Tima Ali

General Info

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

With extensive experience founding and leading Kids In Tech, I bring expertise in digital literacy advocacy and empowering underrepresented groups. I can teach my mentor and their colleagues how to develop and implement impactful educational programs, like Kids In Tech, which has successfully trained over 800 children. Additionally, my experience in forming strategic partnerships can provide valuable insights into building effective collaborations. Additionally, my background in leading cross-functional IT teams and driving digital transformation initiatives provides a unique perspective on leadership and project management.

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

1. To develop advanced leadership skills to effectively manage large-scale projects and diverse teams, particularly in high-pressure and rapidly evolving environments.
2. To build a robust network of global professionals and learn effective strategies for establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships.
3. To strengthen and master the art of public speaking.

Mentorship Characteristic

• Identify workshops or certificate programs to further my learning after the program has ended
• Focus on leadership skills building
• Focus on technical skills building
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company
• Gets me involved in day-to-day activities of the mentor and partnering company.

Ideal Company Type

My ideal mentor match would come from the cloud computing, digital services or software development industry working within a mid-to-large-sized company focused on innovative solutions and digital transformation. The company should have a culture of inclusivity, continuous learning, and social impact. Ideally, the mentor would have experience in both technical leadership and strategic community engagement, valuing collaboration and mentorship. The organization should be forward-thinking, with a strong commitment to sustainability and societal contributions, providing a dynamic environment that fosters growth and innovation.

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

1. Reliable
2. Driven
3. Teachable

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

Having recently taken up a leadership role, overseeing cross-functional IT teams, I hope that collaborating with my mentor will sharpen my leadership skills and broaden my perspectives in digital transformation. Learning from their experiences and expertise will enable me to implement innovative strategies and best practices in my work. This mentorship will also help me refine my approach to community engagement and program sustainability, driving greater impact through my Kids In Tech program. The insights gained will empower me to take on more significant leadership roles, fostering inclusivity and innovation within the tech industry in Kenya and beyond.

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

I aim to broaden Kids In Tech's reach to marginalized communities by refining its business model through the entrepreneurship workshops. Through the leadership workshops, I plan to launch my new initiative LeadHer Connect to contribute to the increase of women in leadership positions. In pursuing a leadership role, I recognized a notable gap in guidance on navigating this progression. Therefore, upon returning, I plan to initiate a knowledge transfer and mentorship program for aspiring women in leadership. Additionally, I am eager to serve as a mentor for future TechWomen participants, sharing my experiences and offering guidance to facilitate their growth.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

5

Primary Professional Focus

• Leader who is in charge of managing technical employees
• Leader who is in charge of overseeing the delivery of technology products and processes
• Technical product design

Education History