I know, I know — it’s been over a month since our International Women’s Day Lunch Celebration, but if we’re being honest, some events don’t just end when the chairs are cleared and the photos stop rolling. This one? It left a lasting mark.

You know that feeling when you walk into a room and you just know you’re surrounded by people who get it? Who’ve been where you are, who are rooting for you, and who aren’t trying to shrink to fit in? That’s what this space felt like.

And if you were there, you know what I mean.

A Different Kind of Reminder

Yes, IWD may have come and gone, but what we felt that day? Still lingers.

We didn’t just gather for celebration , we gathered for connection, for growth, and for a collective reminder that women in tech aren’t waiting around for permission anymore. We’re showing up, taking space, and rewriting the narrative together.

One moment that really stuck with many of us was from Olumide Balogun, Country Manager at Google West Africa. He said something that still plays on loop in my head:

“Have a mindset of someone who wants to take rather than give.”

At first glance, it feels a bit… bold, right? But in context, it was powerful. As women, we’re constantly giving our time, our effort, our heart. But sometimes, it’s okay to take. Take the opportunities. Take the spotlight. Take that seat at the table and own it.

Real Talk, Real Stories, Real Impact

The panel session was easily one of my favorite parts of the day. Moderated by the brilliant Temiloluwa Makanjuola, the conversation between our incredible panelists felt like that honest talk you have with friends who won't sugarcoat the truth but will absolutely cheer you on.

Ugochi Agoreyo, Felicia Okoye Otolorin, Temitope Akintola, and Florence Egwu shared insights that many of us are still talking about:

Advocate for yourself – That promotion? That raise? That opportunity? Speak up for it. Your hard work deserves recognition, but sometimes you need to be your own biggest champion.
Excellence speaks volumes – As the panelists highlighted, consistently delivering quality work builds a reputation that opens doors.
Find your people – Whether it's a formal mentor or a colleague who believes in you, having someone in your corner changes everything.
Embrace your uniqueness – Felicia reminded us that what makes us different isn't a weakness – "Your uniqueness is your superpower. Use it to stand out."

I saw so many of you taking notes during this session! The conversation wasn't just inspiring; it was practical. Actionable. Real.

Remember the Bingo?

Because we do. The Networking Bingo wasn’t just fun, it was heartwarming. People actually talked. Not the awkward small talk, but real, “hey, let’s keep in touch after this” energy. There’s something so wholesome about watching women connect over shared goals, funny stories, and career dreams.

So… How Did It Go for You?

Seriously , we want to hear from you. What moment stayed with you the most? Did something shift for you after the event? Any connections you made that you're still nurturing?

Drop your thoughts in our feedback form, we’re all ears.

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Looking Forward: Fresh Opportunities

As we move through the middle of 2025, here are some exciting new opportunities to help you grow:

Google Women Techmakers Scholarship Program – Applications open until May 30, offering financial support and mentorship for women pursuing computer science degrees. Apply here
Women in AI Accelerator Program – A 12-week virtual bootcamp starting June 2025 for women building AI startups. Applications close May 15. Learn more
Meta Engineering Scholars Program – Financial support and internship opportunities for women in software engineering. Deadline: June 1, 2025. Submit application
Brandtech Group and One Young World are offering the AI for Good Scholarship 2025 for five young leaders (ages 18-30) promoting the responsible use of AI.
Scholars will attend the One Young World Summit 2025 in Munich, with travel, accommodation, meals, and access to Pencil AI, all provided. Apply here

Tech Corner: What's New

The tech world moves quickly! Here are some recent updates worth noting:

Instagram Launches Editing App - Instagram has just released a new dedicated photo and video editing app that's separate from its main platform. The app offers advanced editing tools previously only available to professionals, making creative expression more accessible to everyone.
OpenAI Ventures Into Social Media - OpenAI is reportedly planning to launch its own social media platform that will integrate AI-assisted content creation and curation. This move signals the company's ambition to expand beyond AI development into consumer-facing products.The EU's Digital Markets Act is reshaping how major tech companies operate in Europe, with new interoperability requirements taking effect this month.

As I reflect on our celebration, I'm reminded that we don't just wear one crown as women in tech, we wear many. We are innovators, leaders, mentors, problem-solvers, and community builders. Let's continue wearing them proudly, supporting one another, and taking up space in every room we enter.

Here's to more celebrations, more connections, and most importantly, more action. The future we're building together looks bright indeed!

From IWD Highlights to What’s Next: Community, Tech & Growth