About

When my story was featured on Words That Count in 2023, BuriCare was still in its early stages, and I was just beginning my journey as a startup founder. That feature gave my work visibility and credibility at a time when both mattered immensely. It became part of the evidence of traction I could share in applications for fellowships, awards, and other opportunities, helping others see that the work was already creating impact. Looking back, that visibility contributed to opening doors that eventually led to opportunities such as being recognized in the *Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Class of 2025*, among many others. Beyond sharing stories, Words That Count has created a community that connects women who are changing the world. Through the platform, I discovered Anitah Makori's inspiring story about her journey to Cambridge and Oxford. When it was my turn to apply for graduate school, Winnie kindly connected us, and Anitah generously mentored me throughout my application and interview process. That support played an important role in my successful application for the Mastercard Foundation Scholarship at the University of Cambridge. The platform has also introduced me to opportunities I might never have discovered on my own, including the Women in Africa Young Leaders Program. As an alumna, Winnie was always willing to offer guidance during my application, and this year I was honored to be selected for the program. Words That Count doesn't simply tell women's stories- it amplifies them, creates meaningful connections, and opens doors. I am deeply grateful that my story became part of this community, and I know firsthand how one feature can create opportunities that extend far beyond the moment it is published.

The exposure I have gained through Words That Count has been incredible and continues to open meaningful opportunities for the communities I serve and me. First, it has helped me connect with partners and organisations to develop meaningful projects through BEL’S AI Initiative. After my feature, I was contacted by Chenai Chair, formerly of Mozilla, who helped us secure a Mozilla grant for the BEL’S AI Hope Project. This project has enabled us to provide scholarships covering one year of university fees for 100 high school graduates from rural areas of Northern Cameroon who wish to pursue STEM fields at university. On a more personal and professional level, this exposure has also allowed me to connect and collaborate with organisations that I never imagined I would have the opportunity to work with, including MIT Sloan Management Review. Serving as a research panelist has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has given me the opportunity to learn from experts, share my own knowledge and perspectives, and engage with discussions at the intersection of technology, AI, and responsible innovation.

My interview with Words that Count in 2023 became far more than an opportunity to share my story, it was a turning point in my journey. The platform gave my work meaningful visibility and introduced me to a wider community of people who believed in its potential. Through the interview, I was discovered by Emergent Ventures, which subsequently awarded me a research grant that enabled me to advance my work and expand its impact. Just as importantly, the experience gave me a lifelong sisterly relationship with the founder of Words that Count. Her genuine support, encouragement and belief in me have continued well beyond the interview. Words that Count does not simply tell people’s stories; it creates connections, opens doors and helps transform potential into opportunity. I will always be grateful for the lasting professional and personal impact it has had on my life.

Joining Words That Count as a university student was one of the most valuable experiences of my journey. It gave me the opportunity to connect with like-minded students from Uganda and Ghana. I learned practical skills such as tailoring the CV to specific internship applications, time management, interview preparation, and professional etiquette. These have remained instrumental in my life even after university. More than the skills themselves, it gave me the confidence to present myself authentically and professionally in opportunities that once felt intimidating. I am deeply grateful for my mentor, Winnie, who invested in my growth.

I first came across Words That Count in 2020, during a season of my life when I was seriously considering giving up on my career because of the demands of motherhood. I felt overwhelmed and questioned whether I could continue pursuing my professional goals. As I read the stories of women in STEM on the website, I found hope. They openly shared their journeys, the obstacles they had faced, and how they continued to thrive despite the many challenges in their personal and professional lives. Their stories resonated deeply with me. At the time, I was the Head of Mathematics at a school, working in a department where I was the only woman. The gender imbalance was something I struggled with every day, and I often considered stepping down from my leadership role. Reading about women who had navigated similar experiences gave me the courage to persevere. I was mostly inspired by how women from different backgrounds and at different stages of life were pursuing advanced degrees, leading research, and making meaningful contributions to STEM. When I felt that I was “too late” to continue my own education, their stories made me realise that there is no expiration date on purpose and ambition. Looking back, I can honestly say that discovering Words That Count changed the trajectory of my life. It renewed my confidence, reignited my passion for science, and gave me the courage to pursue a PhD. Today, I mentor and encourage other women, advocate for greater gender balance in the workplace, and continue to pursue research with confidence. Much of that determination was sparked by the stories I read on Words That Count. I will always be grateful for a platform that not only shares stories but also transforms lives. Mine is one of them.

As a researcher in cryptography, I have had the privilege of sharing my story through Words That Count. I was very impressed by the professionalism of the platform but also its genuine commitment to amplifying the voices of African women in STEM. The interview process encouraged me to reflect on my journey, my challenges, and the people who helped shape my career, and it provided a space where these experiences could inspire others. Representation matters, especially in emerging fields where young women may struggle to find role models who look like them or share similar backgrounds. Through documenting and celebrating the stories of women across Africa, Words That Count is doing more than telling stories. It is building confidence, creating visibility, and showing the next generation that they belong in STEM. I am honored to be part of this community and excited to see its continued impact across the continent.