Karen Okonkwo
How would you describe the work you do at Softcom?
Every weekday, I wake up looking forward to a productive day at work. In my work as a Front-End Engineer on the Eyowo team, I get to build out interfaces that help users interact with our product. Being part of the team building Eyowo and seeing my work play into reality gives me a great sense of joy. At the end of the day, when all is said and done, I know the work I do directly impacts people’s lives.
What does choosing to challenge mean personally for you?
Choosing to challenge for me means refusing to be put in a box. It’s every time I decide to go for what I want regardless of generally accepted ideas and stereotypes. It’s every time through my actions that I get to show the next person the amazing things that are possible just by challenging the norm.
What would access and inclusion look like for you in the Africa Softcom is trying to build?
Access and inclusion for me would be the creation of public or extremely affordable tools not limited only to a subset of users, but to as many people as possible. Tools that very visibly make life easier for everyone.
How did you get into the tech environment?
I was always fascinated by computers as a kid. When I found out that I could be part of a world where I could create and work with this thing that fascinated me, I jumped at the opportunity. I was very aware for a long time that I was going to be a Software Engineer.
What do you do for fun?
I bury myself in any TV series I find that’s more than 10 seasons long. Ask me anything about Grey’s Anatomy 🙂
Tell us two truths about yourself and one lie.
– I paint and teach art in my spare time.
– I don’t dance.
– I can’t stand elevators.