Uloma Okenyi is a highly skilled Senior Software Engineer specializing in designing and developing sustainable software solutions using diverse programming languages and frameworks including ASP.Net Core, Spring Boot, and Node Js.
She specializes in building web API and excels in translating complex business requirements into secure, efficient, and user-friendly applications.
Her approach to software development is rooted in a deep commitment to best practices in application architecture and design patterns, ensuring scalability, reliability, and maintainability of software solutions.
With a wealth of experience in identifying and resolving technical issues, Uloma has contributed to the development of various enterprise solutions. She is recognized as a valuable team member, known for her flexibility, quick learning ability, and readiness to embrace new technologies.
Beyond her technical achievements, Uloma is the visionary founder of Vision Bling Community.
In an exclusive interview with Techeconomy, she shares insights into Vision Bling’s mission which is helping young people transition to tech swiftly through tech innovator challenge codenamed “VBTI”, webinars, mentoring sessions, and online training. Uloma is at the forefront of nurturing the next generation of tech innovators.
TE: Can you tell us about Vision Bling and what motivated the establishment of the platform
Uloma Okenyi: Vision Bling is a community where we help young people transition into tech swiftly through webinars, online training, one-on-one mentoring sessions, and Tech Innovator Challenges.
The inspiration behind founding this community struck me during my master’s program at the University of Nigeria (UNN) Nsukka located in the Southeast, where I realized the tech space was inadequately penetrated compared to other regions.
Many individuals studying these courses seemed uncertain about their future paths in the tech world while some have this misconception that all career in Tech revolves around coding.
Determined to make a difference, I embarked on a mission to ensure that people not only discover the vast opportunities in tech, especially in the Southeast but also kickstart rewarding careers beyond just coding.
I started with visiting secondary schools to organize a tech innovator challenge which was cut short due to my relocation to the UK, our mission remains unwavering, albeit transitioning fully online.
TE: Given the unemployment rate especially in Africa, how do you think your programs will help young people gain skills for the future?
Uloma Okenyi: As a recent graduate, landing that first job can feel like the ultimate goal. However, without the right skills, breaking into the job market can be difficult, because employers often prefer candidates with experience. At Vision Bling, we understand this challenge as well.
That’s why our webinars feature seasoned professionals from diverse fields who offer invaluable insights and advice on kickstarting your career journey.
Some Vision Bling activities and winners of its Tech Innovator Challenge (in photos):
The advice offered on these webinars goes beyond what you can find online. Our participants gain access to firsthand information and learn from the experiences and mistakes of others, and we don’t stop there.
For those who are truly committed to their professional growth, we offer personalized mentorship sessions. Let’s talk about our Tech Innovator Challenge –We provide a platform for participants to showcase their creativity and think outside the box.
Through this challenge, they gain invaluable hands-on experience, setting them apart in a competitive job market. It may also interest you to know that some students who benefited from our first UI/UX training have gotten intern roles in reputable organizations.
But here’s the best part – everything we offer is free! We recognize the challenges many face, particularly in Nigeria, and we’re committed to breaking down barriers to education and opportunity.
Vision Bling operates as a non-profit organization, driven by our passion to empower young people. However, we’re always open to collaborations that align with our mission.
TE: In the last decade or so, there seems to be a surge of women making bold statements in several sectors of the economy. What would you say is responsible for this development?
Uloma Okenyi: I am very happy to see the bold statements women are making in various fields, and I firmly believe it’s a testament to the growing self-awareness and confidence among women.
More and more women are realizing their potential and recognizing that they can excel in fields traditionally dominated by their male counterparts. One major factor for this shift is witnessing other women thriving in these spaces – it’s truly inspiring and empowering.
Communities like ours play a pivotal role in encouraging and supporting women to take that bold step forward. It’s exciting to witness women coming together, holding each other’s hands, and championing one another’s success.
I couldn’t be happier about the bold statements we’re seeing among women, and I’m incredibly excited to continue fostering an environment where women can thrive, excel, and make their mark on the world.
TE: While many people are saying that there are no jobs, companies are actively looking for skills in different areas. What are the top skills you think youths should focus on?
Uloma Okenyi: There are no good or bad skills, and every skill is important. However, in choosing a skill to learn, you must find out your strengths and weaknesses.
Ask yourself what you are most comfortable with and learn it because the truth is that there is no skill that is easy to learn, and it is only passion that will drive you in times when learning gets difficult.
However, in terms of in-demand jobs currently, in 2023, statistics from recruiting platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed show that core technical roles such as software engineers, Network and cloud engineers, Data scientists, and the like are more in demand and pay higher than most non-coding roles.
TE: What does the future of Vision Bling look like?
Uloma Okenyi: The future of Vision Bling is very great. As we look ahead, we’re incredibly excited about the opportunities to collaborate with other tech communities.
One of our plans is to expand our Tech Innovator Challenge. We want to provide participants with a more rewarding experience.
Additionally, we’re gearing up to rebrand our webinars, ensuring they’re more engaging, informative, and accessible than ever before. Our goal is to provide a platform where knowledge is not only shared but also celebrated.
Moreover, we recognize the importance of guiding our participants beyond the webinar experience. That’s why we’re exploring partnerships with boot camp training companies to offer comprehensive pathways for those eager to dive deeper into tech. We want to ensure that the enthusiasm sparked by our webinars translates into tangible skills and opportunities.
Lastly, we are looking at expanding our pool of mentors, seeking out individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise in various tech fields.
By broadening our mentorship network, we can provide support and guidance to an even wider audience, encouraging growth and success within our community.
