UJ Alumni Impumelelo Magazine Edition 13

Nafeesa Alibedi

THROUGH THIS JOURNEY, I LEARNED THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF EDUCATION. MOREOVER, FOSTERING A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT WHERE PEOPLE FEEL EMPOWERED TO ASK QUESTIONS AND EXPERIMENT WITH NEW IDEAS IS ESSENTIAL FOR DRIVING INNOVATION AND GROWTH.

Qualifications • Short learning course in Entrepreneurial Development Studies, University of Johannesburg • Higher Certificate in Data Science, ExploreAi Academy • Certificate in Cybersecurity, EBL Institute Achievements Started the Google Developer Group chapter to bring much-needed technological awareness and education to my community. Hosting tech events has been a cornerstone of this initiative, allowing me to teach people about various Google technologies and their applications. One memorable event was a comprehensive workshop on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) that attracted more than 100 participants, including students, local entrepreneurs and educators. This event not only provided practical knowledge and skills but also ignited a passion for technology in many people, some of whom have since pursued careers in tech or launched their own startups. Through this journey, I learned the importance of community engagement and the transformative power of education. Moreover, fostering a supportive environment where people feel empowered to ask questions and experiment with new ideas is essential for driving innovation and growth. This experience reinforced my commitment to bridging the digital divide and highlighted the profound effect that grassroots initiatives can have. Mentors I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and role models who have deeply influenced my journey. They have provided invaluable guidance, encouragement, and insights that have shaped my approach to leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the tech industry. Their mentorship has empowered me to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and continually strive for excellence. Their belief in my potential and dedication to supporting my growth have been instrumental in shaping my career path and aspirations.

“THE ONLY LIMIT TO OUR REALISATION OF TOMORROW WILL

BE OUR DOUBTS OF TODAY.” – FRANKLIN D ROOSEVELT

Profile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nafeesa-alibedi- 503b82146/ Nafeesa Alibedi, 32, is the founder and chief executive of Creative Tech Solutions. Her job involves leading the development and implementation of innovative educational technologies. She oversees the creation of artificial intelligence-driven platforms that provide personalised learning experiences in coding, robotics and data science, particularly for underserved communities. Nafeesa also focuses on empowering women and minorities in technology by promoting diversity and inclusion through targeted initiatives. Additionally, as the organiser lead for Google Developer Groups (GDG), she fosters a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and networking, essential for driving entrepreneurship and innovation. One of her proudest achievements has been establishing and leading the GDG chapter in Ladysmith, a small town where opportunities in the tech industry are minimal. Through this experience she realised that even in small towns, there is potential waiting to be unlocked and effective communication and hands-on learning experiences are crucial in making technology accessible and exciting. A challenge was learning to balance multiple roles, such as founding Creative Tech Solutions and leading the GDG chapter, which required time management and delegation.

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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO

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