In this inspiring episode of "My Tech Story Africa," the guest, Naomi Mwangi, shares her remarkable journey as a software engineer at Safaricom and her experiences in various hackathons and programs. The episode starts with an introduction to Naomi's work at Safaricom, highlighting her role in building API solutions and integrating payment systems. Naomi's passion for DevOps and automations is also mentioned, along with her participation in hackathons such as the Microsoft Game of Learners and IBM Kiskit. Naomi reflects on her early interest in technology, sparked by her father's work and her exposure to coding during a hackathon in high school. Despite facing discouragement and initial doubts about pursuing computer science, Naomi's determination led her to choose the field in university. She shares how her interest deepened during her third year and the invaluable role of a supportive lecturer who encouraged her to explore the tech space. The episode delves into Naomi's experiences in various hackathons, starting with the IBM Kiskit hackathon where she worked on quantum computing projects. Despite initial uncertainties, Naomi was inspired by the innovative work being done in the tech industry. She also shares her involvement in the Microsoft Game of Learners hackathon, where she and her team built a telehealth solution using Microsoft products and tools. The hands-on experience and mentorship provided during the hackathon enhanced her skills and confidence. Naomi then discusses her journey into Safaricom, starting with an internship where she worked as an API developer. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Naomi's resilience and dedication enabled her to continue her internship and pursue her studies simultaneously. She shares how she and a classmate, Gabriel, applied for a contract DevOps role at Safaricom, showcasing their audacity and willingness to seize opportunities. The episode concludes with Naomi describing her time at Safaricom, where she successfully balanced her full-time studies and work responsibilities. She emphasizes the importance of a supportive community and positive peer pressure in driving personal growth. Naomi's inspiring story serves as a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and seizing opportunities to pursue a successful career in the tech industry. Overall, this episode of "My Tech Story Africa" with Naomi Mwangi serves as a motivating and uplifting narrative of overcoming challenges, pursuing passions, and achieving success in the ever-evolving world of technology. ________ Join Alice as she explores the world of tech and shares impactful stories with guests on "My Tech Story." Subscribe to our podcast, leave a like, comment, and turn on the notification bell to be alerted whenever we post content. Last but not least, tell a friend about us. Sharing is caring! Here are some useful links: https://linktr.ee/mytechstoryafrica (access youtube link here) Follow us on our socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mytechstoryafrica/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-tech-story-africa/?viewAsMember=true ___ Email us: [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/alice-kanjejo/message