Karin Matar’s journey from the village of Fassouta to becoming a software engineer at Dell began with a single, fortuitous moment: ”My mom saw a Facebook ad about Tsofen-Tashbik’s mentoring program and signed me up,” Karin recalls. That ad opened the door to a powerful ‘Full Circle’ journey. Today, Karin returns as a mentor, embodying what we call the Sisterhood of Resilience-a growing, vital network of Arab and Jewish women engineers. Karin is no longer just a participant; she is part of a collective force fundamentally reshaping the human landscape of Israeli hi-tech, ensuring that the ladder her mother helped her find remains steady for the next generation of female leaders.
From Mentee to Mentor: Shaping a More Inclusive Industry
Karin Matar’s journey from the village of Fassouta to becoming a software engineer at Dell is a story of breaking barriers. Entering an industry often characterized by its male-centric culture, Karin found her anchor in Tsofen-Tashbik’s mentoring program.
The Power of Mentorship: Finding Guidance in an Unfamiliar World
“During my second year at the Technion, everyone around me started talking about internships, and I knew I was in trouble. I didn’t have any friends or family in the tech industry to guide me. My mother saw an ad for Tsofen-Tashbik’s mentoring program, and that changed everything. My mentor, Dan Inbar from Dell, was there for me when I needed him. I learned that having someone experienced who truly believes in you can change your path completely. Through this program, I didn’t just get a job; I gained a mentor for life.”
Professionalism and Authenticity: Navigating the Industry on My Own Terms
“I know the hi-tech industry in Israel is often described as male and Jewish dominated, but I never let that define my experience. From day one, I decided to be my authentic self—joining Zoom calls in a Santa Claus hat and celebrate my colleagues’ holidays. I always prioritized the combination of professionalism and authenticity. This made people see me for my skills and personality rather than stereotypes.”
Closing the Circle: The Sisterhood of Arab and Jewish Engineers
“Returning to Tsofen-Tashbik as a mentor feels like a full-circle moment. I started as an unsure mentee, and now I can support students in the same position I once was in. One of the most important things I learned from Dan is the value of giving back. I know exactly how it feels to be a young student trying to enter the industry. My hope is that the next generation of Arab engineers will not only enter hi-tech but also rise into leadership roles and build their own startups. This is how we shape a more inclusive and resilient tech industry.”
