I started WinTECH to address underrepresentation of black, minority women in tech – Wendy Nwajiufor

INTERVIEWS

Wendy Nwajiufor, affectionately known as Chylove, is a powerhouse content creator, Executive Director, and entrepreneur revolutionizing the global landscape. With a Computer Science degree and a master’s in Human Capital Management, Wendy excels in Business Development, Innovation, Strategy, Project Management, Agile Business Analysis, and Content Creation. Her engaging and inspirational content captivates over 50,000 YouTube subscribers.

As the visionary founder of WinTECH, Wendy is bridging the gender gap in the tech industry. Collaborating with major corporations like RBC, CompTIA, and IIBA, she spearheads initiatives providing scholarships, mentorships, and career coaching for women in cybersecurity. Her relentless dedication has earned her prestigious awards such as the YMCA Community Champion Award and the Women in Tech Excellence Award by Remarkable Women Inc.

Wendy’s YouTube journey began with unique Nigerian recipes, evolving into a transformative 2020 partnership with YouTube that expanded her influence. As a sought-after brand influencer, she partners with top companies like Teddy Blake and Zinff Optical, extending her reach across five continents.

Certified in SAP ERP, HR, CBAP, CSM, CSPO, and ITIL, Wendy’s professional credentials are as impressive as her career. When she’s not trailblazing industries or creating compelling content, Wendy cherishes quality time with her family. Married to her soulmate, they share adorable children who inspire her every day.

Join Wendy Nwajiufor on her extraordinary journey as she empowers, innovates, and inspires a global community, transforming lives and industries with her visionary leadership and boundless creativity.

Can you share what inspired you to start WinTECH and its mission to bridge the gender gap in tech?

My inspiration to start WinTECH came from recognizing the significant underrepresentation of black women and other visible minority women in the tech industry. Despite the progress made in gender equality, tech remains a field where women are a minority, and within this group, black women and other racialized minorities face even greater challenges based on statistics. Observing these disparities, it became evident that there was a pressing need for a dedicated platform to support and empower these women. The vision for WinTECH is rooted in the desire to create a safe and inclusive space where black, racialized, and visible minority women can come together to support one another, share resources, and advance their careers.

Our mission is to bridge the gender gap in tech by providing mentorship, networking opportunities, professional development resources, and advocacy. By fostering a community of solidarity and mutual support, we aim to empower women to overcome the unique obstacles they face in the tech industry. Through WinTECH, we strive to not only increase representation but also ensure that these women can thrive and lead in their careers.

Ultimately, our goal is to cultivate an environment where diversity is celebrated, and every woman, regardless of her background can achieve her full potential in the tech space.

How has your experience in Computer Science, project management and Agile Business Analyst shaped your business development and innovation approach?

My experience in Computer Science, Project Management, and Agile Business Analysis has significantly shaped my business development and innovation approach.

Computer Science: It has honed my problem-solving skills and technical understanding, enabling me to leverage emerging tech trends to drive growth.

Project Management: It has equipped me with skills in planning, resource allocation, and risk management, ensuring the effective execution of business initiatives.

Agile Business Analysis has instilled a user-centric approach and adaptability, allowing me to continuously refine strategies based on feedback and market insights.

Integrating these disciplines, I take a holistic, iterative approach to business development, focusing on sustainable growth, innovation, and value creation for customers and stakeholders.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your YouTube channel, and how did you overcome them?

Starting a YouTube channel presented unique challenges, but here’s how I overcame them:

Content Creation and Consistency: Maintaining regular, engaging content was tough. I developed a content calendar and learned video editing to improve quality and consistency.

Building an Audience: Gaining visibility was challenging in a competitive space. I focused on SEO, promoted on social media, engaged with viewers, and collaborated with other YouTubers.

Technical Skills: Initially lacking video production skills, I learned through online tutorials and invested in quality equipment and software.

Dealing with Negative Feedback: I viewed constructive criticism as growth opportunities, developed a thick skin, and set clear community guidelines.

Time Management: Balancing YouTube with other commitments requires effective time management, setting aside specific times for YouTube tasks.

Monetization and Revenue: Monetizing was slow initially, but exploring multiple revenue streams like sponsorships and affiliate marketing helped stabilize earnings.

Staying Motivated: Maintaining motivation was tough, but focusing on my passion, setting short-term goals, and engaging with a creator community kept me inspired.

Overall, these challenges provided valuable learning opportunities, leading to a successful channel through organization, skill improvement, audience engagement, and a positive attitude.

Can you tell us about a particular success story from your initiatives with WinTECH?

One particular success story from my initiatives with WinTECH stands out and exemplifies our mission to support and empower black, racialized, and visible minority women in tech.

Empowering Batrice to achieve her dream, Job.

Batrice, a talented Business Analyst from a racialized minority background, joined WinTECH seeking support to navigate the tech industry. She faced obstacles like limited mentorship, networking opportunities, skills, and isolation.

Batrice participated in our program, where she learned about Business Analysis, after that, I mentored her, encouraged her on how she can stay focused in achieving her desired dream of getting a good job. Through regular meetings, I helped Batrice set career goals and develop a plan. She also attended WinTECH workshops on emerging technologies, Practical MS Excel workshop, resume building, and interview preparation, and actively engaged in the session.

Within few a month, Batrice’s confidence and skills significantly improved. She landed her dream job as a senior Business Analyst at a leading tech company, negotiated a competitive salary, and gained a sense of belonging. Batrice now serves as a mentor at WinTECH, helping others succeed.

How do you balance your roles as an executive director, content creator, and family person?

Balancing my roles as an executive director, content creator, and family person requires careful planning and prioritization. I rely on a well-organized schedule, using digital calendars and project management apps to block out specific times for work, content creation, and family activities. Prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance helps me stay focused. Delegation and teamwork are crucial; I trust my team with responsibilities to focus on strategic decisions and critical tasks. Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life ensures I’m present with my family and dedicated to content creation without overlap. Self-care is vital, including regular exercise, meditation, and rest. Flexibility allows me to adjust to unexpected events. My supportive family and open communication help us spend quality time together. Engaging with mentors and peers provides valuable insights and motivation. Effective time management, prioritization, delegation, and support enable me to balance my professional responsibilities and personal relationships successfully.

What advice do you have for women aspiring to enter the tech industry?

For women aspiring to enter the tech industry, focus on building skills through education, training, and practical experience. Network and seek mentorship by joining tech communities like WinTECH and attending events. Develop soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and resilience. Advocate for yourself by defining career goals, negotiating confidently, and supporting diversity initiatives. Utilize resources like programs, scholarships, and platforms tailored for women in tech, such as BlackTECH Academy, WinTECH, and NIPCA. By leveraging these strategies, women can confidently and resiliently navigate and succeed in the tech industry.

What future projects or goals do you have for WinTECH and your YouTube channel?

For WinTECH, our future projects and goals revolve around expanding our impact and empowering more women in the tech industry. Some specific initiatives include:

1. Scaling Mentorship Programs: Expanding our mentorship programs to reach a broader audience of women in tech. This involves recruiting more mentors, developing structured mentorship frameworks, and providing ongoing support to participants.

2. Enhancing Skills Development: Offering more workshops, webinars, and training sessions focused on emerging technologies, career development, and leadership skills. We aim to provide women with the tools and resources they need to advance in their tech careers.

3. Increasing Outreach and Visibility: Strengthening our partnerships with tech companies, educational institutions, and community organizations to reach underserved communities and promote diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

4. Advocacy and Policy Initiatives: Advocating for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in the tech sector. This includes partnering with policymakers, advocating for fair hiring practices, and supporting initiatives to address systemic barriers.

As for my YouTube channel, some future projects and goals include

To make a positive impact in the tech community and empower women, I aim to diversify content by covering topics like technology, career development, productivity, and personal growth through tutorials, interviews, vlogs, and educational videos. Engaging with the community by encouraging interaction, hosting live Q&A sessions, and responding to feedback fosters a supportive environment. Collaborating with content creators, industry experts, and organizations helps create compelling content and reach new audiences. Continuous improvement in video quality and production through better equipment and refined editing techniques ensures informative and visually appealing content.