Pamela’s relocation to Canada was fueled by the career stagnation she experienced after her maternity leave in 2016. A professional in the tech space in Nigeria, she had begun to feel the constrictions of gender stereotyping and was starved of opportunities for career growth. This led to her decision to move to Canada for a fresh start and new opportunities. Read her full story here:
My fascination with technology grew after I watched “Fair Game,” a movie which focuses on espionage and living with a double identity. I grew up in a regular Nigerian home, and my parents steered me towards a traditional career path. Still, after watching the movie, I realised the potential of computers to change the world and decided to delve into the fascinating world of Computer Engineering. I earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and began my career as a User Support Analyst at a top Nigerian bank. Over time, I progressed into roles such as Infrastructure Analyst, where I was responsible for managing the bank’s IT infrastructure, Product Manager, where I oversaw the development and launch of new tech products, Project Manager, where I led various tech projects, and Business Analyst, where I analysed the bank’s tech needs and proposed solutions – each position enriching my understanding of business strategy and service delivery in the tech space.
I took the pains to develop myself and envision a trajectory for my career, but one of the biggest challenges I faced was the lack of career progression despite all my efforts. This is because while I continuously upskilled and took on more responsibilities, promotions and pay increases did not follow. This stagnation was particularly glaring after my maternity leave in 2016. At this time, I decided to move to Canada for a fresh start and new opportunities.
I moved to Canada in 2018, and though the transition was daunting, I was determined to leverage my tech skills in my new environment. In time, I got a job with one of Canada’s major banks through extensive research and a proactive approach. Today, I serve as a Release Train Engineer, a role similar to a program manager in the Agile framework, where I facilitate events and processes to support Scrum teams in delivering value. Achieving these career feats, coupled with my extensive experience and passion for technology, inspired me to start my own business. Consequently, I launched Redluxe Consulting, a venture that is not just about personal success, but about making a significant impact on the tech industry.
At Redluxe Consulting, we offer training and mentorship to aspiring tech professionals, helping them navigate the industry’s complexities and achieve their career goals. Our success stories -where most past students have landed their dream job – are a testament to the impact we are making in the tech industry. My company, Redluxe Consulting, guides aspiring technology professionals in acquiring essential, hands-on technical skills, enabling them to secure rewarding careers in the tech space and earn high incomes. Our mission at Redluxe Consulting is to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the tech space and to foster a new generation of tech leaders and innovators. We are proud of our success stories, as most past students have landed their dream job.
Several years later, my persistence and hard work have paid off. I have been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2023, and Redluxe Consulting has received a Canadian Choice award in the Consulting category. I have also co-authored a book titled Ladies in Tech Vol II: Changing The Face of Technology and also authored an ebook titled Tech Without Tears. However, Canada has not exactly been a bed of roses, and I have experienced challenges adjusting to the Canadian workplace culture as a migrant woman of colour. I have had to work twice as hard to gain recognition and support in an unfamiliar environment, facing issues such as unconscious bias, lack of representation, and cultural differences. Still, with the support of a company that values diversity, I am growing and thriving in my career path.
Looking back, certain crucial qualities have driven my success, some of which are resilience and consistency. These qualities have enabled me to navigate numerous challenges, from changing career paths and moving to a new country to overcoming workplace stagnation and cultural adjustment. Also, resilience, a hunger for knowledge, and a commitment to continuous learning have kept me relevant in the ever-evolving tech landscape. Additionally, my ability to adapt, optimistic perspective on life, and continuous investment in personal development have been instrumental in overcoming obstacles and leveraging new opportunities.
So my advice to women of colour is to be optimistic. Let the glass be always half full and filing to the brim, never half empty. This is because the mind is such a powerful tool and has the ability to create and redefine our experiences. Be focused and dedicated, also be persistent in achieving your goals. Improve yourself and be very open to learning. Most of all, you have to be resilient such that even when life tells you a no, you don’t take no for an answer and you keep knocking on life’s doors till you get a yes.
Pamela tells her story from Ontario, Canada.
