IWD Spotlight: Beyond her desk - Elizabeth Okaome- How she is helping women gain tech skills

At Interswitch, many women are creating impact far beyond their job titles.

Elizabeth Okaome, a Community Manager and Developer Advocate, is one of them. Through Empower Her Community, she is helping thousands of women worldwide gain access to tech skills, mentorship, and opportunities.

In this conversation, Elizabeth shares what inspired her to create a safe space for women in tech and the ripple effect she hopes it will create for future generations.

Q: For those who may not know you, can you tell us a little about your role at Interswitch and the community initiative you’re involved in?

A: My role at Interswitch spans community management and Developer Advocacy, where I work closely with developer ecosystems and technology communities.

Beyond my role, I run a women-focused community called Empower Her Community (EHC). It’s a platform dedicated to providing free training in tech skills for women. Today, the community has grown to over 7,000 members across more than 35 countries, and we’ve trained over 3,000 women in various technology disciplines.

This May, Empower Her Community will be five years old, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how many women have found confidence, opportunity, and career direction through the community.

Q: What first inspired you to start giving back in this way? What has been the most challenging part of leading a community-focused initiative?

A: My inspiration came from my early days in tech. I joined the tech space in 2015 as a volunteer, and one thing I immediately noticed was how few women were present. At one point, I enrolled in a front-end engineering scholarship, and I was the only woman on my team. Around that time, there was also this strong narrative that tech was difficult and mostly for men. Hearing that myth repeatedly actually fuelled my determination.

I made up my mind to create a safe space where women could learn, grow, and support one another. Five years later, that vision became Empower Her Community.

One of the biggest challenges, however, has been access to funding. We have so many women eager to learn, but some lack access to the basic resources they need. With more funding, we could provide even greater opportunities and support for them.

There was also a moment that stayed with me. Someone once told me bluntly that “Tech is for men.” That statement sparked something in me, and that passion is still what keeps me going today.

Q: What does leadership look like when you don’t have a corporate title attached to it?

A: Leadership outside a corporate title can feel more authentic and purpose-driven. It’s less about hierarchy and more about impact and responsibility.

That said, combining community leadership with a 9–5 role isn’t easy. It requires discipline, passion, and a lot of personal commitment. But when you’re driven by purpose, you find the energy to keep going.

Q: Can you share a specific story of someone whose life was changed through your initiative?

A: One story that stands out is Kelechi Endurance, one of my mentees.

I first met Kelechi at a tech event I organized for GDG in Benin, where I was a co-organizer. She was a young woman trying to break beyond the expectations of her background, and something about her determination stood out to me. She started her design journey through Empower Her Community and, for the first time in her life, stepped into a leadership role as a team lead. She also designed the Empower Her Community logo, which we still proudly use today.

Today, Kelechi has grown into an exceptional Web3 designer, building a strong career for herself. Watching her journey unfold has been one of the most rewarding parts of our work.

Q: If you could give one piece of advice to young women who want to make an impact, what would it be?

A: Start now. Don’t wait until everything feels perfect or until you feel fully ready. The right moment rarely arrives. If making an impact truly matters to you, begin where you are and grow from there.

Q: If a young woman reading this interview feels unsure about her voice or power, what would you say to her?

A: You have to be your own number one cheerleader. If you are unsure about your voice, it becomes difficult for others to believe in it, too. Your power already exists within you; the real question is whether you will choose to use it or continue to doubt it. I would love to see more women not just speaking up but speaking up with intention and lifting other women along the way rather than pulling them down.

Q: Why is it important for women in corporate spaces to give back intentionally?

A: Because they’ve already walked the path. Women in corporate spaces have faced challenges, steep learning curves, and sometimes opportunity gaps. That experience gives them a clearer understanding of what younger women may be facing.

Giving back allows them to bridge those gaps and create smoother paths for those who come after them.

Q: How has leading this initiative changed you personally?

A: Leading this initiative has changed me in many ways. It has taught me patience, empathy, and resilience. Working with people from different backgrounds means understanding their journeys and challenges deeply. It has also strengthened my problem-solving skills, which have greatly shaped me as a professional community builder.

Q: What kind of ripple effect are you hoping your work creates?

A: The ripple effect I hope to create is one of multiplication and lasting impact.

When one woman enters tech, gains financial independence, and begins to believe in her own potential, that impact rarely stops with her. It spreads to her peers, family, and often the next generation.

Many of the women who grow through these communities eventually become mentors, leaders, and advocates themselves, creating a cycle of empowerment. Ultimately, the legacy I hope to leave is communities that continue to grow, empower, and open doors long after my direct involvement.

Q: What is one uncomfortable truth about women’s advancement in Nigeria that we don’t talk about enough?

A: One uncomfortable truth is that access does not always translate to opportunity. Women may be invited into spaces, but they are not always given equal visibility, trust, or influence once they are there.

In tech, especially, the challenge is rarely talent. More often, it’s exposure, sponsorship, and belief in women’s leadership potential. That’s why advocacy and community building are so important, because when one woman rises visibly, it expands what many others believe is possible.

Q: Lastly, tell us about yourself and what you do for fun.

A: I’m Elizabeth Okaome, a passionate advocate for women in tech and a community builder.

Interestingly, I genuinely find joy in my work. Community management, mentorship, and helping people grow are things I deeply enjoy, so in many ways, I feel like I work for fun.