Alice in STEM: Forging a path for the future
Alice Nduku Wanza grew up wanting to succeed in computer sciences and make her mother proud. Now, Alice is a leading role model for Kenyan women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), excelling as a technician with Azuri Technologies and making a path for others to follow her footsteps.
Whilst Alice knew what she wanted from her career, when she graduated university there were very few job opportunities available. With a young daughter to support and needing to make ends meet, Alice took agriculture-based roles, waitressing, sales jobs and more, all whilst still trying to get back to computer sciences.
In a notoriously male dominated field, however, getting interviews was a constant struggle. Despite being qualified, Alice kept being passed over for male applicants or being told that she wouldn’t fit into the workplace. Alice was in a dilemma: on the one hand she needed to just make enough money to keep her family afloat, but on the other she wanted to inspire her daughter and needed to set the example of never giving up on her goals.
Eventually Alice’s luck turned when a friend found out there were openings at the Kenyan distributor for Azuri, Raj Ushanga House. Alice was delighted – at university she had learnt a bit about solar technology and knew it would be the future of energy in Africa, especially in rural areas like where she grew up, and the idea of combining a job in tech with a company she believed in was too good to miss. Determined and well prepared, Alice interviewed and got the job.
Alice’s work in the technical centre was going well, with her eager attitude and quick learning setting her apart from her teammates early on. Soon, Alice had been chosen to transfer to the logistics and technical department for Azuri itself, working directly with computers and refurbishing products every day. Alice’s deep understanding of the technology and great interpersonal skills meant she could fix problems, talk to customers and manage complicated technical issues all in the same day.
As in most computer sciences and technical fields, Alice’s workplace was very male dominant. Since joining Azuri, Alice has been working to forge a path for other women to follow and to prove that women can succeed in any field. Alice has been able to financially support herself and her family, provide an education for her niece and nephew and inspire her daughter to pursue her interests at school too.
Alice is passionate about her role in Azuri and wants other girls and women to feel empowered in ICT and STEM so they too can also succeed in their careers. Feeling like a pioneer in her field, Alice is determined to continue trailblazing in the industry.
“Women have the strength to work in any industry they wish. Just because an industry may be male dominated, does not mean it is constricted to men. I want women to feel empowered in ICT and STEM and follow their passion, despite the obstacles they may face, because they can be overcome.” Alice emphasizes.