Embracing my TechWomen Journey

In 2021, I applied for the 2022 TechWomen cohort and received the classic "We regret to inform you" letter and honestly, was a bit heartbroken. Fast forward to November 2023, a colleague nudged me to try again, saying the program was open again for applications. I hesitated—skeptical, nervous about facing disappointment once more—but eventually, I rallied and dove into the notoriously rigorous and exhausting application process. By December, I had submitted my application...and promptly put it out of my mind.

Then, in March, I got the surprise of a lifetime—a semi-finalist interview! I was over the moon. To me, that in itself felt like a huge victory. I told myself, “Even if this doesn’t go any further, getting this far is an accomplishment.”

But then, at the end of May 2024, the email I’d been waiting on for what felt like forever finally arrived. And, oh, did it start with those magical words:

"Congratulations on your acceptance..."!

Since then, it’s been an emotional rollercoaster—moments of disbelief, confidence, imposter syndrome (in overdrive), and everything in between.

After weeks of anticipation, the day of our departure finally arrived. Alongside four other incredible women in STEM from my home country, I boarded our first flight, filled with excitement, nervous energy, and a sense of adventure. As we took off from our beautiful RG Mugabe airport, I couldn’t help but feel both anxious and exhilarated, knowing we were about to embark on the journey of a lifetime.

Our first stop: the vibrant OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg. We had a few hours to soak in the atmosphere of one of Africa's busiest airports, enjoying the hustle and bustle of travelers from all over the world. A quick meal and some duty-free shopping later, we were ready for the next leg of the journey, feeling recharged and excited to continue.

Next up was the stunning Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam—a hub of elegance and efficiency. Walking through the spacious terminals, we took a moment to appreciate the art displays and unique architecture. It was hard not to feel a sense of wonder in such a globally connected place. Though we were far from home, Schiphol’s welcoming vibe made us feel a bit closer to our final destination.

Finally, after 28 hours of travel and an unforgettable journey through three major international airports, we landed at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. The moment the wheels touched the ground, a mix of exhaustion and excitement set in. We had made it! Stepping off the plane, we were greeted by the cool breeze of Chicago and the vibrant TechWomen representatives, ready to dive headfirst into all things tech, explore the city, and make the most of this incredible experience.

Over the next five weeks, I’ll be sharing my #TechWomenStory as it unfolds. So far, it’s shaping up to be a wild ride—chaotic but beautiful, hectic yet inspiring. I’m soaking it all in and embracing every single moment of this adventure!