Priya Yesare on Leadership, Mentorship, and Women in Tech

HackerNoon editorial team has launched this interview series with women in tech to celebrate their achievements and share their struggles. We need more women in technology, and by sharing stories, we can encourage many girls to follow their dreams. Share your story today!

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Priya Yesare, and I have always been passionate about technology and problem-solving. From an early age, I was fascinated by how software powers the world around us, which led me to pursue a career in software quality assurance and test automation.

I thrive on learning and innovation, constantly taking on new challenges to enhance software reliability and efficiency. With extensive experience in test automation, CI/CD, and quality engineering, I have played a critical role in ensuring the success of enterprise applications, particularly in the payment and insurance industries.

As a technical leader, I specialize in designing and implementing scalable test automation frameworks using Playwright, TypeScript, and Cucumber, optimizing software delivery pipelines, and driving predictive analytics and self-healing automation strategies. My ability to bridge the gap between technology and business needs has been instrumental in leading high-impact projects.

Beyond my technical contributions, I actively mentor both onshore and offshore QA teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Additionally, I lead a development team, ensuring smooth execution of client deliverables while aligning business goals with technological advancements.

I am passionate about building high-performing teams, driving innovation, and delivering high-quality software solutions that enhance user experiences.

Currently working as Principal SQA Engineering at Asurion and I hold a Master of Computer Applications degree from the India.

Why did you choose this field in the first place?

I have always been interested in technology and problem-solving, which led me to start my career as a software developer. While working in development, I realized that great software isn’t just about writing code—it’s about making sure it works flawlessly. This sparked my interest in software quality assurance and test automation, and I transitioned into QA to focus on building more reliable, efficient, and high-performing systems.

I was drawn to QA and automation because it helps improve software reliability, speed up delivery, and enhance user experience. I enjoy building test frameworks, optimizing CI/CD pipelines, and mentoring teams to ensure high-quality software. Knowing that my work helps create stable and efficient products keeps me motivated and passionate about this field.

What tech are you most excited/passionate about right now and why?

I'm really excited about how AI is transforming test automation in software quality assurance. Tools like predictive analytics, self-healing automation, and AI-powered test generation are making testing faster and more efficient.

I'm especially passionate about using AI to improve test automation frameworks by reducing test flakiness, optimizing execution, and cutting down on maintenance. With my background in Playwright, TypeScript, and Cucumber, I see great potential to enhance CI/CD pipelines by using AI for smarter test selection and self-correcting scripts.

The idea that AI can predict failures, boost test efficiency, and make software more reliable really excites me. I'm always eager to stay ahead of these trends and bring more innovation into my work.

What tech are you most worried about right now and why?

One of the technologies I’m most concerned about right now is AI-driven deepfakes and misinformation. While AI has brought incredible advancements, the rise of synthetic media, manipulated videos, and AI-generated content poses serious risks.

Deepfakes are becoming more realistic and harder to detect, making it easier to spread false information, manipulate public opinion, and even commit fraud. This is particularly concerning in elections, finance, and cybersecurity, where trust and authenticity are critical.

Another area of concern is the ethical use of AI—as AI systems make more decisions in hiring, lending, and law enforcement, biases in algorithms can lead to unfair treatment and discrimination. Ensuring AI transparency, accountability, and ethical regulations is crucial to prevent unintended harm.

While AI is an exciting and powerful tool, it’s important to use it responsibly and develop safeguards to minimize risks while maximizing its benefits.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of tech?

Outside of tech, I find joy in cooking and cleaning, as they allow me to unwind and stay organized. I take pride in experimenting with new recipes and preparing meals for my loved ones. It’s a creative outlet for me, and I love the satisfaction that comes with it. Spending quality time with my family is also a top priority—whether it's enjoying meals together, having meaningful conversations, or simply relaxing. These activities provide me with a sense of balance and help recharge my energy for the challenges I face in my professional life.

Additionally, I have a passion for writing and enjoy publishing articles on software testing. Sharing my knowledge and insights through writing allows me to contribute to the testing community, explore new ideas, and stay engaged with the latest advancements in the field. It’s a rewarding way to connect with other professionals and continuously learn while giving back to the industry.

Let's talk about breaking the glass ceiling. What were the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in tech, and how did you deal with them?

As an Indian woman in tech, I was initially quite shy and reserved, often staying in the background and not speaking up as much. However, I had a female manager early in my career who really helped me step out of my shell. She recognized my potential and encouraged me to voice my opinions and take on challenges outside my comfort zone. Her guidance and support were pivotal in building my confidence, and over time, I started to embrace my strengths and assert myself more in meetings and team discussions.

This experience has been incredibly empowering, both personally and professionally. It taught me the importance of mentorship and how much it can shape someone's career trajectory. Today, I feel more confident in my abilities, and I'm passionate about passing on the same encouragement and guidance to others, especially women who may be facing similar challenges.

Any questionable misogynistic story/situation you faced/handled, and you want to share with the HackerNoon Fam?

Early in my career, I faced some challenges as a woman in tech, particularly with perceptions around favoritism. There were times when colleagues assumed that I was getting special treatment, which wasn't the case, and it was a bit frustrating. Additionally, when I had to leave work early for personal reasons, it wasn't always understood that I would make up for it by working late into the night to ensure my tasks were completed.

Thankfully, I had a supportive female manager who helped me find my confidence and encouraged me to step out of my shell. Her guidance allowed me to grow both personally and professionally, and over time, I learned how to navigate these situations more effectively. It taught me the importance of staying focused on my work and addressing misunderstandings with clarity and professionalism.

What was the biggest setback/failure that you faced, and how did you manage it?

One of my biggest challenges was being dependent on a work visa. The uncertainty made career growth difficult since I had to carefully choose job opportunities while following immigration rules. It was stressful knowing that my future wasn’t entirely in my hands, despite my skills and experience.

To handle this, I focused on doing my best at work, building a strong reputation, and making a meaningful impact in my organization. This experience taught me resilience, patience, and adaptability, helping me grow both personally and professionally.

What's your biggest achievement that you're really proud of?

One of my biggest achievements is stepping out of my shell and growing into a leadership role in tech. As an Indian woman, I started my career being shy and reserved, but with the support of a great female mentor, I gained the confidence to speak up, take ownership, and lead teams.

I’m especially proud of the impact I’ve made in automation testing. I played a key role in designing and implementing a robust test automation framework using Playwright, TypeScript, and Cucumber, which significantly improved efficiency and reduced testing time. Additionally, mentoring onshore and offshore teams and leading critical projects has been incredibly fulfilling.

Overcoming challenges, proving my capabilities, and contributing to high-impact projects have made this journey rewarding, and I’m excited to continue growing and making a difference.

In your opinion, why do we see this huge gender gap in the tech industry, and how can we reduce it?

The gender gap in tech exists because of historical biases, lack of representation, and societal norms that have discouraged women from pursuing STEM careers. Many young girls don’t see female role models in tech, making it harder to imagine themselves in the field. In some workplaces, women also face challenges in getting equal opportunities to grow and advance.

To close this gap, we need to encourage young girls to explore technology through STEM programs and mentorship. Companies should create more inclusive environments by providing equal opportunities, addressing biases, and supporting women in leadership. Strong mentorship, allyship, and a better work-life balance can make the industry more welcoming for women. The more we support and uplift women in tech, the closer we get to bridging the gap.

Who is your tech idol? Why?

One of my biggest tech idols is Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code. I admire her because she has been a strong advocate for closing the gender gap in tech and empowering women to break barriers in the industry. She not only created opportunities for young girls to learn coding but also started an important conversation about why women hesitate to take risks and how we can change that.

Her work inspires me because I’ve experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to find your voice in tech as a woman. Her message about being brave rather than perfect really resonates with me, and I try to apply that mindset in my own journey—whether it’s leading teams, mentoring others, or pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.

Do you have any advice for aspiring girls who want to join the field?

My advice for girls who want to join tech is to believe in yourself and not let self-doubt stop you. You don’t need to know everything right away—what matters is your willingness to learn and grow. Ask questions, take on challenges, and step out of your comfort zone.

Find mentors and people who support you because having the right guidance makes a big difference. Be confident, speak up, and know that you belong in this field. Tech is always changing, and we need more diverse voices. Keep going, and don’t be afraid to break barriers!