Read about Tala Chammas

What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?

I was inspired to join the UN due to my initial and early-on experiences as a field officer at a local NGO in Tripoli, Lebanon. I later joined OCHA in Geneva working with data and the DEEP platform, which solidified my passion for leveraging technology to address global challenges. As the passion to be a development professional further grew, along with the desire to access a wider audience and contribute to sustainable development on a global scale, I joined the Development Coordination Office in 2022.

What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?

As AI Lab Manager, I have been contributing to building the lab structure and its processes as well as coordinating multiple projects within the AI Lab. My favorite project at the UN has been the development of a sophisticated task management system using Microsoft PowerApps. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency across departments. My role involves designing the application’s architecture and ensuring its alignment with user needs, significantly improving project coordination within the UN.

What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?

As a young woman who has previously felt the difficulty of entering the technology field, I encourage women, youth and minorities to embrace the initial ambiguity and lean into the learning process by seeking out educational opportunities and mentorship. I emphasize the importance of resilience and continuous learning, suggesting that women should actively participate in tech communities, stay updated with industry trends, take risks, and change the status quo.