Last Friday marked a truly inspiring day for the current cohort of SheCanCODE participants, as they were treated to a dynamic and incredibly insightful mentoring session. The session was skillfully led by Lydia Ingabire, a distinguished alumna of SheCanCODE Cohort 9, who successfully completed the Mobile Development track. Her return to the program, not just as an alumna but as a beacon of success, resonated deeply with the aspiring young women.

Lydia's journey since her time at SheCanCODE has been nothing short of remarkable. She has established herself as a highly successful software developer, a testament to the rigorous training and foundational skills she acquired during her participation in the program. Beyond her professional achievements, Lydia has also showcased her entrepreneurial spirit as the co-founder of Native Desk, an innovative mobile attendance tracking system. Native Desk is a groundbreaking solution that leverages geolocation technology, enabling companies to precisely monitor employee check ins and check outs. This not only streamlines attendance management but also significantly enhances workplace efficiency and accountability, thereby transforming business operations across Rwanda through digital advancements. Her creation of Native Desk vividly illustrates how practical application of digital skills can lead to impactful, real world solutions.

A Journey of Innovation and Impact

During her compelling session, Lydia meticulously walked the participants through the entire journey of Native Desk. She began by recounting how she identified a tangible problem within the Rwandan business landscape the need for a more reliable and efficient attendance tracking system. She then detailed the intricate process of developing a robust technical solution, from conceptualization to coding. Furthermore, she openly shared the challenges and triumphs of launching her own tech business, providing a candid and invaluable glimpse into the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

A key takeaway from her narrative was the unwavering emphasis on perseverance, consistency, and the critical role that mentorship played in her personal and professional growth. She stressed that the path to success is often fraught with obstacles, but with dedication and guidance, these can be overcome.

Inspiration Through Real Experience

For the current participants, this session was profoundly impactful. Seeing an alumna who once occupied the very same seats they now filled, actively building impactful digital products and leading her own venture, created an immediate and powerful connection. It made the seemingly distant goal of a tech career feel tangible and achievable. Lydia's words of encouragement were particularly potent:

"I am who I am today because I took the chance and believed in the skills I gained here. If I could do it, you can do it too."

This simple yet powerful statement served as a profound source of motivation, instilling confidence and a sense of possibility in every participant.

A Reflection of SheCanCODE’s Mission

Lydia's inspiring success story perfectly encapsulates and reinforces the core mission of the SheCanCODE initiative. The program is fundamentally designed to empower young women by equipping them with cutting-edge digital skills. This empowerment is intended to serve as a catalyst, fostering employment opportunities, nurturing entrepreneurial ventures, and cultivating strong leadership roles for women within Rwanda's burgeoning tech industry. Her achievements serve as a living testament to the transformative power of the SheCanCODE curriculum.

Interactive Learning and Mentorship

The session culminated in an engaging and interactive Q&A segment. Participants eagerly seized the opportunity to seek Lydia's advice on a wide array of topics, including effective problem-solving strategies, navigating the complexities of freelancing, and gathering the courage and resilience required to successfully launch and sustain a startup. Her candid and practical responses provided invaluable insights, further enriching the learning experience for all attendees.

Empowering the Next Generation

At the Igire Rwanda Organization, we are deeply committed to fostering an environment where every young woman participating in SheCanCODE can envision a vibrant and fulfilling future for herself within the dynamic world of technology. Whether their aspirations lie in becoming a proficient developer, an innovative problem-solver within a workplace, or a trailblazing founder like Lydia, we are dedicated to supporting their journey.

We extend our immense pride to Lydia for her remarkable achievements and eagerly anticipate the continued expansion and success of Native-Desk. Furthermore, we look forward with great excitement to hearing many more stories of extraordinary women who are actively breaking down barriers, creating innovative solutions, and playing a pivotal role in leading Rwanda's digital transformation. Her story is not just one of individual success, but a powerful narrative of collective progress and inspiration for a brighter, more inclusive technological future.