Women remain underrepresented in the tech industry, often facing misconceptions about their roles and abilities. Yet, trailblazers like Patricia Muriira are changing this narrative. As a software engineer, AI enthusiast, and community leader, Patricia’s story embodies resilience, passion, and a commitment to uplifting others. I had the privilege of interviewing her—not just to celebrate her achievements but to highlight the importance of representation, mentorship, and support for women in technology. This article is a tribute to Patricia and a call to action for more women to find their place in tech.
Patricia Mwende Muriira is currently a final-year software engineering student at the Multimedia University of Kenya, specializing in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Her recent six-month internship at Safaricom confirmed her commitment to a tech career. Beyond technical skills, Patricia is deeply invested in community building and leadership, having held several key positions within her university’s tech community. She actively shares her journey on LinkedIn and serves as a mentor and advocate for women in technology. Soon, she will join Carnegie Mellon University Africa in Rwanda to advance her studies in AI.
Interestingly, Patricia’s tech journey began far from coding and software engineering. Initially fascinated by the human brain, she aspired to become a neurosurgeon. However, a combination of life experiences shifted her path. Growing up with a father who could fix almost anything sparked an early curiosity about technology. Her high school involvement in the Scout Association introduced her to cryptography and coding, which piqued her interest. Later, a tech exchange program in Germany exposed her to advanced systems and inspired questions about how complex networks operate—questions that eventually led her to focus on AI and neural networks. Patricia’s journey is a beautiful fusion of her original passion and her evolving interests.
Multimedia University has been instrumental in Patricia’s development, providing a foundation in software engineering and nurturing her leadership skills. It was at the university that she wrote her first lines of code and found a community of like-minded individuals. The faculty’s strong support and personal mentorship gave her the confidence to explore machine learning and grow professionally. Patricia has served as the chairperson of the university’s tech community and previously as mentorship coordinator, roles that allowed her to give back and inspire others. Balancing academics, leadership, and personal growth, Patricia credits the university environment for shaping her into a well-rounded
Patricia’s internship at Safaricom marked a pivotal point in her career. Working within the MLOps team on AI and scalable machine learning solutions, she experienced firsthand the challenges of deploying technology for millions of users. This real-world exposure was eye-opening—far beyond tinkering with projects on her own. She learned the importance of workflow optimization, teamwork, and clear communication in a fast-paced environment. Safaricom’s holistic approach to employee well-being, including support for mental health and financial literacy, stood out to her as an ideal workplace culture. The internship not only sharpened Patricia’s technical skills but also strengthened her commitment to growing in tech.
Participating in programs like SheCodes and serving as a Microsoft and Huawei ambassador has been transformative for Patricia. These roles connected her to a global network of women passionate about technology and mentorship. As an ambassador, her responsibility is not only to develop her own skills but to share knowledge and empower others. These experiences have boosted her confidence, refined her teaching abilities, and fueled her advocacy for diversity in tech spaces. Being part of such programs has opened doors and broadened her impact far beyond Kenya.
Joining Carnegie Mellon University Africa is a dream come true for Patricia. It represents access to world-class education, collaboration with leading researchers, and the opportunity to deepen her expertise in artificial intelligence. Beyond academics, she is excited to bring her passion for community building to inspire more women and help address local challenges through technology. Patricia’s goal is to create solutions that are not only innovative but also relevant and impactful to African contexts.
Like many women in tech, Patricia has faced challenges such as underestimation, having to prove herself repeatedly, and experiencing imposter syndrome. She has dealt with these obstacles by committing to continuous learning and seeking out strong mentors. Building a support network of like-minded women has been essential, helping her realize that these struggles are common and can be overcome. This community has provided encouragement and strength during difficult times, empowering her to keep pushing forward.
One quiet moment at her desk stands out for Patricia—a time when she reflected on the anxieties she felt about her future. Despite uncertainty, she realized that her worries were a privilege; they were signs of growth and opportunity. From her initial curiosity about technology to having real choices and responsibilities, Patricia felt proud and thankful for how far she had come. This reflection serves as a reminder of the progress possible through dedication and perseverance.
Mentorship and community involvement have been foundational to Patricia’s journey. She credits much of her success to guidance from mentors who have “been there and done that.” One mentorship program that made a lasting impact was Microsoft Africa Development Center’s Women Inspiring and Nurturing Students (ADC WINS). Through it, Patricia was mentored by Ms. Jepchumba, whose support helped Patricia develop a clear five-year plan. This relationship exemplifies how mentorship can provide clarity and confidence during uncertain times. Patricia is passionate about paying this forward by supporting younger students and fostering strong tech communities, creating a cycle of empowerment.
Looking ahead, Patricia aims to dive deeper into artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly applications that can address challenges faced by African communities. She aspires to contribute to impactful projects that not only push technological boundaries but also improve lives. For Patricia, technology is a tool for growth, and her dream is to use it to help those around her thrive.
Patricia envisions herself building AI solutions that are both innovative and locally relevant, tackling issues in agriculture, healthcare, and education. She is committed to being part of a movement that drives sustainable change, empowers communities, and fuels economic growth across Kenya and beyond.
Her advice to young women and girls considering careers in technology is to start by believing in themselves and not waiting for permission. Patricia acknowledges that the tech world can feel intimidating, but emphasizes that there is room for everyone. She encourages embracing curiosity, continuous learning, and not fearing failure—because growth comes through challenges. Building a support system and seeking mentors are crucial steps. Above all, Patricia reminds aspiring women technologists that their unique perspectives are valuable and needed in the industry.
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