Welcome to our Women in Tech series, where we shine a spotlight on the inspiring women who are breaking barriers and making waves in the tech industry. In this first installment, we are thrilled to feature Parisa Vafaei, director of sales for Yardi Breeze Premier Canada. Parisa shares her journey, insights and advice for aspiring women leaders in a candid and empowering conversation.
Let’s kick things off! Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what brought you to Yardi?
Absolutely! My name is Parisa Vafaei, and I’m the director of sales for Yardi Breeze Premier for Canada. I’ve been with Yardi for almost nine years, and I’ve loved every minute of it! My role is all about helping new team members find their footing and grow their careers in real estate and tech. I’m also the proud cat mom of Miss Gigi, who’s been with me since 2015 — she’s practically a little retiree now!
As a Persian woman with a background in political science, economics and sales, how has this shaped your leadership at Yardi?
My academic background taught me the importance of strong principles and integrity. In politics, decisions are always grounded in values, and that’s something I’ve carried into my leadership style. Being Persian and having a background in sales, I’ve learned how to balance both strategic thinking and relationship-building. I believe in doing the right thing, even when it’s tough or when no one is watching. This foundation helps me stay grounded and focused, especially when things get complex. It’s also about surrounding yourself with people who share those values — your team, your champions and your mentors.
We know mentorship is important to you. Can you share your approach to mentorship and how you support your team?
Mentorship is so important, and I believe it’s not just about seeking out mentors — sometimes they find you. What’s interesting is that a mentor doesn’t always have to be older or more experienced. I look for people, regardless of age, who bring energy and enthusiasm to their work. It’s all about the right attitude and a willingness to learn and grow. Confidence plays a huge role here — those who are confident tend to embrace both success and setbacks with a positive outlook, which is essential for long-term growth.
Let’s talk about the challenges. As a woman in tech, how have you navigated a traditionally male-dominated field?
One of the biggest challenges is that leadership in tech, and many other industries, has historically been dominated by men. This can create biases, often unconscious, where leaders choose successors or mentees who remind them of themselves. For women, especially women of colour, this can be a significant barrier. My approach is to focus on merit and value — identifying individuals who create real value for our clients and teams. I advocate for these women, introduce them to higher-ups and ensure they are seen and recognized. It’s also about encouraging women to take risks, push boundaries and not be afraid to be seen and heard.
What’s your best piece of advice for women aspiring to make it big in tech?
My advice is to own your space — don’t be afraid to be seen. Build solid relationships, not just within your company, but also with influencers and industry leaders. Be confident in your abilities and don’t shy away from opportunities to showcase your talents. Remember, out of sight, out of mind is a real thing, so make sure you’re visible. Most importantly, I’d love to see more women not just in leadership, but in ownership — creating and leading their own companies. We have the power to innovate and contribute significantly to our industries.
Navigating with integrity
Parisa Vafaei’s journey is a testament to the power of integrity, mentorship and the drive to create value. Her story inspires us all to push boundaries, take risks and own our successes in the tech world. Stay tuned for more stories from our Women in Tech series as we continue to celebrate the incredible women shaping the future of our industry.
Inspired by Parisa’s story? Check out our website to learn more about Breeze Premier and follow us on social media for more inspiring stories and updates.
