Sally Frykman’s career has spanned many roles and industries, from serving as an elementary school principal to her current position as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Velodyne Lidar, a global company that's well known for high-performing lidar sensor technologies. In every role, she’s excelled at team building and delivering impactful programs across a broad spectrum of focus areas.
At the Sensors Converge 2022 conference and expo, Sally Frykman was named Best of Sensors Woman of the Year. The Best of Sensors Awards recognize the best and most innovative people, companies and products in the industry.
During her time with Velodyne Lidar, she led the development and implementation of the company’s communications strategy during its transition from a private to a public company. In addition, she’s created a wide variety of innovative educational campaigns aimed at a broad spectrum of audiences.
In an email interview, she shared her thoughts on being named Best of Sensors Woman of the Year and her career journey as a woman in technology.
The following has been lightly edited.
FE: Congratulations on being named Best of Sensors Woman of the Year! How do you feel and what does this award mean to you?
SF: I am thrilled to be honored as the Best of Sensors Woman of the Year! This award means a lot to me because it isn’t always easy to be a woman in tech, particularly in the sensors and automotive industries.
I want to thank all the women who have gone before me and those who have supported me along the way. My goal is to show the younger generation of women that you can be a leader no matter your gender and that your unique voice is always a benefit!
FE: You’ve had quite an interesting career journey. Could you tell us about it?
SF: My career journey has indeed been unique. I received a liberal arts degree in college and started my career as a social worker. As a social worker, I supported adults with disabilities to live as independently as possible. After several years in this field, I went back to school for a teaching credential and master’s degree in special education. As a teacher, I worked with high schoolers in a variety of environments and subject areas.
I then went on to become a vice principal of a middle school and principal of an elementary school. I chose to leave the field of education for a change and began a job at Velodyne Lidar as its education and communications manager. Within four years, I was on the executive team, which I am so proud to have accomplished.
I chose Velodyne because of its disruptive technology that has the potential to advance universal mobility, safety, and sustainability.
FE: What was it like to move from working in public schools to private industry? Were there any culture shocks?
SF: It was definitely a culture shock! There are far fewer children and bells ringing! Fortunately, I have been able to work with schools in my role at Velodyne, providing education to students about our technology. Although public and private [sectors] are different, there are many similarities. In both roles, I have had the great opportunity to work with teams who are looking to make the world a better place.
FE: What skills and experiences from public school administration helped you in your new career with Velodyne Lidar?
SF: The skills and experiences I gained from being a public-school administrator were directly translatable to my new career. I learned to be a leader, collaborator, and a lifelong learner. Running a school is not unlike running a business: You must oversee the financials, operations, facilities, community engagement, people, and more!
FE: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced getting to where you are today? How did you overcome them?
SF: One of the biggest challenges is truly being a woman in technology. There are a lot of barriers in the way of women in technology; some of them are more explicit while others can seem invisible. I had to be extremely creative, bold, and focused to get where I am today. I’ve learned to embrace my authenticity even when it didn’t necessarily feel welcomed.
FE: Who was your biggest role model growing up? How about today?
SF: My biggest role model growing up was my dad, who was a teacher. He loved his job and his students so much, and he was a local celebrity in our town!
Now, I admire Michelle Obama, of course!
FE: Could you tell us about some projects or initiatives you’re involved with outside of Velodyne Lidar?
SF: I am a member of Chief, a network focused on connecting and supporting women leaders. I’m also involved with How Women Lead, an organization that supports women to join corporate boards.
FE: How would you compare STEM education for girls 15 years ago to where it is today? Where would you like to see things move in the next 15 years?
SF: STEM education has improved for women and girls, with significantly more opportunities, which is great. Having a background in schools, I’ve seen firsthand the emphasis that educators are putting in STEM for girls. For example, there are organizations such as the Femineers that are actively engaging girls in tech.
In 15 years, I would like to see that organizations set up directly for women are no longer needed because the field is representative of all. Additionally, we need to grow from the current 27% of STEM workers who are women. I would like to be able to inspire women, break down barriers, and educate the entire workforce to achieve equity in the field.
FE: What advice would you give to girls and young women interested in pursuing careers in tech and other STEM fields?
SF: Go for it! Follow your dreams, surround yourself with people whom you trust and who care about you, find a mentor, and be brave. Remember that you are creating a path for those around you as well as those who come after you.
You can absolutely do it, even if it’s not always easy.
FE: Thank you, Sally Frykman!
Check out the complete list of winners in the Best of Sensors 2022 Awards.