By Amy Baty-Herbert | Project Leader
The DASL Computer students recently had the opportunity to hear from an incredible role model—Aminata, an IT professional specializing in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics. Her journey and message were nothing short of inspiring, showing our girls that technology is for everyone.
Aminata shared her personal story, beginning in Desktop Support and System Administration, and how her passion for investigation led her to earn a master’s degree in Digital Forensics & Cyber Investigations. Today, she focuses on training youth in cybersecurity, AI ethics, and digital awareness.
Her talk centered on one core truth: believe in yourself. Women have the same intelligence, creativity, and leadership potential as men, and men should be allies in encouraging women to take leadership roles in technology.
She encouraged students to:
Follow their passions—it fuels motivation and curiosity.
Limit distractions and dedicate more time to learning.
Start with basic IT skills like Microsoft Office and presentations before exploring specialized fields like programming, AI, networking, or cybersecurity.
When asked about time management, Aminata advised students to focus on what matters most right now, balancing school with skill-building, and being willing to sacrifice some free time to achieve their goals. She also emphasized that IT is valuable in every career—from medicine to engineering, business to accounting—especially as AI continues to transform industries.
Her final message to the girls was powerful:
“Keep learning, be creative problem-solvers for your communities, and use IT to open doors to a better future. Passion plus commitment will take you further than talent alone.”
Your support is helping make moments like this possible. You are helping girls see themselves in roles they may have never imagined—and equipping them with the skills and confidence to get there. Together, we are shaping a generation of female leaders in tech and beyond.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Amy and the Develop Africa Team
GlobalGiving@developafrica.org
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