Esther

Tell us about your journey into tech?
I’ve come from a very non-tech background. My first tech experience was in 2019 coding two app prototypes within 2hrs at Microsoft Reactor over the summer facilitated by Founder Vine.

I was then accepted into the Code for girls web development evening school program in February 2020, then participated in a web development session as a Her Capital Associate.

During Covid-19 I joined the Digital Recovery Board under Nottingham City Council looking at tech solutions for the city post-covid19. I was also accepted into the Tech London Advocates community.

I’d say i’m tech-ish. I’m a no code advocate passionate about the Future of work, Gen Z, EdTech and Esports/ Gaming. As well as Tech developments in Africa to solve global problems.

How do you feel you have made a difference in what you do?
I’m 21, I’ve always wanted to be a VC from age 15. I’m now one of the youngest VC’s in the world. Part of the Gen Z VC Community which was started in America to bring young VC’s across the world together. I believe I am still making a difference. I have been a Gen Z ( Youth + Education ) Activist for 10 Year’s now. This year has changed my view on activism.

First, we had the Black Lives Matter Protest, I spoke in front of 4,000 people at the Nottingham, Uk one. Secondly, we had the #EndSars Protest on police brutality and corruption in Nigeria.

Gen Z and Millenials took to digital activism. However, as a VC and is passionate about technology and innovation as solutions to problems in the world, I have looked into impact investing and the nature of being an activist shareholder as a long term way to make an impact in the world so change can happen. Essentially, I went from protesting, lobbying and advocating for my generation offline to digital activism and proactively working with companies and building my own to solve problems.

I have become an avid doer. Taking my activism into practical problem-solving.

What would you say is your biggest achievement?
For the past month, I as the G(irls)20 Delegate of Uk, have been developing a Communiqué for the G20 leaders with the other delegates. Realizing that young women have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, recalling that 2020 marks the final decade for action on the UNSDGs, the Communiqué urges the G20 leaders to ensure the economic and social issues facing young women are on the agenda.

Two themes are recommended: inclusive decision making in public and private sectors; economic participation in the digital economy and entrepreneurship. An intersectional lens and the collection of timely, gender-disaggregated data are also highlighted.

I did this during a global pandemic.

How do you think people can go about making a difference, in regards to spreading awareness of Black Women in tech?
I think we should strive to create more opportunities for black women in tech. The awareness is already there. According to a Serena Ventures report via CNN “ Black women rarely have a wealthy network they can call upon for early investment. The average Black household had a net worth of $17,150 in 2016, nearly 10 times less than their White counterparts.“ Therefore, the focus should be on ensuring black female founders are funded and given adequate support to thrive in tech.

What do you believe are the most effective ways to engage other ethnicities and genders to embrace diversity?
It starts with the education system. If we teach young people about other cultures then it becomes normalised which makes it easier to relate to each other as you have a better understanding of one another.

At a later stage of life, given everything that has happened this year including ‘ Black Lives Matter’ and ‘ End Sars’, I think people are more woke to inequalities faces by ethnic minorities and are more eager to further educate themselves on historical topics so the future is bright for all.

What is the best advice you ever received?
Run your own race – I think this is very valuable to everyone as in life we often compare ourselves to others. Everyone has a destiny of their own and a different purpose on this earth. Life is a marathon, not a race, run it at your own pace.