Sometime in December, 2024, I had the pleasure of speaking at TechXpress 1.0, sharing my journey as a woman in tech alongside Ihuoma Anosike, Nuel Wogundu, Cedar Daniel. In my community, there are still so many who see tech as “just coding,” but we had the chance to open their eyes to the reality: tech is so much broader than that. We emphasized that no matter your current career or field, there’s a place for you in tech.
As we shared our stories, we could feel the room light up with curiosity and interest. So many people were eager to learn, asking question after question, and each was met with thoughtful, encouraging answers. It was incredible to see everyone so open and ready to listen. The event turnout was beyond our expectations, with young people and enthusiasts alike showing up with genuine excitement.
There were those who admitted they felt hesitant to dive into tech, fearing they wouldn’t succeed or find their place. But, through our words and our stories, we were able to ease those fears and inspire them to take that first step. Watching their faces light up with renewed confidence was the most rewarding part.
I walked away feeling fulfilled and grateful for the chance to connect with so many potential future techies. I can’t wait to see more events like this in our state, helping more people realize that tech isn’t just our industry—it’s the future we’re already living. The energy, the passion, and the commitment from everyone made this experience unforgettable. I’m so glad I answered the call to be a part of it, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
