Country of origin

South Africa

Which company do you work for?

Hooligan Development

What is your specific area of specialisation?

Website Development and UX Design

How long have you been in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) fields?

14 Years

As a woman in a male dominated industry, what has been the biggest challenge you have faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge I have experienced is having your opinion and advice respected, especially the first-time people meet you. How we have overcome it, is to only talk facts around a table, and by building solution orientated ideas while in a brainstorming meeting. Often times we have noticed that the energy shifts when we start imparting knowledge-based solutions.

What inspired you to join this industry?

I am a technical and design person. I used to watch people code and realised that I could make an impact with the design and UX background

What changes, if any, have you seen in your field with regards to women in your field?

With more women joining the industry in a technical capacity, there has been a shift over the last few years. Views have changed and are changing, and women are being respected more and more in the industry.

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How can we attract more women to consider a career in the STEM fields?

In a traditionally male industry, women experienced a couple of barriers to entry, but by showcasing the work and knowledge of women it will break down those barriers over times.

If you were to advise other young women starting their careers in the tech or within the STEM fields, what is the one thing you would say to them?

Don’t hold back. Believe in yourself and your technical skills. No idea is dumb or unworthy of being tried or heard.

When not working, what do you do for fun?

I am an avid runner, painter and have a huge passion for cooking.