Dr. Amara Okafor
Senior Software Engineer & Engineering Director
CloudScale Technologies
About
Dr. Amara Okafor leads a team of 40 engineers building distributed systems that serve millions of users worldwide. With a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University, she has spent over 15 years in the tech industry, progressing from junior developer to engineering director. She is passionate about creating inclusive engineering cultures and mentoring the next generation of technologists.
“Don't wait until you feel 100% ready to apply for opportunities. Women often hold back unless they meet every qualification, but growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.”
Interview
What inspired you to pursue a career in computer science?
I got my first computer when I was 12, and I was fascinated by the idea that I could tell it what to do. I started with simple HTML websites and gradually moved to programming. What really hooked me was the problem-solving aspect — the feeling of debugging a tricky issue and finally seeing your code work is incredibly rewarding. I didn't see many women who looked like me in tech, but my high school math teacher encouraged me to follow my curiosity, and that made all the difference.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how did you overcome them?
Early in my career, I was often the only woman in the room. I experienced imposter syndrome regularly and sometimes felt my ideas were overlooked. I overcame this by finding allies — both men and women — who championed my work. I also learned to speak up confidently in meetings, even when it felt uncomfortable. Building a network of women in tech through communities like Women Who Code gave me a support system that was invaluable.
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in technology?
Start building things. You don't need anyone's permission to create a website, an app, or a program. There are incredible free resources online — freeCodeCamp, CS50, Khan Academy. Find a problem you care about and try to solve it with code. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions. The best engineers I know are the ones who are curious and not afraid to say "I don't know yet."
How do you approach mentoring others in your field?
I believe in meeting people where they are. Not everyone learns the same way or has the same goals. I try to understand what drives each person I mentor and help them chart their own path. I also believe in being honest about failures — I share my own mistakes openly because that normalizes the learning process. Growth isn't linear, and young people need to hear that from leaders they look up to.