At GEP, we continue to celebrate the remarkable women who shape our success and drive innovation across the company. In this installment of the She Shines Series, we are excited to introduce Irina Marr—a former fashion designer whose leap into the tech world has brought creativity and innovation to GEP's UX design team.
Finding Her True Path
Irina’s career began in a completely different industry, but her passion for design led her to explore new opportunities. After over 20 years of design experience, she felt it was time for a change. With a thirst for learning and growth, Irina enrolled in a UX design boot camp that sparked her interest in tech and business. "I knew I loved my visual and design skills and wanted to apply them in a fresh, innovative way," Irina explains.
This decision opened doors for Irina at GEP, where she joined the team through a seamless transition facilitated by her boot camp’s strong career placement program. Irina quickly found her stride in this new world of UX design and procurement technology.
Growth, Mentorship, and Success
The transition to GEP brought new challenges, but Irina embraced them as opportunities for growth. "The learning curve was steep, but with the support of my mentors and colleagues, I was able to adapt quickly," she shares. GEP’s collaborative environment allowed her to develop new skills and thrive. What initially seemed like hurdles became steppingstones to success, helping Irina unlock strengths she hadn’t realized she possessed.
"I discovered that what I once thought were weaknesses were actually areas where I could excel with the right support and guidance," she reflects. Her journey underscores GEP's commitment to continuous learning, growth, and a supportive workplace where women can flourish in their careers.
Making an Impact and Leading the Way
At GEP, Irina has achieved several milestones, from leading initiatives to unify design and engineering teams to mentoring junior designers—many of whom are women. "I’ve had the privilege of helping others grow into their roles, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see my mentees thrive," Irina says.
Her dedication to mentorship has strengthened the team and fostered a culture of collaboration. By encouraging her colleagues to develop their own strengths and providing guidance along the way, Irina is helping shape the future of UX design at GEP.
Inspiring Future Generations
Irina is passionate about paving the way for future generations of women in tech. "Networking and mentorship are key. It's not just about what you know, but who you know, and the support systems you create along the way," she says. She believes that creating meaningful connections with others in the industry is essential for personal and professional growth.
Her advice to young women starting in the industry? "Diversify your knowledge and socialize with different personalities—it will help you grow both personally and professionally." Irina’s journey from fashion to tech innovation is a powerful reminder of how embracing change and leveraging your strengths can lead to remarkable success.
Join us in celebrating Irina Marr’s journey and stay tuned for more stories in our She Shines Series, where we continue to highlight the inspiring women at GEP who are making a difference and paving the way for future generations.
