Nelisa Ngqulana

Explore, explore and not be afraid to work hard. Follow your passion. Ask for help when you need it along the way

Country of origin

South Africa

Which company do you work for?

Coding Mamas

What is your specific area of specialisation?

We teach moms and kids how to code

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

Since 2017

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?

N/A

What inspired you to join this industry?

I was looking to upskill myself and turn my passion for technology into a real career path. My background in public relations and communications, I have always been fascinated by the role technology plays in the work I do. My interaction with reputation management tools has always been as an end user and not a creator on the other side. Over time, my curiosity grew and while I was doing a fellowship on innovation in journalism, I had the opportunity to develop my own platform from scratch. That journey opened up so many avenues and one of which was the need I realised to create a safe space for moms and kids to learn more about technology and the digital economy.

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

There are many support programmes built around the specific development needs of women in tech and more advocacy around women in tech.

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

Representation matters. When women can see more in the STEM fields and careers, it will encourage and inspire them to take up STEM studies and in addition transition to careers in the field. We need to encourage young women and girls to finish their studies so that they can get into the field.

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?

Explore, explore and not be afraid to work hard. Follow your passion. Ask for help when you need it along the way

When not working, what do you do for fun?

I love music and reading and spending time with my two kids.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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