My name is Dipuo Mahlake born and raised in Mpumalanga. I am a passionate and hardworking woman. I am shy and friendly, but I do not know how to socialize with people I don’t know.

After matric, I didn’t really know which career course I wanted to pursue and I didn’t apply to any universities. I just took a leap of faith and went to Tshwane university of technology at Emalahleni. When I got there, all the courses were full except for Information and communication technology. I registered for that course and from the first week of attending classes I fell in love with it. I was mastering the programming subjects more than the theory subjects. Till today I am still in love with coding. Sometimes we should listen to our guts.

I would say I prefer to get to work before start time then I can take those few minutes to prioritize my work and make a to-do list. Make sure I complete the most important task first then I won’t be jumping from one project to another because I am not organized.

Have you experienced any challenges as a female in this industry and how did you overcome them?

I haven’t experienced any challenges so far because I haven’t been in the industry for long.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were younger?

I can do anything once I put myself and energy in it. Nothing is impossible.

What’s your advice for other girls considering getting into the tech space?

Do not be afraid and do not allow anyone to tell you that you will never make it. If they made it so can you. Remember the first programmer was a woman but no one will tell you that because the man thinks they are the only ones capable of being programmers.

What is your motto in life?

Every problem has a solution. 

Lastly, what do you hope to leave behind as your legacy?

Being a mentor to others.