Linda Mutesi: Leadership in Action
"I can't fully articulate how vital GGAST was in my path. As a woman in the STEM field, GGAST empowered me to be confident in any room I walked into. Being active in extracurriculars such as debate and Girl Up gave me leadership and communication skills that played a significant role in securing jobs and getting into a top institution like UC Berkeley."
Please introduce yourself.
My name is Linda Mutesi, and I graduated from GGAST in 2017, which seems like ages ago, but it is still my second home. I received my undergraduate degree from Soka University, where I majored in Economics. I am currently in the first year of my Master of Information Management Systems at the University of California, Berkeley.
Could you tell us about how you chose Soka and your time there?
I chose Soka because of its small community and resources for international students. I decided to study Economics because I have always been interested in understanding how economies work and what goes into making business decisions.
While at Soka, I was able to get involved in extracurricular activities. For example, I was a Black student union president and orientation leader, allowing me to mentor 20 students in their transition from high school to college and I participated in the Model Union school team.
I am most proud of my involvement in initiatives to advocate for equity, such as introducing African studies on campus; this specific experience led me to serve as a Student Representative in the school's first-ever Diversity and Equity Office. I am very proud of my impact on redefining school policies regarding students of color. Along with other student activists, we helped the school introduce the first African Studies curriculum. We advocated for mental health counseling for students of color, scholarship resources, and career support tailored to international students.
"I am very proud of my impact on redefining school policies regarding students of color. Along with other student activists, we helped the school introduce the first African Studies curriculum. We advocated for mental health counseling for students of color, scholarship resources, and career support tailored to international students."
“Gashora was instrumental in preparing me for college, specifically in giving me the confidence to speak up in classes even when I was unsure I knew the correct answer. College can feel intimidating initially, but having been a debater and a leader in multiple clubs at Gashora, I felt prepared to be in an environment with other intelligent students and confidently express myself.”
You recently worked with the Rwanda Innovation Fund for 6 months. Tell us about what you did and that experience.
“I found myself hitting a wall in career progression because I lacked the technical skills to better contribute to developing the ecosystem in Rwanda.
This is why I decided to pursue my Masters in Information to learn how to build infrastructure to address issues in Africa’s private sector. ”
I worked with the Rwanda Innovation Fund alongside Kigali Innovation City. I worked on rolling out initiatives to support tech-enabled startups in Rwanda to become attractive to global investors and scale beyond the Rwanda market. Our overarching objective was to make Rwanda an investment tech hub for Africa, like a mini-silicon valley, but in the African context. My role was to prioritize the inclusion of female entrepreneurs when funding opportunities or getting them resources to increase the product market for their solutions.
The experience was life-changing because it was where I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the tech industry. Working with investors and policymakers, I realized how technology plays a big role in shaping investment decisions and driving innovation. I found myself hitting a wall in career progression because I lacked the technical skills to better contribute to developing the ecosystem in Rwanda.
This is why I decided to pursue my Masters in Information to learn how to build infrastructure to address issues in Africa's private sector. While at Berkley, I plan to develop my technical skills to set myself up for success as a product manager, expand my professional network, and gain the tools to make my own venture/business in the long term.
“Afrotech is a conference that brings together black professionals in the tech industry, including entrepreneurs, engineers, students, investors, recruiters, and even artists. I got to network with people at the forefront of innovation, whether in gaming, music, or the travel industry.”
Looking back at your time at GGAST, how did it prepare you for the path you have walked since graduation?
I can't fully articulate how vital GGAST was in my path. As a woman in the STEM field, GGAST empowered me to be confident in any room I walked into. This confidence allows me to be around highly accomplished individuals, eager to learn from them, instead of shrinking myself or being shy.
Through my experience as a debater at GGAST, I developed a strong sense of curiosity for the world. I learned to overcome the myth that asking many questions makes me look not smart enough or annoying; it opens doors to opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
Being active in extracurriculars such as debate and Girl Up gave me leadership and communication skills that played a significant role in securing jobs and getting into a top institution like UC Berkeley.
Do you believe attending an all-girls school better prepared you for your future?
An all-girls education was a key factor in my success. First, every alumni I know from Gashora is doing amazing things in their career, inspiring me to push past the barriers young professionals face. Second, an all-girls education instilled in me a passion for gender-related issues while also breaking the false belief that I was somehow not as competitive as my male counterparts.
Why is quality education for girls important?
In short, girls' education is essential because educating a girl creates a positive ripple effect in the family she will create. This means the more girls are educated, the more opportunities for families to escape vicious cycles of poverty that could have lasted generations otherwise.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In 5 years, I see myself in a management position at a leading tech company, shaping the development of tech products that can positively impact communities around the world. I have enjoyed working at the intersection of business and innovation; I plan to do that in a managerial position as a product manager, specifically for software products. I chose product management because I can work with a diverse range of people, such as engineers and designers while moving forward in the direction of the business. In 10 years, I envision myself starting my own company; I am not sure in what business line exactly, but it will incorporate an aspect of fashion and fitness since these are the things I enjoy doing in my spare time.
As for Rwanda, in the next 5-10 years, I think Rwanda will be a booming hub of young talent, innovation and economic development. I keep telling colleagues around me that Rwanda is a hidden gem that global investors have yet to discover. Some have already, but not to the extent of visibility Rwanda's exemplary leadership and business environment deserves.
Do you have any advice for current Gashora students?
If I could summarize everything I have learned thus far in my academic and professional career, it is no matter what you do, ask a lot of questions; it doesn't matter if your inner voice tells you it's a stupid question; ask it. I have received many opportunities because I listened and asked questions.
Although pursuing STEM is so challenging, especially for black women, every company, regardless of what they are doing, will need engineers and IT professionals. You should research the areas you are passionate about and find the middle ground between that and a STEM field.
Lastly, be confident in yourself. It will take you to rooms with successful mentors and professionals you can learn from.
