This is my Zipstory: Q&A with Cassia

Meet Cassia, a Software Engineer who is as passionate about making people’s lives easier through technology, as she is about fostering an inclusive and supportive tech community.

Tell us who you are, what you do at Zip and a little bit more about your Zipstory

Hi, I’m Cassia! I’m originally from Brisbane but have been living in Sydney for the past year, working at Zip as a Software Engineer in the Internal Tooling team.

My role focuses on building internal tools that empower teams across Zip, helping them work smarter, faster, and with less friction. I’m someone that loves solving complex problems and organising messy codebases and nothing gives me greater satisfaction than making people’s lives easier through technology, so my role at Zip is a great fit.

Outside of work, I’m a huge Reader, market-goer and Rugby Union fan. I also have a chunky cat named Misty, who’s favourite past time is interrupting me during important work meetings demanding attention

In your experience, what are some of the opportunities you get working in Technology at Zip that you wouldn’t get working elsewhere?

One of the biggest factors has been the level of trust and ownership I’ve been given. From day one, I’ve been encouraged to take initiative, lead projects, and explore new ways to improve how we work.

In my experience, this is a place where if you spot a problem, you’re not just encouraged but almost expected to come up with a solution and drive it forward. It’s not about waiting for permission, it’s about making things better, and that’s something I really value.

There’s a real culture of empowering people to make an impact. A good example is our annual Hackathon, which often leads to real initiatives being implemented into everyday work.

Another enabler that I have found unique to Zip has been the support and care of colleagues and leaders. Zip is full of smart, passionate individuals, but what has stood out are leaders who can empathise and see the ‘human’ in their team, particularly when it comes to fostering diversity.

A big shout out to George (our ANZ Chief Information Officer) and Tolga (Engineering Director) for being incredibly active allies and champions of Women in Tech, especially in the areas of growth and mentorship.

Thinking about the way you get your best work done, how does Zip support your wellbeing?

One of the things I appreciate most about Zip is how much trust and flexibility we’re given to work in a way that suits us best. As someone with ADHD it's been really refreshing to have leaders that truly understand that everyone works differently and that we do our best work when we’re feeling our best and in the right environment.

In my experience, more rigid work schedules or strict ‘work from office’ cultures can often disproportionately impact women. I believe that Zip’s flexible work policies and supportive leaders enable women (and other minority groups) to thrive in their careers, and in return the company reaps the rewards with a more diverse and loyal team.

We also get a day of additional wellbeing leave each quarter, on top of personal leave. For me, that’s an example of Zip putting its money where its mouth is by making sure we take time to look out for ourselves and prioritise a healthy work life balance.

Can you share a recent experience where you actively supported or mentored another woman, either in the workplace or in the community?

I’ve always been passionate about fostering an inclusive and supportive tech community, especially for women and girls. In high school, I was the only girl in my Math C class and had never been exposed to coding. It wasn’t until my first year of university - when I tried coding for the first time - that I fell in love with it and changed my entire degree to Software Engineering.

During university, I was part of the founding executive team of the Ladies in Tech (LIT) society, serving as Vice President (Corporate) and Industry Director. As part of my remit, I worked on building industry partnerships, securing sponsorships, and creating mentorship programs to support students. The society was focused on both social connection and professional growth, and it worked because for me creating community creates opportunities.

More recently, I had a full-circle moment representing Zip at a University Women in Tech event. I was surprised by how many students were seeking advice on navigating their careers after university. I remember having the same worries back when I was a student, so it was very rewarding to be able to support and reassure the next generation of engineers.

It felt wholesome - almost like a ‘big sister’ moment - realising that at every stage of your career journey, you have the potential to be both a mentor and a mentee. What made it feel even more meaningful was that the event wasn’t just about promoting careers at Zip; it was about uplifting and supporting students in their tech journeys and it was great to give back to our community.

Which chapter in your Zipstory, that not a lot of people may know about, makes you most proud to be a Zipster?

When I first joined Zip, I was a developer in the Fraud team. Even though that was my core focus, I had the opportunity to contribute to broader initiatives and provide feedback on experiments outside my immediate area. In my experience, Zip has always had a culture where every Zipster’s ideas are valued, no matter their role or area of expertise.

About six months in, an Engineering Director reached out and asked if I’d be interested in joining a brand new team - Internal Tooling. It wasn’t something I had planned, but the chance to help shape a new team and work in a completely different domain was an opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.

Looking back, I really appreciate the trust and support I received in making that transition. I’ve learned a huge amount, and I’m proud of how much I’ve grown in the role already.

At Zip, I’ve never felt boxed into a rigid role. I’m encouraged to explore and take initiative, and have taken on great growth opportunities which have made a big impact on my career.