Read about Harriet Luyayi

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

My passion for technology and problem-solving led me into this field. As an Information Technology Assistant at the United Nations, I find it incredibly rewarding to support the organization’s global mission through technology. The UN's role in addressing worldwide challenges, from humanitarian efforts to environmental issues, makes it an inspiring place to apply my technical skills. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of using technology to solve complex problems, and the UN offers an environment where those solutions can have a real, positive impact on people’s lives around the world. It's exciting to be part of an organization that combines both global outreach and cutting-edge technology to make a difference.

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

The migration to Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) at the United Nations (UN) was a significant technology initiative aimed at modernizing and streamlining the organization's identity and access management systems. Azure AD is a cloud-based service that helps organizations securely manage user identities and access to applications, providing benefits such as improved security, scalability, and collaboration across departments and stakeholders globally.

As an Information technology assistant, I played a key role in Data Migration and Integration: Assisting in migrating user identities and access data to Azure AD, User Training and Support: to ensure staff understand and effectively use Azure AD and Collaborating with security teams to implement best practices, such as MFA, role-based access control, and compliance with global privacy regulations.

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

For women pursuing a career in technology, it’s crucial to believe in yourself, overcome doubts, and challenge stereotypes. Start by learning the basics and building skills through online courses, while staying curious and committed to growth. Seek mentors and supportive networks, especially women in tech, and embrace challenges. Advocate for yourself, celebrate progress, and explore different roles to find your fit. Persistence and embracing diversity and innovation are key to thriving in the tech industry.