What brought you to a career in technology at the United Nations?
I started my ICT career in the UN in the ICT4D (ICT for Development) branch of UNDP as a Senior Business Analyst, where the emphasis was to use the technology to aid the economic development of the local community. I was proud to become a part of the international movement to help the ones in need through the use of technology. From UNDP I moved to a peacekeeping mission in Burundi (ONUB) where we used technology to help the mission deliver on its mandate, as well as to support other international organizations working in the country by providing them access to communication technologies.
What has been your favorite technology project or initiative at the United Nations and why? What was your contribution?
My most recent engagement on the Digital Transformation of UNDSS is my most recent favorite project. I work directly with the security experts on how to change the way we work while using the technology as an enabler. After 18 years in the UN, in various ICT capacities, I brought my experience and the technical skills to the table to help them move away from the old ways of working and use technologies such as Sharepoint to better manage and share the information.
What advice would you give women interested in pursuing a field in technology?
Digital is no longer only about the technical skills, it is also about personal skills and women are great at that. We are great at creating supportive, personal networks, we have amazing communication skills, we are tech savvy and most importantly, we are not afraid to make unpopular decisions. So, please don't be afraid to pursue an ICT career as there is much more to it than just sitting in a room and coding.