Parenting Pathways: Suchi Annasami

Real Stories from Science Moms

Scientists devote an enormous amount of time and energy to their research. Parents commit themselves to the needs and well-being of their children. What happens when these two worlds come together and scientists, particularly women, become parents? How do we navigate the world of motherhood while maintaining and building a career in science? The Parenting Pathways Blog asks real women in science to share their stories and give personal insights into navigating a career in science as a mother.

Meet Suchi Annasami, Sr Manager, Collaboration Solutions at Palo Alto Networks

Tell us about your STEM background, the path to your current position, and how having children fit into your career.

I have an educational background in Human Resources from India. I moved to the USA after my marriage and I started my career as a Recruiting coordinator 14 years ago. After 7 years in various HR roles, there was a part of me that did not enjoy being in HR. Though my ability of being a people person was brought out in the HR roles, I missed working in technology. So, I moved to a technology role, where I designed product features for a leading SAAS company. I started my family after I moved into this role, and they have always been part of my career. It felt like they were the missing piece in the puzzle. They just fit in perfectly and I learned a lot from them. Now, I am better at time management, and realized that multitasking is a REAL thing! I have learned to be patient, and I am a better people manager!

While you were pursuing your education, did anyone ever talk about raising a family and continuing to build a STEM career?

It is very common in India for parents to expect you to get married, have a reasonable paying job, and have kids. Having said that, raising a family of my own was something I always wanted for myself. My parents wanted me to study engineering, but I chose Human Resources and later realized that it was not the right choice for me. My mom was an entrepreneur, and she started a small business out of home, and eventually employed about 20 people in a custom tailoring boutique. She was a supplier of women’s clothing to major stores in India. It was unusual for a woman in India to run a business, but that was completely normal for me. She established her business at the age of 40 after she had kids, and ran it successfully .Having seen her do it all, I knew career and family would both be part of me. I never thought of my family as a hindrance to my growth, but rather my strength and support system for what I wanted to achieve in my life.

Did you face any obstacles reaching your professional and family goals?

I could say that I have faced obstacles professionally, as well as personally, but I prefer to look at them as life-changing events that gave me a different life perspective/outlook. There have been times where I have felt overwhelmed with trying to get pregnant, manage my career and remain sane throughout that process. I went through 3 high-risk pregnancies and lost one of my children during delivery. These life-altering events and experiences made me value what I have for myself even more. It taught me perseverance, and made me strong. I no longer give up until I have given 100% to everything I do.

Considering your current position, are you where you thought you would be when you first started your career in STEM?

Absolutely NOT. Product Management was not something I had thought of, even in my dreams. When I was talking to a friend about my frustrations about my last job, he suggested I apply for Product Management. I laughed at him and said - “Who would hire me to be a product manager”. He told me not to self select myself out, and to let the hiring manager or the recruiter decide that. Men apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of them. I took his comment to heart and I do not self select myself to a job position anymore. If I like what I see and if it meets my career goals, I apply for the job. This motto has helped me land on amazing opportunities. At some point, I did aim to be a people manager, I definitely put my heart and soul into what I did, I worked hard and I learned from many amazing managers, who I wanted to be like. I also learned from others on what kind of manager I don't want to be. When I interviewed at my current company, my hiring manager believed in me. I came with no prior people management or experience in the IT department, but he saw capability in me. I started a new job as a manager and I think I am doing a reasonably good job, still a long way to go!

Did you ever make a decision that impacted your career specifically because you were a parent?

After having kids, I prioritized my profession over my passions. I love to do theatre work, to paint, and I was also learning to play the piano. I had to stop my piano classes, and my theatre work temporarily. Now that my kids are past the toddler phase, I have recently started my painting classes again. I also take opportunities for theatre work every now and then, and my husband has always been supportive of my passions and interests.Another period that impacted my life was when I went through postpartum depression after my tough pregnancy for my second child. I didn’t realize it then, but I lost interest in everything including my career. Although I got back to work after my maternity break, it took me almost a year to get back to my normal self.

Knowing what you know now would have done anything differently while pursuing your scientific career?

I wish I was introduced to technology much earlier in my career and I wish I had listened to my parents about studying technology. At the same time, I have no regrets about how my career and my personal life took me to where I am today. I let things happen organically, evaluated where I was in my career, and worked towards my next goals. My HR background helped me navigate into the field of technology and my kids taught my skills that I never knew I had!

What would you tell the women entering science today about being a parent and a STEM professional?

I would like to tell Women entering science today that don't let anyone stereotype you. You are built to achieve big things in life. By entering this not so perfect world, you are creating a better and more accepting future to your daughters (and sons). So, Girl, Don't let anyone stop YOU!

Are there any resources that you would like to see for parents in STEM professions (or those that want to become parents)? Are there any established resources that you found particularly helpful as a scientist and a parent?

Look for resources on social media and at your place of work to be part of network groups. The network groups have been my biggest source of support. You can always find parents and other like minded people from your culture or others culture to offer their help.Find a mentor, with whom you can talk to freely without being judged.If you can find a babysitter or a friend to watch your kid, take the time you need for yourself. I have a support group whom I can depend on to watch my kids when my husband and I need time for ourselves.

What do your kids think about your work?

They are too young to form opinions. In my current role, I work on Slack, G Suite and other collaboration tools. My 7-year-old is very curious about what I do at my job. He asks me a lot of questions and has been attending a lot of meetings with me during the pandemic. He once told my coworker I am not paying attention in the meeting and typing something else in Google docs (I was taking notes). He does not quite understand what I do. He thinks I help people with different passwords for different technologies (in his own words). He does pick on some cues. The other day, he tried to download Slack on his laptop to communicate with me. He is also into Google Docs and Google Slides. He has mentioned, at least once, that he wants to grow up and help collaborate more easily like it is happening in real time.

Is there anything else that you would like to mention that is not covered in the previous questions?

Keep your family informed about your career choices and set expectations on the support you need from them, but remember it is a two-way street. My husband took a major career setback and gave up his dream of running a startup after our first kid. It was a family decision for us, and although I have resentment for it, he doesn't. Another instance is when he took a new job a week before the delivery of our second born! We support each other's career decisions unconditionally Author BioSweta Ravisankar is originally from India and moved to the U.S. after her Masters in Biotechnology. Finding her way through the vast field of biology, she landed on an island called reproductive biology. She has completed her Ph.D. and is currently working at OHSU as A Senior Research Associate studying non-human primate ovarian physiology and preimplantation embryo development. Sweta is interested in (in)fertility studies and understanding the male and female gamete production. Outside of the lab, she is a professional Bharatanatyam (Indian Classical dance) dancer and performs throughout the US and in India.