Tech for social change enthusiast
IET Member Maria Gitau is a software engineer who describes herself as a “tech for social change enthusiast”. After volunteering with the IET throughout her time at university, at the end of October 2023, she started a one-year tenure as International Student Representative on the IET Young Professionals Committee.
Endowed with an infectious enthusiasm, boundless energy, a can-do attitude, and a determination to make a difference, the world is her oyster…
Maria graduated from Nairobi’s Strathmore University in February 2023 with a first-class BSc (Hons) in Informatics and Computer Science, determined to apply all the invaluable lessons she had learned to “make an impact” on the world.
During her time at Strathmore, Maria maintained the perfect balance between achieving academic excellence and engaging in diverse extracurricular ventures as an IET student member. She received her university’s prestigious Community Service Award in recognition of her tireless efforts to empower others – an ethos which she plans to carry forward in all her future endeavours.
A month after graduating, she took on a demanding software engineer position at Verst Carbon. The role involves developing an online platform that helps organisations embarking on eco-friendly ventures, guiding them step by step in their acquisition of carbon credits.
Catching the engineering bug
“My engineering journey has been nothing short of a thrilling adventure,” says Maria. It all started in high school when Maria took part in a global programme run by the New York Academy of Sciences. The initiative aimed to encourage young people to develop solutions to pressing global challenges.
“My team came up with an innovative idea of converting roofing systems into algae chambers,” she said. “The underlying notion was that we would harness photosynthesis to produce biofuel and biomass. This endeavour was the spark that lit my desire to be at the forefront of problem solving.”
“While at university, I immersed myself in various competitions and conferences,” she said. “Each one deepened my understanding of the multifaceted realm of computer science.”
Becoming an IET member and volunteer
It was during an online conference that she first found out about the IET. That’s when the ball really started rolling and Maria joined forces with three friends, with support from the IET, to create a student community at her university. Together, they delivered a series of events enabling their fellow students to enhance their knowledge and skills in the tech and engineering ecosystem.
Maria said: “What I found most appealing about it was that it would create opportunities to bring together like-minded students and professionals with a desire to learn from each other through a range of activities and events. I also liked the idea of being part of a community that could have a positive impact on many students’ careers.”
Reflecting on her IET membership, Maria shared, “being an IET member has been an enlightening experience, opening vistas of understanding about the vast expanse of the engineering and technology domain. Beyond the insights and opportunities, what I truly cherish is the community spirit of the IET. It is an ever-evolving journey of learning and giving back, where I draw inspiration from the collective experiences of the community and contribute through my volunteer initiatives.”
Community action
Maria’s community endeavours stretch beyond the IET. Having been bitten by the volunteering bug, in February 2022 Maria travelled with three other Strathmore student volunteers to Napetet Village, at the heart of Turkana County in Northern Kenya. They spent six days delivering remedial lessons as part of a new Strathmore Turkana Educational Programme designed to help prepare primary-school students for their national examinations. The following January she again volunteered as a teacher, this time for six weeks at a revision camp at Kokuselei Village, Turkana.
Six months later, Maria led an outreach activity at a local children’s home, accompanied by colleagues from Verst Carbon. She said: “We brought along donations and, more importantly, spent quality time with the children, making their day brighter with fun-filled activities. I am eternally grateful for the blessings I have and find immense joy in sharing them and uplifting others.”
IET International Student Representative
Maria’s involvement with the IET continues to blossom: “I have embarked on an ever-evolving journey of learning and giving back, where I draw collective experience from the community and contribute through my volunteer initiatives.
At the end of October Maria was thrilled to start her tenure as the International Student Representative 2023/2024 on the IET Young Professionals Committee. “This role has offered me the chance to connect with incredible individuals worldwide and I look forward to harnessing this opportunity to widen my professional horizons,” she said.
“Our inaugural meeting in Glasgow [Scotland] was nothing short of inspirational. From discussing IET Technical Networks to strategising for the IET’s future, I am excited about the impact we will make.”
Maria has now set her sights on establishing an IET Local Network in Kenya, so watch this space.
What’s next?
Never one to rest on her laurels, Maria has (of course) already developed a five-year career progression plan.
She said: “In the next five years I aspire to harness my skills and insights to spearhead projects that amplify the positive facets of technology across diverse sectors. Beyond this, I am equally enthusiastic about stepping into leadership roles and amplifying my contributions to volunteering. It’s all about blending heart with tech – and that’s where I see myself thriving.”
By embracing both the “steep learning curve” and a “growing confidence” in her contributions, Maria has made great progress since entering the world of work. Yet she has also been grappling with feelings of impostor syndrome.
Thankfully the connections she made at the IET Young Professionals Summit 2023 have helped assuage her self-doubts: “Conversations with fellow members have been enlightening. Their shared experiences and career navigation insights have taught me the value of shedding unrealistic, self-imposed standards. They encouraged me to embrace the growth journey wholeheartedly within my professional realm.”