This International Women’s Day we want to highlight the inspiring stories of the women who form part of the Nigerian tech community. Find out more about Jumoke Adekoya and others on how they have been inspired to become forces in the industry. We sat down for an interview with some women that we have come across in our capacity as a fintech and had them share their insights about their past, their present and their future.
Jumoke Adekoya
Digital Marketing Executive (Sterling Bank, Freelancer)
Q: Can you tell us about your upbringing?
A: I grew up in Lagos and completed most of my schooling there. I was an avid reader growing up, I could quote Shakespeare and Chinua Achebe on a whim. That’s how I started my journey in the creative space by writing stories of my own.
Q: What achievements are you most proud of so far?
A: Despite the fact that I studied Law all the way to Masters level, I have always been fascinated by Tech and creativity. This is how I found my calling. Hence, I am a self-identified multipotentialite with expertise in law and digital marketing, as well as skills in photography, coding, website design, graphic design, podcasting and published writing. I am also a foodie with a sweet tooth so I bake as well.
Q: As a woman in tech, what challenges have you faced?
A: My biggest challenge has been overcoming stereotypes. I have encountered situations where people doubt my tech skills based on my gender, despite being an expert in the field. Despite the fact that I have more than 10 years of experience in Tech, I still find these biases surprising. Feedback based on bias rather than the needs of the target market serves no purpose.
Q: Can you describe any impact you have made on your community?
A: I have collaborated with various organizations to educate entrepreneurs in digital marketing, web design, content creation, and ideation. A lot of my focus when teaching is breaking mind barriers, I sincerely believe that ‘If you think you can, YOU CAN and if you think you can’t, YOU CAN’T.
Q: What personal insights have you gained throughout your life?
A: I believe that lifelong learning is essential to success. The tech industry is constantly evolving, so it’s important to keep up with trends and stay ahead of the game.
Q: What are your future plans?
A: Currently, I am interested in learning more about cloud solutions and Python. I see technology as a way for women to work without bias and am excited to continue expanding my knowledge and skills in the field.