WHO IS BISOLA ALABI AND WHAT IS THE STORY BEHIND HEELSANDTECH?
I’m Bisola Alabi, a devoted mother of three toddlers and a fervent advocate for technology and education. The journey of Heels & Tech began when I was pregnant with my second child, I made the decision to re-enter the workforce after dedicating time to being a stay-at-home mom. However, I quickly realised a glaring gap in the market—a lack of community-focused platforms tailored specifically for women seeking to enhance their skills in the technology sector.
Observing this absence of inclusive spaces that catered to women’s unique needs and preferences, I set out on a mission to fill this void. Existing platforms seemed fast-paced and devoid of the supportive community environment essential for women’s growth and success. Driven by the vision to create a space where women could learn, evolve, and uplift each other, I began sharing my own experiences and knowledge online every time I acquired new insights.
In the tech industry, there prevailed a pervasive stereotype that only software developers could excel, perpetuating narratives of male-dominated environments. I challenged this perception by recounting my career journey, which began in tech giants like Oracle, where I thrived without ever having to code. My story struck a chord with countless women, who drew inspiration and courage from my experiences.
Thus, Heels & Tech was born—a platform dedicated to empowering women in technology, furnishing them with the resources, support, and community necessary for their flourishing. Through Heels & Tech, my goal is to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry and empower women from all walks of life to pursue careers in technology, irrespective of their prior experience or expertise.
WHAT INITIATIVES OR STRATEGIES DO YOU BELIEVE ARE EFFECTIVE IN ENCOURAGING MORE WOMEN TO PURSUE CAREERS IN TECHNOLOGY?
Encouraging more women to pursue careers in technology requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both awareness and inclusivity. Here are some initiatives and strategies that I believe are effective in achieving this goal:
- 1. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Continuous efforts to raise awareness about the opportunities available in the tech industry for women are crucial. This includes targeted campaigns in schools, universities, and communities to inspire young girls and women to consider careers in technology. Workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs can also play a significant role in dispelling myths and stereotypes about tech careers.
- 2. Representation and Visibility: Increasing the visibility of women in technology roles is essential for inspiring others to follow suit. Highlighting success stories of women in tech through various platforms, including social media, conferences, and industry events, can help showcase diverse role models and demonstrate that women can thrive in the tech industry.
- 3. Inclusive Work Environments: Creating inclusive workplaces where women feel valued, respected, and supported is crucial for retaining female talent in the tech sector. This involves implementing policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion, such as flexible work arrangements, mentorship programs, and zero-tolerance policies for discrimination and harassment.
- 4. Promoting STEM Education: Encouraging girls and young women to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is essential for building a pipeline of future talent in the tech industry. Investing in STEM education programs, scholarships, and extracurricular activities that target girls can help foster their interest and confidence in pursuing tech-related fields.
- 5. Partnerships and Collaborations: Collaborating with schools, universities, companies, and non-profit organizations to develop initiatives and programs aimed at increasing female participation in technology can amplify impact and reach broader audiences. This can include internship programs, hackathons, coding boot camps, and networking events tailored specifically for women.
- 6. Supportive Communities and Networks: Building communities and networks where women in tech can connect, share experiences, and support each other is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. Online forums, networking groups, and professional associations dedicated to women in technology provide valuable resources, mentorship opportunities, and career development support.
CAN YOU SHARE ANY RECENT ADVANCEMENTS OR APPLICATIONS OF GENERATIVE AI THAT YOU FIND PROMISING?
Like I always say, AI is not new. Major organisations have been using it to improve processes for a long time, I Would say it has become mainstream which is now accessible to everyone and just the way people’s lives changed as a result of the world wide web, www, Gen AI is going to turn a lot of businesses and lives around. We are already seeing people building innovations on top of Generative AI.
I will like to highlight 3 industries where GeN AI is making a difference, especially in the social impact space.
In Retail, it has Elevated Shopping Experiences, redefining the shopping experience, making it more personalised, efficient, and engaging.
In Healthcare Industry, it has Improved Patient Outcomes. Where precision and speed can be a matter of life and death, One of the most remarkable applications of Generative AI in healthcare is in diagnostics. Traditional diagnostic methods often rely on human interpretation of medical data, such as images and patient histories. This can take a long time.
Generative AI, powered by advanced machine learning algorithms has revolutionized this process.
In the Financial Industry, it has Enhanced Client Experiences and Driven Financial Growth with Risk Assessment and Fraud Detection.
In the high-stakes world of finance, risk assessment and fraud detection are paramount. Generative AI, with its ability to analyze vast datasets in real-time, plays a crucial role in safeguarding financial transactions.
And at heels and Tech, we use it to decide the best course for our prospective students depending on their background and their behavior.
IN YOUR EXPERIENCE, WHAT ARE SOME COMMON CHALLENGES WOMEN FACE WHEN ENTERING OR ADVANCING IN THE TECH INDUSTRY AND HOW CAN THESE BARRIERS BE ADDRESSED?
Technophobia, the fear of technology, often undermines our confidence and can be traced back to cultural norms that assign certain roles based on gender. Historically, boys have been encouraged to engage in technical pursuits while girls are often steered towards domestic responsibilities. This societal conditioning can lead to a lack of confidence in women when it comes to technology.
Ironically, women demonstrate incredible strength and resilience in their lives, particularly in childbirth, which is undoubtedly a formidable challenge. Yet, the perception persists that technology is somehow more daunting.
However, through consistent encouragement and awareness-building efforts, women are gradually overcoming these barriers and finding their place in the tech industry. By highlighting the parallels between the challenges they face in everyday life and the skills required in technology, women are gaining confidence and breaking down the barriers of technophobia.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC RESOURCES OR OPPORTUNITIES YOU WOULD RECOMMEND FOR WOMEN LOOKING TO ENHANCE THEIR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN AREAS RELATED TO GENERATIVE AI OR TECHNOLOGY IN GENERAL?
Oh yes, I will recommend Heels and Tech for your resources and opportunities.
