Joan Anuoluwa’s Story
Joan Anuoluwa never set out to be a tech professional. In fact, she stumbled into technology without realizing where it would take her. Her journey began with a simple digital marketing course, followed by a Google scholarship. At the time, she had no idea that this was just the beginning of something much bigger.
Growing up, Joan was surrounded by narratives that limited what women could achieve. She often heard myths like, “If you eat the eyes of a fish, you won’t be brilliant.” For years, she avoided fish eyes, until one day, she watched a family member eat them without hesitation. That moment was a revelation, showing her how easily people accept limitations that aren’t real. It was a small but powerful lesson, one that would shape her approach to life and career.
Despite societal expectations, Joan was determined to forge her own path. She explored different fields before discovering her passion for behavioral science and family life technology. However, it was the Women Techsters Fellowship that truly changed the game for her. The program equipped her with the technical skills to thrive and introduced her to a community of like-minded women who had faced similar struggles. For the first time, she saw that she belonged in the digital space.
Through hands-on projects and real-world applications, Joan gained the confidence to take up space and own her expertise. Like many women in tech, she battled imposter syndrome; the feeling that she didn’t belong. People projected their fears onto her, insisting that technology wasn’t for women or that she needed to fit a certain mold to be taken seriously. But Joan refused to let those words define her. With a strong conviction, she knew that no one could talk her out of her destiny.
Her advice to women looking to own their place in tech is simple: stay curious, stay bold, and never stop learning. The digital world is vast, and there is a space for everyone willing to embrace it.
Today, Joan is not just thriving in tech, she is using her expertise to impact lives. As a behavioral scientist and family life tech specialist, she bridges the gap between technology and human behavior, creating solutions that improve the quality of life for families. For her, tech isn’t just about coding; it’s about solving problems. Once she understood that, she realized she had so much to offer.
Looking back, Joan is grateful for every challenge, lesson, and opportunity that led her to where she is today. Women like her are not just participating in tech, they are leading the way. The digital era is here, and they are taking up space, breaking barriers, and rewriting the narrative. And for Joan, this is just the beginning.
Joan Anuoluwa is living proof that women can thrive and lead in the digital space, regardless of where they start. Her story was originally featured on our Tech Empowered podcast. To hear her full journey in her own words, click here.
