Woman in Flite: Hanna-Marii Kaljas, Flite Software Engineer

Hanna-Marii Kaljas has been a Flite Software Engineer for almost a year and a half. She is currently the only female on our R&D team so we definitely wanted to talk to her as part of honoring International Women’s Day. From Tallinn, Estonia, she has a Bachelor in Computer Science and is now doing her Masters in Information Systems Analysis and Architecture. At 27 years old, she may be young, but she is clearly grounded and already stacking up achievements.

Being female in a male-dominated field and team, what have you learned about yourself?

I’ve learned that I am mentally strong since it can get hard. Success isn’t just about being the smartest—it’s about having confidence in your abilities and pushing forward without hesitation.  

I’ve also come to appreciate the differences in how men and women think. Understanding these differences has helped me adapt, communicate more effectively, and recognize the unique advantages I bring to the table.

What advice would you have for other young women in tech and software engineering?

My advice to young women in tech and software engineering is to embrace the learning curve - it’s steep at first, but it gets easier with time and persistence. Just start, and don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how stupid they seem. Finding a mentor or a supportive friend who welcomes your curiosity can make a huge difference. Also focus on mastering a few key technologies rather than trying to learn everything at once. Once you have a strong foundation, switching contexts and picking up new skills becomes much easier.  

Imposter syndrome is real, but don’t downplay your achievements. If you’re in the room, you belong there. Own your skills and contributions with confidence.  

Most importantly, don’t let setbacks or biases discourage you. Learn from challenges, push forward, and celebrate your progress. Tech is an exciting field with endless opportunities—embrace the journey and enjoy the wins along the way!

What was it like to learn to Fliteboard?

It didn’t take me long to learn at all. I was able to get up and fly in my first session and so the next few sessions I had were really fun - I was hooked. I believe once you get it, it just clicks. I think my experience with snowboarding, skateboarding, and surfing also helped.  

The feeling of Fliteboarding for the first time is something you have to experience—it feels like flying, literally!

What does Fliteboarding give you?

For me, it's mostly about the feeling of being in nature. In Byron, we have incredible marine life —dolphins, turtles and whales jumping in the distance. Fliteboarding makes me feel connected to it all and I love the fact that I can be part of it.

I also love challenging myself, and riding waves with a Fliteboard adds a whole new level of excitement. I’ve already caught my first waves and now I’m eager to keep learning! And turning with a good wing is like dancing on water—so much fun! 

What is one of your favorite memories on the water?

One of my favorite memories is when I caught my first waves. The ocean felt like a wave pool with perfect conditions for learning—just going back and forth, making thrills. The sun was out and there were a bunch of us cruising in the water at that time. It’s always so much fun with friends - smiling faces all around you. Such a wonderful day!

What is your favorite set-up?

My favorite setup is our new Series 5 Flite Jet 2 eFoil, Ultra board (any of them), and the new 707 Flux wing. Our new eFoils are a huge improvement from our previous ones—so much quieter and smoother. And the new wings are just mind-blowing. Such game-changers! Before, I didn’t even appreciate the wings that much, but now that I’ve tried 707, it feels like I don’t want to ride anything else! A good wing makes the foiling experience so much better. 

What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom, to me, means having the ability to make choices that go together with my values and passions. Also being able to express myself authentically and explore new perspectives — whether through travel, learning or personal growth. 

What is your personal definition of success?

My personal definition of success is achieving a balance between growth, fulfillment, and happiness across different areas of life—career, family & friends, body and mind.  

In terms of career, I believe that education provides the essential tools for success, keeps you disciplined to accomplish goals and finish what you started. Professional success means continuously learning, growing, and achieving financial independence at one point.

Beyond work, success is about surrounding myself with supportive, ambitious, and trustworthy people who inspire and support me. :)

For the body, success is about pushing yourself to new limits, setting and reaching new fitness goals, and feeling satisfied when you look in the mirror. :D

Most importantly, success is about being kind to myself and others, being balanced, living authentically, and finding fulfillment in both the big achievements and the small everyday moments.

What is something you learned from women in your Estonian culture that inspires you?

What inspires me most about Estonian women is their strength, independence, and deep connection to our culture and nature. Estonia has endured many hardships throughout history, and these challenges have shaped a resilient and close-knit society where women play a vital role in preserving traditions and values. 

Also education is highly valued in Estonia, and many women pursue careers in STEM, entrepreneurship, and leadership. In fact, I had many female engineering colleges in Estonia, whereas here, that seems much rarer.  At one point, Estonia was the only country in the world where both the President and Prime Minister were women - showing the country's female empowerment culture. This and many other examples inspire me often.

Another aspect I deeply admire is the strong connection to nature and spirituality. Estonian women embrace a nature-centered lifestyle—harvesting berries, mushrooms, and herbs from the forest in summer and preserving them for winter. There’s also a deep appreciation for simplicity and balance, whether it’s through sauna traditions, long nature walks, or quiet moments of reflection.  

What do you feel is your biggest achievement?

That I have traveled to more than 30 countries and experienced so many incredible things during my adventures. I’m glad that I have been living my life to the fullest so far! :)

What would you like to achieve next?

Finish my Masters degree in June 2025 and buy my own home. One of my goals is also to combine my passion for technology with my interest in global sustainability and environmental challenges. It would be amazing to be part of projects where technology can make a positive, lasting impact on the world. :)