This year has been particularly rewarding for Reetta, as she received two prestigious rewards recognizing her efforts to champion gender equality in tech. The Mimmit koodaa Award celebrated her significant contributions to increasing diversity in Finland’s IT sector, while the Nordic Women in Tech Ally Award spotlighted her impact across the whole Nordic region.
We spoke to Reetta in a short interview to reflect on what happened in 2024, her advocacy work, and her vision for a more inclusive future in tech.
Reetta’s role at Siili Solutions
In addition to her core responsibilities as an Agile Project Manager and Business Developer, Reetta supports the marketing team and takes part in competence development projects. Her work is constantly evolving. She is currently transitioning between projects, and using the opportunity to explore professional growth, particularly in artificial intelligence. “I believe that AI is something we all need to understand and embrace,” she explains. “I’ve been studying AI because I know it’s going to play an even bigger role in our work and in the tech industry as a whole.”
When reflecting on what she values most in her role, Reetta highlights the importance of meaningful work. “For me, interesting projects are those that allow us to create something innovative and impactful. It’s not just about delivering results; it’s about contributing to something that matters,” she shares.
A year of recognition
2024 has been a milestone year for Reetta, marked by two prestigious awards that recognize her dedication to promoting inclusivity and empowering women in technology. She began the year with the Mimmit koodaa Award, which celebrates efforts to break down barriers for women in Finland’s IT industry. Later, she won the Nordic Women in Tech Ally Award, a recognition that spans five Nordic countries: Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
Reflecting on the significance of these awards, Reetta shares, “These honors mean so much to me personally and professionally. Being recognized for my work as a women-in-tech ally feels like a step toward achieving my goal of making a meaningful impact in the tech industry.”
The Nordic Women in Tech Ally Award held particular significance for Reetta because of its international scope. “I really wanted to win this one because it represents the entire Nordic region. It’s not just about Finland but about inspiring and supporting women in tech across all five countries,” she explains. Competing with finalists from Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark, she brought the award home to Finland—a proud moment for her and a testament to her influence.
For Reetta, these awards are motivation to keep advocating for change. “It’s not always easy being a woman in tech, but I believe women can be anything they want to be—even if they love glitter and pink. I want to help others see that, and these awards remind me that this work matters.”
Podcasting and Instagram
One of the most distinctive symbols of Reetta Siltasalmi-Kautto’s vibrant personality is her pink Tesla. It’s impossible to miss... and that’s exactly the point. She recalls: “When I bought my Tesla, it was blue. But I had dreamed of having a pink car for years, and I thought, ‘Now is the time.’ So I had it wrapped, and that’s how it became my pink Tesla”. Through her podcast and her presence on Instagram, Reeta has become women advocate superhero, inspiring them to pursue careers in tech without having to pretend someone else.
“The car is a conversation starter for sure. People often stop me to ask why it’s pink,” she says with a laugh. “In Finland, it’s not common for strangers to approach you, so it’s always fun when someone feels compelled to talk to me because of the car. I love that it makes people smile or curious.”
In her podcast series Jump in the Pink Tesla, Reetta interviews women role models in the tech industry. “It’s a way to share inspiring stories and show that women belong in tech,” she explains. Her signature pink Tesla is not just a car—it’s a symbol of her message that women in tech can stand out, be bold, and succeed in their own unique way. “Whether it’s pink, glitter, or your favorite color, tech is a place where you can be yourself.”
However, her Instagram channel only complements YouTube and is her main focus on a daily basis. It’s where she combines career advice, IT insights, and motivational content. “Instagram is my main channel,” Reetta says. “I share tips for women considering a career in IT, information about the industry, and even my own experiences. It’s a space where I try to make tech feel approachable and inclusive.”
Managing these platforms independently is no small feat. Reetta admits, “It’s hard work growing your channel organically, especially as an individual without a big corporate machine behind you. But it’s also deeply rewarding because I see the impact it has.” Despite the challenges, she’s determined to continue expanding her reach. “I’m planning to grow, but for now, I’m still doing everything on my own—podcast production, social media management, and video editing.”
Reetta’s online presence has inspired countless women to take their first steps into IT. “I’ve heard so many stories from women who say my content encouraged them to start studying IT or make a career change. It’s amazing to think that what I’m doing is helping others find their path.” For Reetta, these personal success stories are a powerful reminder of the importance of her work. “Every time someone tells me I inspired them, it’s overwhelming in the best way. It makes all the hard work worth it.”
What inspired Reetta to get into IT
Reetta’s journey into IT is rooted in personal inspiration and a passion for technology that began at an early age. She credits her father, who worked in the IT industry, as her first and most enduring role model. “Without my father, I don’t think I would have become an engineer,” she shares. “He had such a big influence on me, even though he passed away over ten years ago. I still feel his impact every day.”
Growing up in Finland during the height of Nokia’s global success also shaped Reetta’s ambitions. “Nokia was everywhere—it was a huge success story in Finland and all over the world. Even though I never worked there, it inspired me to see how impactful technology could be,” she explains. The company’s prominence fueled her curiosity about tech and what it could achieve, further solidifying her decision to pursue a career in the field.
Despite the inspiration, Reetta acknowledges that her path into IT wasn’t always smooth. “It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve always loved tech, and I’ve stayed committed to it,” she says. This resilience has not only driven her own success but also informed her desire to make the industry more welcoming for others. Reetta’s personal story serves as a reminder that while challenges are part of the journey, determination and a clear vision can lead to incredible achievements.
Reetta’s tips for women considering IT as a career
For women contemplating a career in IT, Reetta Siltasalmi-Kautto offers a mix of practical advice and heartfelt encouragement. Drawing from her own experiences, she emphasizes the importance of confidence, perseverance, and curiosity. We’ve compiled her tips into a list:
- Be brave and step into the industry with confidence. The IT industry is still male-dominated, but don’t let that hold you back. Recognize that you belong and have just as much to contribute as anyone else.
- Believe in your potential. Building confidence can take time. Even when faced with challenges, remind yourself that you can learn and overcome them.
- Stay curious and informed. Keep up with the latest trends and innovations in IT. A genuine interest in technology will keep you motivated and help you identify exciting opportunities.
- Be patient with the learning process. IT studies and early career challenges might feel daunting, especially when dealing with technical subjects like math or physics. Remember, patience and perseverance will pay off.
- Embrace your individuality. There’s no one “right way” to be in tech. Whether you love bold colors, glitter, or just the work itself, bring your authentic self to the table—it’s your uniqueness that will set you apart.
- Set goals and keep pushing forward. Early in your career, it might feel like progress is slow. Trust the process, work hard, and stay focused on your long-term goals.
- Recognize that you can learn anything. Technical skills might seem intimidating at first, but they’re not impossible to master. With the right mindset and effort, you can develop the expertise you need to succeed.
Is Siili a good workplace for women?
Reetta speaks highly of Siili Solutions as a workplace that supports diversity and inclusion. “Siili is a good workplace for women. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think they were doing good work in this area.” She credits the company for creating an environment where women can succeed and feel valued.
“Siili does a lot of things right, especially compared to other IT companies in Finland, but I believe we can always do more—whether it’s improving visibility, ensuring equal opportunities for career growth, or creating a more supportive environment for women entering the field.”
One area where Reetta feels improvement is needed is in communication about diversity efforts. “We’re doing great work, but sometimes it feels like those efforts are not necessarily communicated well on the outside. We should talk about it more, make it more visible. It’s important to show people, both inside and outside the company, what we’re doing to support inclusivity.”
Reetta also highlights the broader challenge of achieving gender equality during the slowdown in the industry, which she feels is happening right now.
For Reetta, Siili’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusion are commendable, but they’re part of a larger, ongoing journey. Her vision is clear: keep advancing, keep communicating, and never settle for “good enough” when it comes to equality in the workplace.
Reetta Siltasalmi-Kautto is an Agile project lead at Siili, tech influencer, and podcast host. She specializes in business development and coaching, Reetta combines expertise with a passion for mentoring the next generation of professionals.