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Judith Owigar
Professional Background
Judith Adem Owigar is a pioneering social entrepreneur and tech advocate whose work has significantly impacted the landscape of technology and innovation in Africa. With a firm belief in the power of exposure, education, and technology to transform lives, Judith has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for underserved communities, particularly women and youth. She is best known for co-founding AkiraChix, an organization focused on encouraging and nurturing generations of women who leverage technology to create innovative solutions for African challenges.
Through her leadership at AkiraChix, Judith has inspired countless young women and girls to enter the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), helping to bridge the gender gap and increase female representation in the African tech sector. Judith's vision extends beyond technology; she is also the founder and CEO of Juakali Workforce, a company designed to tackle youth unemployment by enhancing the livelihoods of skilled manual laborers in Kenya. Her commitment to equitable opportunities for all workers drives her pursuit of partners who share her mission.
Education and Achievements
Judith's academic journey reflects her dedication to learning and professional growth. She has earned multiple degrees from the prestigious University of Nairobi, including a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), a Master of Science (MSc), and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). This robust educational foundation has equipped her with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead transformative initiatives in her community and beyond.
Her influence extends into the realm of public speaking, where she has had the honor of sharing her insights and experiences on significant platforms. Judith has participated in esteemed gatherings, including the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, where she inspired many with her journey. She also shared the stage at the Global Entrepreneurship Summit with influential leaders such as Former US President Barack Obama and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, showcasing her role as a thought leader in the tech community.
Judith's recognition in her field is exemplified through her fellowships with the East African Acumen and International Focus programs, both of which acknowledge her dedication to social change and technological advancement in Africa.
Professional Affiliations
Judith's career has been marked by her involvement in various organizations that align with her vision for tech-driven social change. As the founder and CEO of Juakali Workforce Limited, she leads efforts to empower manual laborers and address youth unemployment challenges in Kenya.
Prior to this, Judith served as the Research Director at Brink Innovation LTD, where she was instrumental in developing research-driven solutions to address pressing social issues. Additionally, she contributed her expertise as a former Board Member at SPIDER (The Swedish Program for ICT in Developing Regions), further showcasing her commitment to ICT in developing contexts. Judith is also known as a co-founder of the AkiraChix Association, an initiative that continues to thrive under her influence and vision.
Conclusion
Judith Adem Owigar stands as a beacon of hope and influence in the African technology landscape. Her passion for education, empowerment, and innovation propels her work at AkiraChix and Juakali Workforce, where she tirelessly advocates for a brighter and more equitable future for women, youth, and skilled laborers. With an impressive academic background and a flourishing career in social entrepreneurship, Judith inspires those around her to dream big and act boldly in creating solutions that uplift communities across Africa. Her commitment to harnessing technology for social good ensures that she will remain a key figure in the ongoing dialogue surrounding tech, education, and social equity in Africa.
