Biography

Njogu Grace is a dynamic technology leader dedicated to fostering innovation and inclusion across Africa’s tech landscape. With a strong background in digital transformation and strategic leadership, she has consistently championed initiatives that empower underrepresented voices in technology. Her passion for mentoring and community-building has not only driven impactful projects but also inspired a new generation of women to break barriers and lead with confidence.

Her message to women during IWD

“Today, I celebrate the power, resilience, and ingenuity of every woman in tech and beyond. Let us continue to lift each other up, challenge the status quo, and create spaces where our ideas can thrive. Embrace your unique strengths and remember: every breakthrough starts with the courage to step forward. Together, we are shaping a future defined by innovation, inclusion, and endless possibility.“

Njogu Grace

Biography

Shandy Odhiambo is a data scientist and cloud specialist passionate about leveraging technology for impact.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and is a Google-certified data analyst and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner. With expertise in big data, cloud computing, and research, Shandy has worked on projects spanning sustainability, inclusive finance, and climate change.

In addition to her technical expertise, Shandy has a strong research background, particularly in behavioral science and technology-driven solutions. She is a part of the Aspire Leaders Program (2025 cohort) and participated in the IOC Young Leaders learning sprint. Beyond her work in research and technology, she is a dedicated mental health volunteer and an advocate for women in tech.

Shandy is committed to mentoring young women in technology, advocating for greater inclusion,
and using data-driven solutions to drive impact. Through her work and advocacy, she continues to shape the future of tech for a more diverse and equitable industry.

Her message to women during IWD

“To all the women stepping into STEM:

Believe in the power of your ideas and the impact you can make. The road ahead may have challenges, but remember, every barrier you break paves the way for those who come after you. Stay curious, stay resilient, and know that your unique perspective is exactly what the world needs. You have the ability to shape the future—keep pushing forward, and never doubt your worth in this field.”

Shandy Odhiambo

Biography

Joanna Jacqueline Govender’s journey to becoming the CEO of Empire Partner Foundation (EPF) and the EPF Tech Fund is not just a story of professional success, but one deeply rooted in purpose and a passion for inclusion. As an advocate for technology as a tool of empowerment, Joanna has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers that prevent underserved communities from accessing the opportunities they deserve.

Her mission is clear: to build a future where technology is not a privilege but a universal right, accessible to all, regardless of their background or location. This vision is deeply personal to Joanna, who has been inspired by her identical twin boys to fight for a world where young people, especially young women, can dream without limits and have the tools to turn their dreams into reality. She believes that the future of Africa will be shaped by its youth, and that their potential is limitless when equipped with the right resources, mentorship, and technology.

Under Joanna’s leadership, EPF has become a driving force for social change across Africa, leveraging cutting-edge technology and AI to solve public sector challenges, promote youth entrepreneurship, and foster sustainable job creation. Her work is centered on the belief that technology, when in the hands of those who dare to innovate, can change the world.

At the heart of Joanna’s leadership lies a deeply personal motivation. As a mother of identical twin boys, she is driven by the desire to create a world where her children—and every child in Africa—have access to the same opportunities to innovate, create, and lead, regardless of their background. Her twin sons serve as her greatest source of inspiration, reminding her daily that the work she does isn’t just for today, but for generations to come. Their future fuels her determination to ensure that technology isn’t a privilege, but a right for all.

Joanna’s work is more than a career—it’s her mission to leave behind a legacy of equity, opportunity, and unity, one that builds Africa into a global leader in tech innovation. She envisions a future where Africa’s diverse cultures and youthful energy are harnessed to drive transformation, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital revolution.

Joanna’s commitment to inclusion is evident in the programs and platforms EPF has developed to support young innovators, particularly young women and marginalized communities. From Orcaa.ai, an AI-driven recruitment platform that helps businesses find top talent from underserved groups, to initiatives like the Visible Social Impact Platform and JusticeTech, which improve access to justice and financial inclusion, Joanna’s work is empowering individuals and transforming communities across the continent.

Through her efforts, Joanna is not only shaping Africa’s digital future, but she is also leaving behind a legacy of empowerment, unity, and opportunity. As an advocate for women in technology, she is paving the way for the next generation of female tech leaders who will continue to break down barriers and redefine what is possible for Africa.

Her work embodies the essence of women’s empowerment—believing in the power of every woman and every young person to create meaningful change. Joanna’s story is a testament to the transformative power of technology and the unwavering belief that inclusion is the key to a brighter, more equitable future for all.

Her message to women during IWD

Dear Ladies,

On this International Women’s Day, I want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate each of you for the profound impact you have not only on our organization but also on the world around you. Your dedication, strength, and vision inspire me daily, and I am incredibly grateful to work alongside such an exceptional group of women.

Today is more than just a celebration; it is a reflection of the immense contributions women make in every aspect of life. Whether through leadership, innovation, or unwavering commitment to social change, you are all redefining what it means to lead with purpose. Our work at Empire Partner Foundation and EPF Tech Fund is a testament to the power of women shaping the future with resilience, compassion, and ingenuity.

As we honor the accomplishments of women everywhere, let us also continue to support one another in breaking down barriers, challenging limitations, and opening doors for those who will follow. I am proud to be part of a community that recognizes the power of women to change the world, and I am excited for all we will continue to achieve together.

Thank you for everything you do, not only for our mission but for the countless lives you touch along the way. Your efforts make a lasting difference, and today, we celebrate you.

With deep admiration and gratitude,
Joanna Jacqueline Govender

Biography

Hi, I’m Loise Muia, a network and security specialist who enjoys tackling security and connectivity challenges. From troubleshooting network issues to strengthening defenses against cyber threats, I thrive on solving problems that keep systems secure and running smoothly.

Beyond tech, I channel my creativity into my apparel branding business and love exploring new places in my free time. Tech isn’t just a space for men—women can build, innovate, and lead in this field too. I’m excited to see more women step into networking and cybersecurity, proving that skill and passion define success, not gender.

Her message to women during IWD

Tech isn’t just a space for men—women can build, innovate, and lead in this field too. This International Women’s Day, I celebrate the brilliant women breaking barriers in cybersecurity and networking. Let’s continue proving that skill, passion, and determination—not gender—define success in tech.

Loise Muia

Biography

I’m Sarah Mwende, a Telecommunications NOC Engineer with a strong background in Information Communications Technology and a Python Essentials certification. Currently pursuing CCNA to further enhance my networking expertise. I specialize in network monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing telecommunications systems, with a focus on continuous learning and problem-solving in the IT field.

Her message to women during IWD

Happy International Women’s Day! As a proud beneficiary of the Cisco Networking Academy, I’m grateful for the opportunities it has provided me to grow in the tech field. Being a woman in technology comes with its challenges, but it’s also empowering. Let’s continue to support and inspire each other to break barriers and shape the future of technology. Here’s to celebrating women everywhere!

Sarah Mwende

Biography

With a passion for digital literacy and data-driven insights, Farhana Agufa is a dedicated Digital Skills Trainer transitioning into the dynamic field of data science. Farhana has a proven track record in educating diverse audiences, developing engaging training programs, and fostering digital literacy. Her commitment to empowering learners with the skills needed to navigate the digital landscape is matched by her expertise in data annotation, training, and data science using Python tools.

Her message to women during IWD

Passion and a growth mindset are key. There are no limits to learning; anyone can master new skills by staying curious and keeping up with updates. The journey isn’t always easy, but what matters is the goal you set for yourself. For me, psychological discipline, consistency, and focus are the pillars that help me start every new lesson. Dive into coding, get hands-on, and soon it will feel like an exciting challenge, one that also rewards you. Keep going, and enjoy the process.

Farhana Agufa

Biography

Shout out to Mercy Nanjala, a beneficiary of the Green Digital Skills Course, who is championing sustainable and eco-friendly behaviours at her workplace and beyond. She is a seasoned Quality Auditor and Trainer at Cigna Healthcare International. A phenomenal woman who thrives in complex international Tech environments and multilingual communication – fluent in English, Kiswahili, French and Chinese. She is known for being self motivated, loyal, diligent, high achiever, personable, reliable, resilient, resourceful and innovative professional working to shape livelihoods in all sectors. To crown it all, her commitment to continuous learning has honed her expertise in Data Analytics, leadership, mentorship, training, counseling, teaching, research, customer service, translation and Interpretation setting her apart as a true role model.

Her message to women during IWD

Dear women of Valor, I acknowledge you this International Women’s Day. Your enthusiasm, courage, dignity and resilience are unmatched. I challenge you to boldly step into the STEM field where your skills and innovation will drive meaningful change. Adversity is inevitable along the journey, but perserverance is key. Be authentic, trust the process, embrace a growth mindset and stay committed to continous learning. Remember success should be squarely earned through dedication and no shortcuts. Keep pushing forward and together we will create the change we want to see in the world.

Mercy Nanjala