Country of origin

South Africa

Which company do you work for?

Hooligan Development

What is your specific area of specialisation?

Project manager, Sales and Account management

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

3 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 faced, in particular as a project manager, is the assumption that as a woman I didn’t understand the technical aspects of the projects I was overseeing and therefore I was micro-managed by the male client counterparts. The only way to overcome a challenge like this is to deliver an exceptional product that exceeds all the scoped-out objectives. In other words, the proof is in the pudding let your actions speak for themselves.

What inspired you to join this industry?

To be honest, the industry chose me.

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

There has definitely been an effort to be more inclusive of women in the software industry. However, the challenge is a shortage of skilled female software engineers. From my experience, most development houses are actively trying to recruit female engineers, which is a massive change in itself.

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

I believe that female children should be encouraged to take STEM subjects in school. The idea that math’s and science are predominantly “boy” subjects needs to be addressed at a primary/ elementary school level.

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?

Look for female mentors, follow female thought leaders, read books written by women within your industry. Women empowering, motivating and uplifting women within the STEM fields are key. Learn from the pioneers before you.

When not working, what do you do for fun?

Dog mom, amateur chef and travel ( pre-covid)