Cynthia

Tell us about your journey into tech?

I’ve got 8+ years of healthcare experience (Pharmacist) and taught myself how to code (no CS degree or bootcamp) during the pandemic, which led me to career change at the sweet age of 30(!) to be a self-taught Software Engineer within 6 months, working in tech consulting. Tech stack incl. JavaScript and React.

How do you feel you have made a difference in what you do?

I feel I’ve made a difference by paying-it-forward and taking the time out to speak and connect with others who are looking for guidance or mentorship to make a career switch into software engineering or tech in general. This has been very rewarding seeing their progress and achievements.

What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Teaching myself how to code, and career switching into a completely different job role (software engineering) without a bootcamp or computer science degree, within 6 months.

How do you think people can go about making a difference, in regards to spreading awareness of Black Women in tech?

Being vocal about the impact we’re having and the places we’ve been/are moving into. If we don’t talk about, others won’t! Also, paying-it-forward! This is key to making a difference and championing others on their journeys as well.

What do you believe are the most effective ways to engage other ethnicities and genders to embrace diversity?

Through networking events and socials showcasing great work that the diverse community are getting involved in.

What is the best advice you ever received?

If you want to get better at programming, then just build something! It doesn’t have to be perfect, but practice makes an improvement.