and ability and then getting a good nights sleep to start again. GENE has always been supportive with me in this whether it be flexi time to accommodate a session or good luck wishes for a Hyrox event I did in 2023.” – Suzie Perrott, Solutions Specialist

“Making time to improve my health and wellbeing by working out, practicing mindfulness and drawing portraits is very important to me and something I try to be consistent with. It is so refreshing to work at a company that provides the space to embrace these hobbies and passions. At GENE, I have attended several meetings that promote the importance of having a good work life balance, including: a virtual drawing class, an online yoga class and outdoor virtual walking meetings. The flexibility provided to take advantage of these opportunities ensures that I am making time for things that are important to me, and also creates an inspiring community of fellow colleagues who also share these passions.” – Priya Jhamat, QA Test Analyst

At GENE, we recognise that a thriving workplace is one that embraces individuality. These personal passions not only enrich the lives of the women who pursue them but also bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and innovation into the company.

What’s Next? GENE’s Commitment to Women in Tech

Celebrating the women of GENE Commerce goes beyond a fleeting moment of recognition on International Women’s Day. For us it’s an integral part of our culture and an ongoing commitment. We know that representation matters, but beyond that, meaningful action is needed to ensure that women in eCommerce, tech, and leadership have the support, opportunities, and recognition they deserve.

At GENE, we are continuously working to create an environment where women excel. That means fostering a workplace culture where:

• Flexible working isn’t an exception, but a norm. We recognise that balancing career ambitions with family life, personal commitments, or volunteer work requires flexibility. That’s why we actively support women who need adaptable working arrangements, ensuring that career progression isn’t hindered by life outside of work.
  
• Mentorship and leadership development are prioritised. We want to see more women in senior roles, not just within GENE but across the industry. Through mentorship, training, and internal support networks, we’re ensuring that every woman, regardless of where she is in her career, has the guidance to grow.
  
• Diversity and inclusion are lived values. Whether through recruitment strategies that ensure equitable hiring, ensuring open discussions around inclusion, or making space for underrepresented voices, we are committed to building a workplace where women of all backgrounds and abilities are supported.
  
• Wellbeing is embedded in our culture. From supporting new mothers returning to work to championing neurodiversity and disability inclusion, we know that every woman’s journey is different. That’s why we actively listen, adapt, and evolve our policies and practices to ensure that everyone feels valued.
  

Our commitment doesn’t end here. We’ll continue working towards a workplace and an industry where every woman, regardless of role, background, or personal circumstances, has the chance to shape the future of eCommerce on her own terms.

Conclusion: A Collective Celebration

The women of GENE Commerce prove every day that success is not defined by a single role. They are strategists, developers, leaders, mothers, mentors, volunteers, and changemakers. Their contributions shape the company, the industry, and the communities around them.

This International Women’s Day, we want a fanfare to publicly celebrate them, not just for what they do, but for who they are. We encourage everyone, within GENE and beyond, to recognise and champion the women in their lives and workplaces. Progress is made not just through policies but through daily actions: lifting each other up, creating opportunities, and challenging outdated norms.

To every woman at GENE, and to women in tech everywhere: we see you, we celebrate you, and we stand with you.