🕵️♀️ Meet Faith, a London-based Software Engineer with a background in Criminology and International Development. She navigated her way into the tech world, driven by her belief in the power of diversity and inclusion, which today, not only is she a CFG Ambassador but also an Assistant Instructor and Confidence Coach. Faith is passionate about transforming the tech industry and advocates for continuous learning and curiosity.
THE HOT SIX QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS!
- Favourite coding language?: JavaScript
- What is your choice of beverage for coding?: I am always drinking three things at a time (juice, tea and water)
- Desk set up – RGB, Minimal or my aesthetic: Very minimal, nude and neutral colours.
- Laptop vs PC – If You had to only use one for life what would it be: Laptop
- Are you most productive in the morning or evening/night? From 7:30 AM -10:00 PM is when I am most active.
- What do you listen to whilst you code and where? Spotify, slow jazz playlist, lofi playlist – or, if I am in a party mode amapiano playlist.
I’m Faith, a Software Engineer based in the vibrant city of London. My journey to becoming a CFG Ambassador has a touch of serendipity. It all began when I received an invitation to speak at Code Fest 2021. During the event, one of the program leaders introduced me to the idea of becoming a CFG Ambassador. Recognising the immense potential this opportunity held, I eagerly embraced it. The prospect of being part of such an impactful initiative resonated deeply with me, motivating me to take the leap.
🎓 You have an undergraduate degree in Criminology and a Master's in International Development, please can you share how you navigated your way into the world of tech from such diverse fields!
My academic background in Criminology and a Master’s in International Development might seem unconventional for someone in the tech industry, but my path underscores the diverse ways one can find their way into this dynamic field.
After completing my Master’s, I initially found myself in the consulting sector. Whilst things were progressing well, the unexpected happened when the COVID-19 pandemic put us all through subsequent lockdowns. This period of uncertainty led me to re-evaluate my career path and explore new avenues. It was during this introspective time that I decided to embark on a journey of learning how to code.
Learning to code was a transformative experience for me as it opened up a world of possibilities that I hadn’t previously considered. As I began looking into programming languages and software development, my newfound interest prompted me to make a transition into technical consulting and implementation within the tech industry.
During this transition, I seized the opportunity to engage with various communities and initiatives. I participated in hackathons, collaborated with groups like Coding Black Females and Black Girls in Tech, and also got involved with ShowCode. These interactions not only honed my technical skills but also allowed me to connect with like-minded women who were equally enthusiastic about tech. Networking in these spaces was invaluable, as it introduced me to mentors and peers who shared their insights and experiences, guiding me along this exciting new path.
In essence, the COVID-19 pandemic was an unexpected catalyst that prompted me to explore the world of tech. Learning to code provided me with the skills I needed to pivot into technical consulting, and my involvement in various tech-focused communities enriched my journey through a supportive network of individuals who were passionate about making a difference with technology.
🫶 Not only are you an Ambassador with CFG but have also been an Assistant Instructor for the CFGdegree, AND a Confidence Coach! What has been your favourite part about being a CFG Ambassador? And what drives you to be involved with the tech community?
Indeed, my journey with CFG has been quite multifaceted! Being an Ambassador, Assistant Instructor for the CFGdegree, and a Confidence Coach has provided me with diverse opportunities to contribute to the tech community in various ways.
As a CFG Ambassador, my favourite aspect has been witnessing the transformative power of education and empowerment. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a movement that equips women with the skills, confidence, and support they need to excel in the tech industry. Seeing the positive impact on individuals’ lives and careers is truly gratifying, and it fuels my passion to continue advocating for diversity and inclusion in technology.
What drives me to be involved with the tech community is the belief that technology has the potential to shape the future in profound ways. By engaging with the tech community, I’m able to actively participate in discussions, initiatives, and projects that contribute to technological advancements and societal progress. Additionally, the tech community is a dynamic space that fosters collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Being part of this community allows me to continuously learn, share knowledge, and collaborate with individuals who are equally enthusiastic about making meaningful contributions to the world through technology.
🌎As a vocal advocate for promoting diversity and inclusion within the tech industry, could you please share what motivated you to become such a strong advocate for D&I?
My strong advocacy for diversity and inclusion (D&I) within the tech industry is driven by a combination of personal experiences, observations, and a deep-seated belief in the power of inclusivity.
First and foremost, I’ve witnessed the positive impact that diverse perspectives can bring to any field, including technology. When individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences come together, they bring unique viewpoints that foster creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Experiencing this firsthand made me realise the incredible potential of diverse teams to tackle complex challenges in novel ways.
Furthermore, the tech industry, like many others, has historically suffered from a lack of representation among certain groups, particularly women and underrepresented minorities. This imbalance not only limits opportunities for talented individuals but also hinders the industry’s capacity to create products and services that cater to a global audience. Recognizing this disparity and the missed opportunities for growth and innovation has motivated me to actively advocate for change.
Embracing diversity within the tech community has numerous benefits. First, it leads to the creation of more inclusive products and solutions that cater to a broader range of users. Diverse teams can better understand and address the needs of various demographics, ensuring that technology is accessible and usable for everyone.
Second, diversity enhances problem-solving and decision-making. When people with different backgrounds collaborate, they bring varied perspectives and approaches to the table. This diversity of thought leads to more comprehensive problem-solving, increased creativity, and the ability to navigate challenges from multiple angles.
Third, fostering an inclusive environment helps attract and retain top talent. When individuals feel valued and empowered, they are more likely to contribute their best work and remain committed to their roles. This, in turn, leads to a stronger and more resilient tech community.
Overall, embracing diversity in the tech industry promotes a brighter and more innovative future. By creating an environment where everyone’s voice is heard and valued, we ensure that technology remains a force for positive change and progress. Diverse teams drive groundbreaking discoveries, address complex issues, and ultimately contribute to a tech landscape that benefits individuals and society as a whole.
💘As a CFG Ambassador, what one piece of helpful advice you’d like to share with our community? It could be career, life, coding, learning etc. related.
As a CFG Ambassador, my suggestion for the community is to embrace the journey of continuous learning. This advice applies not only to coding and technical skills but also to personal and professional growth.
In the ever-evolving tech industry, staying up-to-date with new technologies and trends is crucial. However, learning goes beyond just acquiring technical knowledge. It’s about cultivating a mindset of curiosity and adaptability.
👓 Being a Software Engineer likely requires a lot of screen time! What do you like to do away from the screen, such as a passion project?
Indeed, as a Software Engineer, a significant portion of my time is spent in front of a screen. However, I find balance by engaging in a passion project that aligns with my interests and allows me to step away from the digital world. My current passion project revolves around the realm of smart farming or smart agriculture.
This project holds my fascination because it combines technology with sustainable agricultural practices. While it’s true that my exploration of smart farming involves some screen time, such as watching educational videos, reading articles, and participating in live classes, the ultimate goal transcends screens. I’m committed to understanding how technology can revolutionise agriculture, making it more efficient, environmentally conscious, and capable of meeting the challenges of food security. I’m discovering innovative ways to employ data analysis, automation, and IoT devices to optimise crop yields, reduce waste, and create a more resilient agricultural system.
Although my passion project involves learning from screens, it’s about harnessing that knowledge to contribute to a more sustainable and productive future in agriculture. By staying informed and gaining expertise, I hope to be a part of the ongoing movement to transform the way we approach farming and ensure a brighter and more secure food supply.