Africa-Press – Uganda. For Joan Kirunga, a data scientist and board member of the Rotary Club of Kololo, the future of technology is less about writing code and more about equity. She has dedicated her career to using her advanced technical skills and extensive global network to bridge the opportunity gap, particularly for women and young professionals across Africa.
Kirunga, who holds a bachelor’s in software engineering from Makerere University and a master’s in information technology from Carnegie Mellon University, operates at the intersection of professional excellence and proactive service. She currently serves as an ambassador for Women in Data Science, a worldwide initiative launched by Stanford University that has grown into a movement across 100 countries.
“The data science ecosystem thrives on diverse voices and perspectives,” Kirunga said. “I am passionate about empowering women to build technical expertise, gain leadership confidence and contribute fully to this field.”
Strategic efforts for diversification
Kirunga’s efforts to translate her mission into action were evident in September when she organized the Women in Data Science Regional Africa Conference, hosted in Uganda. The event drew approximately 150 attendees and was a demonstration of her ability to attract global resources to local development.
She successfully secured eight sponsors, including five corporate partners, and key tech support from the Python Software Foundation. This collaboration with the nonprofit, whose mission is to promote the Python programming language and diversify its user base, underscores Kirunga’s strategic goal of fostering an inclusive technical community.
Her deep engagement in professional organizations further grounds her mission. Kirunga is an active member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the world’s largest association for advancing innovation, and the Association for Computing Machinery, a prestigious group for computing professionals.
Service above self
In addition to her technological leadership, Kirunga is a dedicated humanitarian. She serves on the board and is a member of the Rotary Club of Kololo. Guided by the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” she integrates her professional acumen into community projects, ensuring her technological perspective benefits those in need.
Through her combined roles—as a data science leader, a Rotarian and a technical association member—she ensures that innovation creates lasting prosperity, positioning her as a key figure dedicated to bridging the continent’s digital and leadership divides.
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