Subscribe to our mailing list
Sophia Yusuf Abeid
System Administrator, Vodacom
,,
,,
Disregard the stereotypes.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am an Electronics and Communication Graduate Engineer, working for Vodacom Tanzania as a System Administrator for the network operations department. I am also a STEM advocate, working with the Next Einstein Forum as an ambassador to Tanzania. Working with a Telecommunication company, I ensure that our customers are connected with the network and get reliable and good services. I also advocate STEM with various engagements such as working with other organisations whose target is to increase the number of women in STEM fields. I am also a Next Einstein Forum ambassador, a organization that believes the next Einstein will be African. It's target is to make Africa a global hub for science and technology. Together I work with them to reach that goal for my country
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
Growing up being raised by my grandfather who had majored in physics and chemistry field, he always tutored me and encourage me to love the STEM field. I was always being told that the STEM field was difficult and was only meant for "boys", so growing up with such stereotype was discouraging but I am glad that I had a role model who encouraged me and helped me become the person I am today. Because of that I dedicate my time visiting young girls in school to share my story so that I can help increase the number of girls in STEM field.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
Today I stand as a award winning engineer and innovator. I have been awarded as a First prize winner at a competition for innovation in my country where 300 projects where being competed. I have also been recognized my the Next Einstein forum as an upcoming woman in STEM field. I have also been awarded as a first prize winner by the Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation in a online video competition explaining the benefits of nuclear energy. I am also the ambassador of the Next Einstein Forum to Tanzania, something I pride myself in and wish the younger me knew that I could achieve someday. I have been recognized nationally and internationally and hope that my story will motivate the young girls who are passionate the STEM field.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love working STEM because I believe through science and technology a lot of challenges facing the community can be solved. I wake up everyday looking forward to using my life experiences and story to uplift other girls in the STEM field. I believe by sharing our stories more women/girls will know that it can be done and will join the STEM field.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Disregard the stereotypes that Girls/Women can not make it in the STEM field. We are equally capable and can do great things as well.
INSPO / FUN FACT
"A state that does not educate and train women is like a man who only trains his right arm,” Prof. Éliane Ubalijoro.