International Women’s Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of women, reflect on the progress we’ve made toward gender equality, and acknowledge the work still to be done. At ABBYY, we’re proud to have a diverse and talented group of women who are driving innovation, fostering inclusivity, and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
In this article, we hear from three remarkable women—April McCalmont, Dr. Marlene Wolfgruber, and Maria Villar Dude—who share their career journeys, advice, and thoughts on what it means to build an inclusive workplace.
April McCalmont – VP of People
April McCalmont is our Vice President of People here at ABBYY, responsible for our organization’s people strategy and initiatives. With over 20 years of experience in HR, April has dedicated her career to partnering with employees and leaders in the technology sector. At ABBYY, she focuses on fostering a thriving and engaged workplace that aligns with the company’s business strategy.
What’s one piece of career advice you’d give to your younger self?
April’s advice to her younger self is simple yet profound: “Don’t be afraid to say ‘yes.’” She reflects on moments in her career when she hesitated to take on new opportunities due to self-doubt or fear of failure. “I quickly learned that growth happens when we take risks and embrace challenges,” she says. Whether it’s a stretch assignment, a leadership role, or even relocating to a new state, April believes that saying “yes” opens doors to personal and professional development.
“Even if things don’t go perfectly, every experience brings valuable lessons and builds confidence,” she adds. Her message is clear: be confident, work hard, and trust in your ability to learn and grow.
April’s advice resonates with anyone who has ever felt unsure about stepping into the unknown. It’s a reminder that growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones, and the willingness to take risks can lead to unexpected opportunities.
What does a truly inclusive workplace mean to you, and why is it important?
For April, an inclusive workplace is one built on trust, psychological safety, and the freedom to bring your authentic self to work. “It’s a place where learning from mistakes is not just accepted but encouraged,” she explains. Drawing from her own experiences, April has seen the impact of workplaces that prioritize inclusion versus those where employees fear repercussions for speaking up. “When inclusion is a priority, employees feel empowered to contribute, take risks, and grow without fear,” she says.
April’s perspective underscores the importance of creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported. She believes that organizations embracing inclusion not only drive personal success but also achieve greater organizational success. “Ultimately, it’s about creating a culture where everyone can thrive,” she adds.
Dr. Marlene Wolfgruber – Product Marketing Lead, AI
Dr. Marlene Wolfgruber is the Product Marketing Lead for AI at ABBYY. With a background in linguistics and AI, she’s passionate about making complex technology accessible and meaningful for businesses.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to young women looking to break into tech?
Marlene’s advice is to own your strengths. “Technology thrives on diverse perspectives, so bring your unique insights with confidence,” she says. She encourages young women to stay curious, build a strong technical foundation, and seek mentors who inspire them. “Empathy, storytelling, and collaboration are just as crucial as technical skills in driving innovation,” she adds.
Marlene’s advice is a powerful reminder that success in tech isn’t just about technical expertise—it’s also about creativity, communication, and collaboration.
What excites you about the opportunities for women in tech today?
Marlene is excited about the growing momentum toward diversity in tech. “Fields like AI and machine learning are evolving fast, and women have a huge opportunity to shape their direction,” she says. She believes the industry needs more women driving innovation and that the doors are more open than ever for those ready to step up.
Maria Villar Dude – European Public Relations Manager
Maria Villar Dude is the European Relations Manager at ABBYY, managing communications for markets such as the UK, Germany, and France. Originally from Spain, Maria moved to London six years ago for personal and professional growth. Outside of work, she’s passionate about music, photography, and traveling. “I love meeting new people and believe every experience offers something valuable, whether positive or negative,” she shares.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
Maria’s best piece of advice is to “do it even if you think you’re not qualified yet.” She encourages stepping out of your comfort zone, no matter how difficult it seems. “The opportunities you pass up due to self-doubt will be the ones you regret the most,” she says. Maria believes that knowledge and confidence come with practice, and no one is ever truly ready until they take action.
This mindset has helped her not only in her career but also in her personal life. “Trying new things, even when I felt unqualified, has led to unexpected growth,” she tells us. Maria’s story is a reminder that self-doubt can be a barrier to success, but pushing past it can lead to incredible opportunities.
What does International Women’s Month mean to you?
For Maria, International Women’s Month is a time to celebrate the uniqueness, strength, and resilience of every woman. “It’s also a moment of reflection—acknowledging the progress we’ve made, the challenges we’ve overcome, and the work that still lies ahead,” she says. Maria hopes to see more women supporting each other rather than competing. “This month should inspire future generations daily to break barriers, embrace their potential, and redefine possibilities,” she adds.