WITI
Women
Co-founder and director of Software Development at Obsidian Software
Becky Cavanaugh is co-founder and director of Software Development at Obsidian Software, which develops leading edge microprocessor verification software. She manages product development and customer accounts, as well as many other aspects of running the business. Obsidian was co-founded in 1997 by Cavanaugh and two colleagues, Eric Hennenhoefer and Rob Gowin.
Prior to joining Obsidian, Cavanaugh was elected as a Member of Technical Staff at Advanced Micro Devices. There she developed software tools to verify AMD's 29k, K6, and K7 microprocessors. Before moving to AMD, Cavanaugh was a software developer for Datagraf, a data communications company. She has a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Austin.
In her spare time, Cavanaugh likes to sing 20's, 30's and 40's music with her band, the Studebakers.
1. What was your first job in technology?
I was a software engineer for Datagraf, where I developed
low-level data communications software and device drivers.
2. Who has been your most significant mentor? Why?
Jim Crow, my boss from Datagraf, taught me all I needed
to know about programming.
3. What has been your greatest challenge and what strategies did you use to overcome
obstacles?
Surviving the Computer Science department at UT. I simply told
myself that I could do it and refused to give up. I also ignored
the counselors who told me I was taking on too difficult a
course load.
4. Who has been the most influential person in your life? Why?
My dad was an engineer and I think I always wanted to be just
like him.
5. What lessons have you learned that would be valuable to women beginning their
careers in technology?
There are no real "glass ceilings" in the technology world.
Being a woman has not hindered my career, in fact, I think
it has helped me stand out in the crowd.
7. What new technology do you believe will have the most positive impact on the
world in the next 20 years? The most negative impact?
Environment-friendly energy sources, such as wind and solar
power will have the most positive impact. I try not to dwell
on the negative impacts of technology.
On a lighter note:
1. If you could have dinner with any 2 people (living or not), who would they be?
Lucille Ball and Audrey Hepburn.
2. What was the last book you read? What books do you love to recommend?
'Tis, by Frank McCourt. I recommend any book that I can't put
down, mostly fiction.
3. If you couldn't do what you are doing now, what profession would you choose?
Comedian.
4. What is your definition of success?
Setting nearly impossible-to-reach goals, and
achieving them. Being a truly happy person
in all aspects of your life.
|
For more 'WITI Women' articles, go to: http://www.witi.com/wire/witiwomen/ For all the latest news and information on women in technology, visit http://www.witi.com |