The latest installment in our Q&A series with women leaders in data features Ghada Richani, the Managing Director of Data & Technology Strategy and the Project Management Office at Bank of America. (Read our previous Q&A here.)

An award-winning tech community thought leader, Ghada Richani started her career at Bank of America in 2001. She worked her way up from AVP to her current role as the Managing Director of Data & Technology Strategy and the Project Management Office, where she leads a team of experts in implementing the organization’s consumer data strategy. An advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Ghada also serves as a mentor for the Grace Hopper Organization, a nonprofit empowering women in the field of technology. She was recently featured in the DataIQ100 list of most influential people in data, and she won WLDA’s Data Leader of the Year award in 2023. You can follow Ghada on LinkedIn.

What inspired you to choose a career in data?

My inspiration stems from my fascination with the power of information to drive decisions and transform industries. Early in my career, I realized how data could reveal patterns, tell compelling stories, and enable innovative solutions to complex problems. It felt like unlocking a superpower – a way to see beyond the obvious and uncover opportunities.

Additionally, my passion for diversity and inclusion played a significant role. I saw data as not just a technical field but as a space where I could champion equitable practices, particularly in elevating women’s careers in data and AI. This intersection of analytical rigor and social impact keeps me motivated, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to lead teams where our work contributes to meaningful progress both within and beyond the organization.

Favorite female role model or mentor who encouraged you to succeed?

My mom has always been my greatest role model and mentor, inspiring me to succeed in every area of my life. Despite not having the opportunity to receive an education herself and growing up in challenging circumstances, she made it her mission to ensure my siblings and I had the chance to attend college.

We weren’t a well-off family, but she and my dad worked tirelessly and sacrificed so much to create opportunities for us that they never had. Her resilience, resourcefulness, and sheer determination showed me the power of grit and unwavering commitment to a goal.

One of the most impactful lessons she taught me is that true leadership isn’t about titles or privilege – it’s about perseverance, lifting others up, and leading with kindness and strength. Watching her overcome challenges with such grace motivated me to embrace leadership roles with confidence and to focus on using my own success to help others.

Her unwavering belief in our potential and her sacrifices to build a better future for us continue to inspire me daily. Everything I achieve is rooted in the lessons she instilled and the incredible example she set.

Best advice you’d give to other women aspiring to work in data and become data leaders?

Own your unique perspective and bring it to the table confidently. Diversity of thought is one of the most valuable assets in data, and your experiences and insights can drive innovation and inclusivity in the field.

This cannot be accomplished without:

• Investing in continuous learning: Data is a rapidly evolving field, so stay curious and keep building your technical skills. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and never shy away from exploring new tools or methodologies.
• Seeking and building support networks: Find mentors and allies who can guide and support you, and don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and others. Surrounding yourself with a strong network can make all the difference.
• Being bold and asking questions: Don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions or bring a fresh perspective to the conversation. Asking insightful questions is a hallmark of a great data leader.
• Remembering your “why”: Data is not just about numbers; it’s about impact. Whether you’re solving business problems or driving social change, always connect your work to the bigger picture – it will keep you motivated and focused.

Finally, don’t let self-doubt hold you back. You belong in the room, and your contributions are valuable. Step into your role with confidence and a commitment to making a difference.

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