Meet the Herd: Shashi Shetty
Today is International Women in Tech Day, a global celebration recognising the contributions of women in technology and championing gender equality across the industry. It’s a day dedicated to fostering a more diverse and inclusive tech community and to mark the occasion, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Shashi, who we’re celebrating as the face of the day here at BlakYaks.
Hi Shashi! Tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a passionate technologist with a strong interest in building scalable, secure and efficient cloud solutions. Over the years, I’ve worked across various industries, helping clients modernise their infrastructure, implement DevSecOps best practices and leverage cloud native tools to accelerate their digital transformation. Outside of work, I enjoy reading books, cooking, exploring new places and knitting.
What is your role at BlakYaks?
I am a Sr. Cloud Engineer at BlakYaks. My focus is on designing and implementing cloud native solutions, primarily on Microsoft Azure. I work closely with clients to align their cloud strategy with business goals, ensuring their environments are not just operational, but optimised for performance, security and compliance.
What does a typical day look like for you and what are you currently working on?
No two days are quite the same, which is one of the things I love most about my role. A typical day includes architecture design sessions, reviewing infrastructure as code (Terraform), advising clients on best practices and working with cross-functional teams to deliver secure, automated and resilient cloud environments. Currently, I’m working on migrating workloads from on-premises to cloud.
What inspired you to pursue a career in technology?
Curiosity & Fascination. I’ve always been fascinated by how things work behind the scenes - whether it was breaking apart gadgets as a kid or figuring out how software systems interact. My inspiration came from a fascination with how technology can transform lives. Growing up, I saw the impact of technology on education, healthcare and communication, and I wanted to be part of that change. The endless possibilities and the constant evolution of the tech field keep me motivated.
What motivated you to specialise in cloud engineering rather than other tech fields?
Cloud is the backbone of modern digital infrastructure. It’s where innovation happens - whether it's AI, big data or IoT. What excites me about cloud engineering is its constant evolution and the impact it has across every industry. The blend of architecture, automation, security and scalability offers endless opportunities to learn and make a difference.
What steps do you think the tech industry can take to better support and empower women in technical roles?
Representation and inclusion are key. The industry needs to create environments where women feel seen, heard, and supported. This includes mentorship programs, equitable pay, inclusive hiring practices and safe spaces for open conversations. Encouraging women to take up leadership roles and creating visibility for their achievements also plays a huge part in shaping an inclusive culture.
What advice would you give to women looking to specialise in cloud engineering or technical roles?
Believe in your capability, even when it feels intimidating. Start small - pick a cloud provider, take hands-on labs, and get comfortable with infrastructure concepts. Find a mentor or join a community - you’ll be surprised how helpful and supportive the cloud community is. Most importantly, stay curious and never stop learning. Your unique perspective is your strength.
