Abir Raza

General Info

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

1. Acquire hands-on experience in systems engineering management: designing, implementing and enhancing engineering systems or projects, and gaining insights into technology development in high-tech industries from innovative idea to viable product.
2. Understand the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Bay Area tech companies in terms of challenges and successes, as well as how they structure and implement business models with entrepreneurs, large companies, and investors.
3. Learn how non-revenue-generating assets can be adapted in order to generate revenue; monetization of emerging technologies, such as, blockchain and big data to gain a substantial competitive business advantage.

Ideal Company Type

I anticipate mentorship at a public limited company or, preferably, a large corporation that would make the most of my qualifications and abilities. I expect to work in the IT industry with a significant focus on developing and commercializing market-led technologies. I would love to be a part of a globally operating company with more than 5,000 employees from diverse cultures working together physically and virtually towards a common goal. I look forward to a progressive corporate culture that welcomes innovation and change. In parallel, my ideal company provides a nurturing environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and rewarded.

Additional Technical Skills

Project management; policy formulation; Research and design strategy; business planning; digital marketing

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

1. Reliable
2. Focused
3. Eager to Learn

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

As part of the next generation of Emerging Leaders, TechWomen will nurture my competencies as both a professional and a trainer by exposing me to diverse professional settings and networks. I will substantially benefit from project-based mentorship; that will give me an opportunity to learn about the international standards, strategies, and resources that high-tech companies, like, Apple, Google, and Microsoft are employing in New Product Development (NPD). Moreover, the exchange of ideas and meaningful discussions will further my interests, increase my collaboration abilities, and will elevate me to another level of learning.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

A resourceful experience of TechWomen will enable me to act as a catalyst; inspire and mentor more women in STEM. I will leverage my TechWomen experiential learning, network and resources to conduct similar training interventions and tech Bootcamps for young girls like I impart business management trainings. Hence, polishing their technical and entrepreneurial capabilities, and inspire them to pursue a STEM career. I will also collaborate with other emerging leaders and housed companies in the Silicon Valley and Bay Area to launch new women-owned businesses in Pakistan and accelerate the growth of tech startups incubating in my university’s incubation center.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

12

Primary Professional Focus

• Managing technical employees
• Overseeing the delivery of technology products
• Technical project and program manager

Education History

Highest Level of Education Completed

Master's