Elodie Kunz: using data to create meaning and balance

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, 8 March, SQLI is highlighting women in Tech who contribute every day to the evolution of our professions. These unique and inspiring journeys demonstrate that tech can also be expressed in the feminine, without compromising on expertise, ambition or work–life balance.

Today, we give the floor to Élodie Kunz, Project Manager and Data Practice Leader at SQLI, whose career perfectly illustrates the richness and diversity of the opportunities available in this sector, which remains largely male-dominated.

A scientific path that found its place in data

Nothing initially destined Élodie for a career in data… and yet. From her early studies, she chose a scientific path, with a strong interest in mathematics. After beginning her academic journey in physics and chemistry, she switched to mathematics before discovering computer science and algorithms, which gradually began to make sense to her.

What I liked was seeing a concrete application of mathematics. I realised that computer science could be a very rich field of expression.

Step by step, Élodie moved towards computer science through to her master’s degree, initially developing an interest in software development. However, she soon realised that what truly motivated her went beyond simply writing code.

I have never been a ‘geek’ in the strict sense of the term. What I enjoyed was understanding the need, thinking about the solution and structuring a project.

This broader approach naturally led her towards project management and data, a field that was still not widely known at the time but already full of potential and meaning.

SQLI: a place for growth and learning

Élodie joined SQLI at the beginning of her career and built a rich professional path combining data expertise, project leadership and management. Over nearly ten years, she worked on a variety of assignments including data engineering, data visualisation, business analysis and project management.

“At SQLI, I had the opportunity to grow, to try different roles and to take on responsibilities.

She notably held a management role in a regional office before continuing her career in a start-up specialising in data platforms, where she further developed her vision of “data serving business needs.”

After several years, the desire to return to a more stable environment, combined with a personal life change, naturally brought her back to SQLI.

Being a woman in tech: more a matter of mindset than gender

Tech remains a predominantly male environment, and the data sector is no exception. Yet Élodie has never felt limited because she is a woman.

I have never felt illegitimate because I am a woman. The real challenge is demonstrating that you master your subject, just like anyone else.

According to her, data is probably one of the most open fields when it comes to diversity, because it offers a wide variety of roles, ranging from highly technical positions to roles that are much more business-oriented.

In data, there is no single typical profile. We need very technical people, but also people who are able to give meaning to the data.

For Élodie, the main barrier appears earlier, when it comes to education and career guidance.

The real issue is education and guidance. Women should not put barriers in front of themselves before even trying.

Sharing knowledge, support and legitimacy

Today, Élodie places great importance on knowledge sharing and mentoring. Supporting more junior project managers, sharing her experience, reassuring colleagues and helping them gain confidence are all elements she considers essential for promoting professional equality.

Feeling supported and guided makes all the difference when you take on a new role.

She also highlights the importance of close mentoring, particularly in organisations where teams can sometimes be geographically dispersed.

Balancing career and personal life: a key equality challenge

Like many women, the arrival of a child marked a turning point in her career. Not a barrier, but rather a question of redefining balance.

The real challenge is not finding your path; it is finding an organisation that allows you to balance professional and personal life.

Remote working, flexibility and the ability to adapt her working schedule were key factors in her decision to return to SQLI.

Being able to organise my work differently allows me to fully commit to my job without giving up my personal life.

A message for women who are still hesitating

On this International Women’s Day, Élodie would like to share a simple and straightforward message:

Do not put barriers in front of yourself. If a subject interests you, try it, explore it and dare to take the step. Tech and data offer countless possible paths.

She also emphasises how much diversity strengthens teams and projects.