Breaking barriers together

In partnership with the Women in Tech (WiT) Club, Carnegie Mellon University Africa recently hosted an Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology (AnitaB.org) leadership event, themed "Breaking Barriers Together: Leadership Development for Tech Professionals."

The event, which brought together educators, students, and professionals in Rwanda, created a collaborative environment where participants could learn from each other, share experiences, and develop essential leadership skills. This initiative aligned with AnitaB.org’s mission to support women in technology and promote inclusive leadership.

During opening remarks, Brenda Wilkerson, president and CEO of AnitaB.org, encouraged participants to apply the skills learned to become effective leaders. "Take what you learn here and apply it to drive your career forward, support colleagues, and contribute to a human-focused tech community," she said.

Her remarks were echoed by CMU-Africa Chief Operations Officer Chipiwa Zimbwa, who is passionate about leadership development and emphasized the importance of honing leadership skills with the same dedication as developing technical skills.

Julianna Lindsey, UNICEF country representative in Rwanda, shared her life story in the keynote address, highlighting the correlation between personal and professional goals.

The Design Thinking workshop facilitated by George Okeyo, was an eye-opener to solving societal issues using non-linear approaches. Okeyo facilitated hands-on activities highlighting the importance of understanding user needs and thinking beyond conventional frameworks. Participants worked collaboratively on real-world challenges, such as the urban planning issues in Kigali, while applying design thinking principles to devise innovative, actionable solutions.

Attendees benefited from a masterclass on building an online personal brand by Monica Sumbi. They were exposed to strategies for showcasing their professional skills and leadership abilities online, and this session underscored the value of a strong digital presence in the tech landscape.

"Tech leadership isn't just about personal growth—it's about building bridges and opening doors for others," said delphine nyaboke (MS EAI ’25), WiT president, and Women Techmakers Ambassador for Nairobi and Kigali. "This event was about empowering women in technology and fostering an inclusive community that thrives on collaboration."