Tanya's Story

Tanya’s Journey: From Adversity to Tech Empowerment Tanya’s journey with technology began when she was just 16 years old. Growing up in Zimbabwe, she was curious, ambitious, and full of potential, but like many girls in undeserved communities, she lacked access to quality education, digital tools, and opportunities. That changed when she discovered Uncommon.org, a nonprofit that provides free coding and digital skills training to young people. She joined Uncommon.org’s 12 month full time coding bootcamp, quickly standing out for her enthusiasm, creativity, and natural aptitude for tech. Within months, Tanya became one of the most promising students at the Innovation Hub. Her passion for learning and rapid progress earned her an invitation to travel to New York at age 17 to girls who code, an extraordinary opportunity that could have launched her international career early. But life took an unexpected turn. Before the trip, Tanya discovered she was pregnant. She had to make the incredibly difficult decision to stay behind, missing out on the New York opportunity. The situation at home became tense, and eventually, she made the brave choice to leave and live with her sister for support. Though it was one of the most challenging periods of her life, Tanya never gave up on her dreams. Even as a young mother, Tanya remained connected to Uncommon.org, continuing in the organization’s 12-month Tech Bootcamp for unemployed youth. There, she deepened her skills in front-end web development, UX design, and digital marketing. She worked on real-world projects, built a strong portfolio, and received mentorship from professionals in the tech industry. Tanya’s resilience shone through every line of code she wrote. Her standout moment came when she developed a prototype app that helps small vendors manage sales digitally, an idea inspired by her mother’s informal market business. The app was well-received during her cohort's pitch day, validating her belief that technology could solve real-world problems in her community. Tanya’s dedication and talent paid off. She is now a Front-End Web Developer and a Certified Google Cloud Associate Engineer, having earned internationally recognized credentials. She’s financially independent, supporting her child and contributing to her family’s well-being, something she once thought impossible. But the story didn’t end there. A few years later, her efforts were recognized globally once again. Girls Who Code extended a second invitation for her to travel to New York, this time for a summer tech immersion program. This opportunity, delayed, but not denied, symbolized her incredible growth, resilience, and return to the global stage on her own terms. Tanya’s journey isn’t just about overcoming personal setbacks, it’s about how access to education, technology, and supportive communities can truly transform lives. From a determined teenager in Zimbabwe to a professional developer with international recognition, she now mentors other young women, encouraging them to pursue tech careers and believe in their own potential. Tanya continues to dream big. She aspires to launch a tech startup focused on empowering small businesses across Africa. Her life is proof that talent is everywhere, and when given the right support, young people can overcome even the toughest challenges to build extraordinary futures.