Read and find out how Tina Okonkwo emerged as data Analyst of the Year, winning ahead of host of other top candidates.
In a stellar achievement, Tina Okonkwo, a distinguished data analyst at FanBants, emerged as the Data Analyst of the Year at the annual No Code Tech Summit, which took place on December 9, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria. The event, themed "Tech Nexus: Beyond the lines of Code," spotlighted non-technical individuals playing pivotal roles in the African tech industry.
A mathematics graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Tina shared during a press engagement that her journey into data analytics involved persistent learning and hands-on experience. Completing the IBM Data Science program and securing the #I4GDatacamp Scholarship, she transitioned into her role as a Data Analyst within a remarkable four-month period.
Expressing joy and a sense of accomplishment upon receiving the award, Tina sees it as both a personal validation and a significant professional milestone. She remarked, "This award is not just a recognition of my skills but also a testament to the potential of data analytics in transforming industries."
Noteworthy among Tina's projects was her collaboration with a local non-profit, where she empowered them with data analysis skills to track program effectiveness. Reflecting on this experience, she stated, "Witnessing their transformation from data novices to empowered decision-makers using insights gleaned from their own data was truly rewarding."
As a young professional breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, Tina acknowledged facing moments of underestimation but overcame them through mentorship, continuous skill development, and meaningful contributions to the community.
Emphasizing the importance of diversity in tech, she advocated for encouraging more young women to pursue careers in data analysis. Her message to aspiring data analysts, especially young women, was to be relentless in pursuit of knowledge, embrace challenging projects, network, and leverage the power of community. "Most importantly, believe in your abilities and don’t let gender stereotypes deter you from achieving your goals," she added.
Tina shared her strategy for staying updated with industry trends, including attending conferences, webinars, participating in online communities, and researching publications like Towards Data Science. Looking ahead, she envisions leading innovative projects that utilize big data to address real-world challenges. Furthermore, Tina disclosed her plans to mentor and support aspiring data analysts, particularly young women, fostering a future where data analytics contributes significantly to solving critical issues across various industries.