With the Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) deadline for applications closing in tomorrow, 31st May 2023, WEA is calling out to women entrepreneurs in Mauritius to submit their applications for the inaugural edition.
WEA is a concept created to encourage, support and empower and celebrate Mauritian female entrepreneurs from different sectors, and to showcase their contribution in the Mauritian economy. WEA was crafted with the goal to celebrate women’s achievements and successes as small, medium or big entrepreneurs. We catch up with Bhoomika Annah, one of the Ambassadors and she shares insights on her career journey. Excerpts:
Can you share with us your career journey to date?
Learn, Learn & Learn! – It has been an incredible experience of learning, growth, and professional development, and I believe it might inspire and motivate others on a similar path. From a position down the ladder as a trainee to a Senior Business Solutions Analyst & Project Manager in the IT field, here is my story:
The road was rough at the start, and it was hard to survive the everyday tide without technical knowledge. My survival motto was ‘’To break barriers and defy expectations despite not having an IT background.’’
When I first embarked on this career path, many doubted my abilities due to my lack of formal IT training. However, I had a burning desire to lead and drive impactful projects, and I refused to let my non-technical background hold me back. Instead, I embraced the challenge as an opportunity for growth and learning. I had a firm belief that every step, regardless of its position on the ladder would contribute to my overall success. Which it did!
My focus was to gain a deep understanding of the company, industry, and the dynamics of the work environment. I embraced a growth mindset and I actively sought out learning opportunities, took on additional responsibilities, and consistently delivered high-quality work. I strived to build positive relationships with IT experts, seeking their guidance and learning from their experiences.
I went on pursuing leadership opportunities within projects. I volunteered to lead smaller initiatives and demonstrated my capabilities in managing teams, mitigating risks, and delivering successful outcomes. This hands-on experience allowed me to develop strong leadership skills, refine my decision-making abilities, and foster effective teamwork.
As new opportunities came in, I transitioned to the next level. I have had the privilege of leading cross-functional teams, ensuring quality deliverables, and driving successful project outcomes. Recently, I have embraced the opportunity to mentor and guide team members, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Over time, I have cultivated a genuine passion for Innovation & Technology. I love researching on new technology and tools that enhance productivity. This allows me to anticipate trends, and effectively communicate with stakeholders at all levels.
My journey from a trainee to a Senior Business Solutions Analyst & Project Manager has been incredibly rewarding. It has taught me the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and seeking growth opportunities. I have come to appreciate the significance of effective communication, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and motivate others towards a common goal.
My two penn’orth: ‘’Take the job, even if it’s not exactly what you planned, to get your foot in the door. Your success will be what you make of it!’’
You are working as Senior Business Solutions Analyst & Project Manager at Aspen Global Incorporated in the IT domain. How do you see women advancing in the IT field? What are some of the challenges and opportunities?
Being in the IT industry for nearly 8 years now, I have seen women progressing and making great strides even in this male-dominated field, as we call it. Usually, leadership places a lot of focus on gender representation, because it’s so important to us and it is not always the case that women are well-represented in the IT industry. I believe, this mindset has evolved a lot from what it used to be.
Women has a strong place in the IT universe and the impact is huge. I have come across women trailblazers who have shattered glass ceilings, defied stereotypes, and made lasting impacts in this rapidly evolving field. Women have played an instrumental role in shaping the IT landscape, revolutionizing technology, and inspiring future generations. Their innovative ideas, technical expertise, and leadership skills have propelled the industry forward, creating a more inclusive and diverse environment for all.
To the many challenges turned to opportunities that women have grasped, some of them are:
- Led with Excellence: Ranging from project managers, software engineers to data scientist, women have excelled in all facets of IT, demonstrating unparalleled proficiency, dedication, and problem-solving abilities.
- Fostered Innovation: Women have been at the forefront of ground-breaking technological advancements, introducing disruptive ideas, and driving transformative change. Their creativity and vision have reshaped industries and improved countless lives.
- Mentored Future Leaders: Many women in IT have actively mentored and supported aspiring professionals, empowering them to overcome barriers and realize their full potential. Through their guidance and encouragement, they have created a pipeline of diverse talent ready to shape the future.
- Championed Diversity and Inclusion: Women have been advocates for diversity, challenging traditional norms and creating inclusive work environments that embrace individuals from all backgrounds. Their efforts have laid the foundation for a more equitable IT industry.
Despite progress, it is important to acknowledge that women continue to face unique challenges in the IT sector. However, it is precisely because of these obstacles that their achievements are even more remarkable. They have proven time and again that gender is not a limitation but a source of strength and resilience.
Why are you supporting the Women Entrepreneur Awards as an Ambassador?
As an Ambassador for the Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) and being an aspiring entrepreneur myself, I am proud to support this prestigious program and its mission to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women entrepreneurs.
The Women Entrepreneur Awards empower women by acknowledging their contributions, accomplishments, and resilience in the business world. By shining a spotlight on their achievements, the awards inspire other women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and overcome barriers. The awards also provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to gain visibility and recognition on a national or even international scale. This exposure can significantly impact their businesses, attracting investors, clients, and opportunities that propel their ventures to new heights.
As an Ambassador, I am privileged to connect with these inspiring individuals and witness first-hand the power of collaboration and collective wisdom as the Women Entrepreneur Awards bring together a community of successful women entrepreneurs, creating a supportive network that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mentorship.
By honouring accomplished women entrepreneurs, the awards showcase role models who inspire aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly young women. Seeing successful women who have overcome challenges and achieved their goals instils confidence and encourages others to pursue their own entrepreneurial journeys- including me.
I previously mentioned about fostering an environment that champions diversity, equal opportunities, and professional development to unleash the full potential of women which WEA does. The Women Entrepreneur Awards recognize and celebrate the diversity of talent and innovation among women entrepreneurs. By highlighting their achievements across various industries, the awards contribute to a more inclusive business landscape that values and supports women-led enterprises.
The awards serve as a catalyst for women entrepreneurs to strive for continuous growth and excellence. The recognition and validation they receive through the awards encourage them to further develop their skills, expand their networks, and pursue new opportunities for business expansion.
As an Ambassador, I am committed to spreading awareness about the Women Entrepreneur Awards and its mission. I aim to inspire and encourage women entrepreneurs to seize this remarkable opportunity, embrace self-promotion, and celebrate their accomplishments. I am honoured to be part of this journey of amplifying the voices of women entrepreneurs, build a supportive ecosystem, and pave the way for future generations of successful women in business.
