When we launched ElevatEd by Guidewire in partnership with the Foundation for Excellence (FFE), our goal was simple. We wanted to help talented young women from underserved communities access engineering education and build pathways into technology careers.
Through scholarships, guidance, and access to a broader professional network, the program was designed to support scholars throughout their academic journey. Beyond financial support, scholars gain access to a network of Guidewire employees who serve as mentors, sharing their experiences, offering guidance, and helping students better understand the opportunities and pathways available to them in technology.
Since welcoming our first cohort, we have continued to explore meaningful ways to help students gain exposure, build confidence, and connect with the people and experiences that can shape their futures.
Learning from Our Leaders
One of the most memorable milestones for the program was welcoming a group of ElevatEd scholars to the Guidewire Bengaluru office for an in-person interaction with members of Guidewire's global leadership team.
The students had the opportunity to meet Diego Devalle, Michael Mahoney, James Dolph, Mohammed Anzy, Lakshmi Ramachandran, and Sushma Shivaraj. For many of them, it was their first experience engaging directly with senior leaders from a global technology company.
The session offered insights into Guidewire's vision and business, and also became a space for open conversations about career journeys, leadership, overcoming challenges, and the possibilities that lie ahead for aspiring engineers. Students asked thoughtful questions, shared their aspirations, and gained perspectives from leaders who have built successful careers across different parts of the world.
What made the experience especially meaningful was the accessibility of the conversation. The opportunity to interact directly with leaders helped make ambitious career goals feel more tangible and achievable.
ElevatEd scholars meet with Guidewire leadership
Building Connections Through Mentorship
As part of our continued efforts to connect scholars with the industry, we partnered with our customer, CSAA Insurance Group, and our strategic consulting partner, EY, for a day of mentorship and networking at our Guidewire Bengaluru office.
The scholars participated in interactive discussions with leaders from Guidewire, CSAA, and EY, gaining valuable exposure to different career paths and perspectives from across the technology and insurance industries. They also shared their own academic journeys, highlighting the determination and resilience that have brought them this far.
A highlight of the day was a speed mentoring session where students engaged in one-on-one conversations with professionals from all three organizations. These interactions gave scholars the opportunity to seek advice, ask questions, and receive guidance tailored to their goals and interests.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, where each scholar had the chance to continue conversations with mentors and leaders in a more informal setting. The experience created new connections, expanded professional networks, and reinforced the importance of community in supporting the next generation of women in STEM.
CSAA, EY, and Guidewire leadership with ElevatEd scholars
ElevatEd scholars posing for a picture during their visit
ElevatEd scholars during the mentorship lunch
Celebrating Women's Day by Investing in the Future
For International Women's Day, we chose to focus on the women who will shape the future of our industry.
Rather than limiting the occasion to internal celebrations, women employees across Guidewire India came together to create thoughtful gift kits for the ElevatEd scholars. The initiative served as a reminder that empowering women in technology is not only about celebrating achievements today, but also about investing in the women who will shape the industry tomorrow.
Each kit was assembled with care and accompanied by messages of encouragement from employees who wanted to share their support with students navigating the early stages of their engineering journeys.
The activity created a powerful connection between current and future generations of women in technology, reinforcing the idea that progress is strongest when opportunities, knowledge, and encouragement are passed forward.
Looking Ahead
At its core, ElevatEd by Guidewire is about expanding access and creating opportunities. While scholarships remain a critical foundation, experiences that build confidence, exposure, and community are equally important in helping students realize their potential.
As the program continues to evolve, we remain committed to creating meaningful opportunities for scholars to learn, connect, and grow. Together with partners such as Foundation for Excellence, CSAA, and EY, we are helping create pathways for talented young women to pursue careers in engineering and technology.
The experiences highlighted here are only part of the journey. We will continue to invest in opportunities that help scholars expand their networks, develop new perspectives, and build the confidence to pursue their ambitions, ensuring that the support they receive extends well beyond the scholarship itself.