Motherhood, work, and inclusivity: the example of Ana Lucia

Being honest, even at work, isn't always easy. But Ana Lucia chose transparency from her very first interview, openly sharing her desire to become a mother. Instead of a closed door, she found a company ready to welcome her and value her skills. Today, she is a software developer in the Enterprise Digital Evolution BU and the mother of a child—thanks in part to a team and an organization that allow her to manage both challenges with balance and peace of mind.

What has your personal and professional journey been like?

I came to Italy from Peru in 2009 through family reunification: my mother had already been working here for a few years, after spending some time in Argentina, and my father and I joined her. The initial impact was intense—I didn’t know the language, the culture was different, and to continue my studies I had to repeat a school year, as required for students coming from South America. It wasn’t easy, but I found a welcoming school environment, supportive people, and teachers who were ready to help me.

After graduating from high school, I decided to enroll in the Computer Engineering program at Roma Tre University. I enjoyed it so much that I went on to complete my master’s degree, which I earned in 2019. Shortly after, I started working at a consulting firm, where I gained my first experiences in the world of software development, working on various projects and building a solid foundation for my professional career.

I stayed there for about four years, then I felt the need for a change—to look for an environment where I could grow further and have more opportunities. And that’s how I ended up at this company.

How long have you been at Mashfrog? Tell us about your first interview.

I joined Mashfrog in november 2023 as a software developer in the SAP field, within the Enterprise Digital Evolution BU. I entered the company at a very special time in my life: I had recently gotten married and was beginning to plan for a more stable future, both personally and professionally.

During my first interview, I immediately shared that I wanted to become a mother in the near future. It was a delicate choice—because in many work environments, that kind of information might delay or prevent a job offer. But the reaction I received was eye-opening and, in some ways, surprising: "So what? What’s the problem?" That response was a clear and powerful signal to me. It made me feel I was being evaluated for my skills, knowledge, and motivation—not for a personal situation that, in many other places, might have been seen as a limitation. So I accepted the offer without hesitation, feeling welcomed and respected as a person even before being recognized as a professional.

Before I even started working, I found out I was pregnant. At that point, I immediately informed the company, fearing there might be a change in attitude. But once again, the response was positive: no step back—on the contrary, I felt trust and support from day one.

So I joined Mashfrog in my third month of pregnancy, and right away I was assigned to a major project for a public sector client. I had the opportunity to contribute actively, supported by a close-knit team and a manager who was always attentive and available. I worked until the end of my pregnancy—practically up to the day before giving birth—without any pressure, but with great enthusiasm. This was made possible thanks to the flexibility of smart working, the constant support of my team, and an environment where I never felt excluded or treated differently. On the contrary, I received clear confirmation that at Mashfrog, professionalism and personal life can coexist without compromise.

What was it like coming back from maternity leave?

Coming back went really well. After the five months of maternity leave, I chose to extend my time off by another two months to more calmly support my baby's transition into daycare. When I returned, in january 2025, I found my project, my team, and my tasks exactly as I had left them. It was great to feel immediately reintegrated and recognized for my professionalism.

The support of the team has been essential: the same people who supported me during my pregnancy continue to be present, understanding, and collaborative—even when it comes to the small, everyday challenges that come with being a mother.

What’s your opinion on Mashfrog’s initiatives around parenthood?

Very positive. I have to admit I didn’t know about all the initiatives until I received the company’s dedicated communications. I was happy to take advantage of the baby bonus and the daycare bonus—two concrete contributions that really made a difference.

The ability to work remotely is also essential for balancing work and motherhood. Of course, I go into the office from time to time to maintain that human connection with colleagues, but the flexibility and respect I receive every day help me manage the dual life of being both a mom and a professional.

It’s not a given to be treated equally after returning from maternity leave. Mashfrog not only does this—it does it naturally. I wasn’t sidelined or “downgraded” to simpler tasks. That truly makes a difference.

Finally, what do you expect from your future?

Professionally, I’d like to keep growing as a developer, take on more responsibility, and eventually lead a team. I’d also love to contribute to the growth of younger team members and maybe deepen my knowledge of software architecture to gain a broader and more structured understanding of projects.

As for my personal life, right now I’m still adjusting to managing my first child. He’s bright, demanding, and absolutely wonderful—and for now, all my energy is focused on him. But in the future, the idea of growing our family is something I wouldn’t mind. Having had such a positive first experience with the company makes me look toward that possibility with peace of mind.

Mashfrog is a place where career and parenthood can coexist—and where you feel accepted for who you truly are: a person, before being a professional.