With less than 84 days to go to the kick off of African Women in Tech (AWIT) conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Innov8tiv continues with our weekly feature of the women who will be attending the event as speakers, mentors, and possible angel investor.
In out today’s feature we shine the spotlight on Dorcas Owinoh as she shares her journey in technology building LakeHub Foundation and Village Code.
Dorcas Owinoh
Welcome Dorcas, it’s our pleasure to have you. Tell us a little about yourself and background
Thank you for having me. I work to improve access to technology. I am the director of LakeHub Foundation, which helps provide resources for underserved youths in Western Kenya to become passionate creators of technology and not just consumers. We offer technology training, business and coding competitions and mentorship programs.
I’m also responsible for a project called Village Code, which teaches girls aged 9 to 19 years problem solving, computer programming and entrepreneurial skills. So far 300 girls have benefited from this program.
How has women conferences (or AWIT specifically) helped you in your business/career so far?
As a woman in technology, these conferences have always helped me to overcome challenges by teaching me self-assurance regarding my skills and abilities both as a woman and a professional. They have helped me find ways to overcome sexism and keep my “eyes on the prize” in terms of my aspirations.
What’s one message you want to share with other women in tech/business?
I feel strongly that as women we have to be invested in our own careers and destinies because no one else is going to be as invested in our success.
Also, it’s imperative that women find both mentors and sponsors who can guide and help them navigate the land-mines along the way.
Innov8tiv is a dynamic Web source for technology news, resources and innovation, with a special focus on the entrepreneurial advances of Africans on the continent as well as in the Diaspora. This site seeks to not only inform consumers and companies about the latest in tech trends and ideologies, but to shed light on a phenomenon often ignored: the inventive, life-changing and creative engine that exists in Africa and among leaders of color around the world, including the UK, the Caribbean, Australia, and Asia. Send story ideas to info@innov8tiv.com