Read about Zuzanna Lukaszczyk

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

I have always wanted to work at the United Nations, so I graduated from the international relations faculty. However, when joining the first international organization I worked for, I realized I was also very interested in data flows, data management, and how databases and systems were created and interacted. That's why I pursued another diploma, this time in IT - systems design and analysis. I believe in the value of the United Nations' work and that data and technology, particularly now with the data volumes exploding, can either make or break our Organizations' ability to deliver on its mandate.

What has been your favorite IT project at the United Nations and what was your technical contribution?

The implementation of Umoja and the simultaneous switch from UNSAS to IPSAS when I was in UNAMA. In preparation, we had to analyze and streamline multiple business processes. I was responsible for the analysis and modeling of these business processes. It was an exciting and inspiring time when colleagues from various areas came together to share, contribute and brainstorm, and for a moment, silos did not exist.

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

We have imagination, empathy, and the ability to understand the complexity necessary in today's technological field to succeed with digital transformation. So be bold, be persistent, and do not give up.