For International Women’s Day, we conducted an interview with Celjan Rozko, Vice President of Global Operations at Systematix. Celjan is a leader of one of Canada’s largest IT consulting firms. In this interview, she shares insights into her reality and the challenges she faces, particularly in an industry predominantly occupied by men.
How did you become one of the top leaders at Systematix?
I started my journey at Systematix with the goal of learning as much as I could and solving real problems. Over the years, I took on new challenges, worked closely with our teams and clients and focused on making an impact. I believe that strong leadership comes from collaboration, strategic thinking, and staying adaptable – and that mindset has helped me grow within the organization. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have incredible mentors along the way, and I’ve made it a priority to keep learning and evolving with the industry.
Is your team composed mainly of men or women?
Like most IT firms, our workforce has traditionally been male dominated but I’m proud to say that we are seeing more women entering the field. My leadership team is diverse, with a mix of men and women, and we actively encourage inclusivity at all levels of the organization. I believe that diversity of thought and experience will always make a company stronger.
This year’s International Women’s Day campaign theme is “The Power of Every Story.” What is your biggest challenge?
One of the biggest challenges I face is ensuring that women in technology receive the same opportunities and recognition as their male counterparts. I’ve sat in rooms where I was the only woman, feeling pressure to prove myself by adapting to existing norms. Over time, I have come to realize that my unique perspective and approach are my greatest strengths in the boardroom. The industry is evolving, but unconscious biases and traditional perspectives still exist. I work hard to challenge these perceptions and I believe that by sharing our stories, we can empower the next generation of women in tech.
Do you think your expertise is recognized when talking about technical professions, even as a woman?
Working in the IT industry, I have earned my seat through hard work and results. I recognize that biases still exist, which is why redefining representation in tech leadership matters so much. Credibility will come with knowledge and experience. If you stay informed, and contribute in meaningful ways, your expertise will surpass any stereotype.
“What I love about Systematix is that it’s a very people-focused company that not only welcomes individuals from all around the world but truly supports them by offering activities and fostering an open and friendly culture. We’re not just colleagues — we can also build real human connections.”
“Respect and trust are two essential values for me in a lasting relationship. These have always been strong at Systematix. A large part of the credit for my professional longevity goes to the wonderful management team that has supported me in Québec for the past 40 years.”
“Since joining Systematix, I’ve had the opportunity to work at the heart of the STX Studio on a variety of projects that have allowed me to strengthen my skills in .NET Core and SQL. This experience has been invaluable for my professional development.”
“After 13 years at Systematix, I’ve gone from developer to architect thanks to the support Systematix provides for skill development. I actively contribute to our DevOps and Agile community to help continue sharing knowledge with our consultants. Systematix truly enjoys helping its employees grow — and I really appreciate that!”
“I have been working at Systematix for 22 years now. I consider myself fortunate to be part of a team that truly cares about client satisfaction and employee growth.”
“Working with Systematix and staff has been a pleasure over the years. Their team’s experience and professionalism were evident from start to finish. The level of their clientele is Tier 1, and as such, you immediately know you're dealing with the right organization that elevates your own career through association.”
“Time flies! It’s already been 35 years that Systematix has allowed me to take on exciting assignments within major companies. I truly appreciate the internal team, who have always supported me and helped me grow both professionally and personally.”
“It’s a pleasure to grow within a company that listens and truly takes care of its people! When I expressed my interest in joining the Development Center of Excellence at the STX Studio, I was thrilled to be offered the opportunity to join the team right away.”
“I’ve enjoyed my past 8 years at Systematix because the environment is the perfect mix for me: challenging and supportive in equal measure. We’re all given what we need to succeed and made to feel like an important part of the team.”
“After seven years as part of the amazing talent acquisition team at the Montréal office, I developed an increasingly strong desire to support our consultants. I shared my interest in human resources with management, and they offered me the opportunity to join the HR team. I’m truly excited about all the new challenges ahead!”
“I’ve been part of the Systematix team for 20 years now, and I still enjoy overcoming every challenge alongside this fantastic team. At Systematix, every victory is a team effort! I’m also grateful to have been able to grow professionally within the company. It has become a bit like a second family.”
"Working with Systematix has been one of the best investments that I've made in my Professional IT Consulting Career. The firm has been effective at connecting me with opportunities that align with my interests, experiences and skills. The staff at Systematix are experts in their various departments so I always feel supported when searching for interesting opportunities, updating my resume, completing matrix, client interviews, etc."
“I have been affiliated with Systematix since 2004 as they are unique in their ability to offer challenging and diverse opportunities for mutual benefit and professional growth."
"Systematix’s professionalism is excellent. Their team has consistently found opportunities to allow me to grow as a professional over several years. Their deep understanding and knowledge of client needs always allows for easy transitions from one great opportunity to the next"
"Systematix has supported me every step of the way throughout my journey as a Project Manager. It has been an absolute pleasure working with such a professional, knowledgeable and responsive team."
Do you think being a woman in a male-dominated industry has influenced your success?
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry has definitely shaped my journey. There have been times when I’ve felt the need to work harder to prove myself, but that’s only strengthened my determination and resilience. This has led me to develop a different perspective on leadership – one that values collaboration and adaptability. I believe in bringing people together and finding creative ways to overcome challenges.
Do you believe there is discrimination against women in technical professions?
While progress has been made, discrimination in tech still exists. Women often face unconscious bias and barriers when breaking into male-dominated networks. That’s why it’s so important to keep challenging outdated gender perceptions. That said, I am optimistic. More organizations are recognizing the value of diversity and we are seeing more women stepping into leadership roles than ever before.
How does it feel to be a woman leading a Canadian company with over 800 employees?
It’s a big responsibility but an incredible opportunity to make an impact on the business. I am privileged to work with such talented people who are shaping the future of our company. I am proud of the work we’re doing and excited about the future.
Do you feel that in 2025, women have professionally reached equity compared to men?
We’ve made significant progress, but there’s still work to do when it comes to true equity. Women have more opportunities than ever, but barriers to advancement still exist – especially in tech. At Systematix, we’re making equity and inclusion a priority. We’re committed to making sure everyone has the same respect, influence and opportunities to grow.
In conclusion, do you have a message for other women aspiring to become inspiring leaders?
Believing in yourself will always be your biggest strength. Do not wait for anyone’s permission to go after what you want. Stay curious, keep learning and surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you to grow.
