46 - Becoming the Engineer You Needed Growing Up — Rebecca Franks’s Journey

In this episode of She Talks Tech, we sit down with Thoko Miya, a powerhouse in community-driven innovation and creative strategy. Thoko shares how she’s building ecosystems that centre people first — blending technology, youth empowerment, and purpose-driven leadership.We unpack how her work moves beyond code to create platforms that amplify voices, support local innovators, and rethink how we define tech success.🎧 What we talk about:Building inclusive tech ecosystemsWhy community is your greatest metricCreating platforms that uplift youth and creativesLeadership rooted in listeningHow to design for people, not just usersAlso follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Show NotesIn this heartwarming episode of She Talks Tech, we sit down with QA professional and lifelong learner Petronela Ramoleta. From growing up in Limpopo to navigating unexpected pivots in tech—from web development to quality assurance and now business analysis—Petronela shares what it means to lead with purpose, kindness, and curiosity.What we talk about:Making career transitions with intentionThe unplanned shift from dev to QAFinding joy and balance in life and workThe human side of working in fintechWhy being kind to yourself matters just as much as being good at your jobAlso follow us on Instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of She Talks Tech, we sit down with Rebecca Franks — an Android Developer Relations Engineer at Google, community builder, and advocate for women in tech.From her early days coding in South Africa to becoming a global voice in the Android space, Rebecca opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, finding joy in building, and the importance of showing up authentically in tech.🎧 In this episode, we cover: ✅ How Rebecca found her way into Android development ✅ The shift from building apps to supporting developers ✅ What it’s like working at Google (and staying grounded) ✅ Why representation and mentorship still matter in techAlso follow us on instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to She Talks Tech with Hlulani, where we amplify the voices of women making waves in technology and STEM. In today’s episode, I sit down with Lydia Sebokedi, Acting Executive Director at the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI), to explore a powerful story of purpose, public service, and quiet transformation.Lydia's journey spans decades in South Africa’s public sector — from dietetics and healthcare to national innovation and digital transformation. We dive deep into how she leads innovation in government without a traditional tech background, her passion for developing young talent, and why she believes "the work is never about the title—it’s about legacy."✨ In this episode, you’ll hear about:How Lydia went from dietician to tech leader in public serviceWhy innovation in government must be people-firstWhat leadership looks like when grounded in empathy and trustThe work she’s most proud of—hint: it’s not in a CVHer mission to make government more connected, human, and future-fitA letter to her 10-year-old self that will move you to tearsLydia's impact isn’t just in the policies she shapes or programs she oversees—it’s in the people she uplifts, the legacy she’s building, and the clarity with which she walks her purpose.📣 If you’ve ever wondered what human-centered leadership looks like in tech and government—this episode is for you.🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows.Also follow us on instagram @she_talks_tech_podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to She Talks Tech Season 3, where I profile women in technology and STEM careers. My aim is to elevate and amplify their stories and inspire more women to join these fields. Through detailed interviews with successful women in technology and STEM, I explore their career paths, challenges, successes, and advice for aspiring professionals. Join me as I celebrate the achievements of women in technology and STEM and discover the diverse and exciting opportunities available in these fields.Liked this episode? Please follow and share the podcast and while at it, leave us a review :)Also follow us on instagram @she_talks_tech_podcastShow notes:In this soul-stirring episode of She Talks Tech, we sit down with Mabedi—chartered accountant turned tech leader—whose story is equal parts intentional, inspiring, and necessary.🌍 From her early days growing up in Botswana’s villages to leading large-scale tech transformation programs across the African continent, Mabedi shares:Why audit was her bootcamp for excellenceHow she transitioned into tech leadership without a STEM backgroundThe power of intentional mentorship and role modellingHer philosophy on legacy, leadership, and lifting others as she risesWhy she believes "the only thing separating you from a leader is time"✨ Whether you’re pivoting into tech, navigating imposter syndrome, or just need to feel seen—this episode will speak to your heart. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:A Day in the Life of a Self-Taught Software Engineer | Emerging Tech VoicesIn this episode, hosts Murendeni Baloyi, Hlulani Baloyi, and Nhlamulo Sithole sit down with Trecia Kat, a passionate, self-taught software engineer whose journey from dropping out of college to becoming a full-stack dev is nothing short of inspiring.🔹 What you'll hear:How Tricia taught herself coding using platforms like FreeCodeCampHer untraditional path into tech—and how she landed her first dev jobInsights into learning styles, debugging strategies, and her obsession with CSSHer love/hate relationships with Angular, React, Bootstrap, and TailwindWhat a typical day looks like as a hybrid, full-stack engineerHow confidence, community, and curiosity shaped her career🎧 This episode is packed with laughs, honesty, and practical advice for anyone curious about self-teaching, frontend vs backend, and building a career in tech.📌 Note: We’re definitely bringing Tricia back—there’s more to her story we didn’t get to!👉 Listen now#EmergingTechVoices #SheTalksTech #SelfTaughtDev #WomenInTech #FullStackDeveloper #CSSArt #TailwindCSS #DebuggingDiaries #Podcast #TechCareers #YoungTechiesFollow @She_talks_tech_podcast on Instagram! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to She Talks Tech Season 3, where I profile women in technology and STEM careers. My aim is to elevate and amplify their stories and inspire more women to join these fields. Through detailed interviews with successful women in technology and STEM, I explore their career paths, challenges, successes, and advice for aspiring professionals. Join me as I celebrate the achievements of women in technology and STEM and discover the diverse and exciting opportunities available in these fields.Liked this episode? Please follow and share the podcast and while at it, leave us a review :)Also follow us on instagram @she_talks_tech_podcastShow notes: Science, strategy, and showing up.Dr. Avila Maja is a powerhouse in STEM.🧪 Analytical Chemist🌱 Climate Advocate🌍 Executive Member of the South African Young Academy of Science💎 Expert in platinum group metals (PGMs)She’s proof that science isn’t just lab coats and equations — it’s leadership, innovation, and impact.On this week’s She Talks Tech, we talk about:The link between chemistry and climate actionThe future of automation and green miningWhat it really means to show up and shine in your fieldAnd how mentorship multiplies power in STEM spacesLet this be your reminder:Representation isn’t just visibility — it’s visionary.#SheTalksTech #WomenInScience #STEMLeadership #Podcast #BlackWomenInSTEM #Innovation #ChemistryWithPurpose #TechForGood Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:In this exciting and inspiring episode of Imagine Tech Voices, we sit down with Gomolemo Likomanyane — a passionate software tester and content creator behind Tech with Gomo! 🚀Ever wondered what quality assurance (QA) is really about? Gomo shares her journey from software development into QA, her day-to-day life as a tester, how she handles tech challenges, and how she’s using her platform to inspire the next generation of techies — all with heart, humor, and realness.What We Talk About:✅ What quality assurance (QA) really means in tech✅ Gomo’s daily routine — standups, testing, and breaking systems 😄✅ Tools she uses — Salesforce, Provar Automation, Azure DevOps✅ Handling developer tension and staying professional✅ Navigating male-dominated spaces with confidence✅ Building Tech with Gomo to review products and inspire others✅ Advice for anyone wanting to start a career in QA✅ Gomo’s dreams: growing her platform and working with big brands 🌟Follow @She_talks_tech_podcast on Instagram! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to She Talks Tech Season 3, where I profile women in technology and STEM careers. My aim is to elevate and amplify their stories and inspire more women to join these fields. Through detailed interviews with successful women in technology and STEM, I explore their career paths, challenges, successes, and advice for aspiring professionals. Join me as I celebrate the achievements of women in technology and STEM and discover the diverse and exciting opportunities available in these fields.Liked this episode? Please follow and share the podcast and while at it, leave us a review :)Also follow us on instagram @she_talks_tech_podcastShow Notes:In this episode, we sit down with Sabrine Chennaoui, the CEO of Manzapo, who shares her inspiring journey from launching a startup in her garage to building patented green tech that transforms used cooking oil into natural cleaning products. We talk about resilience, pivots, and purpose-driven innovation in the world of sustainability and circular economy.🎧 Tune in to hear:✅ How her childhood shaped her drive✅ The idea that started it all✅ The tech behind Manzapo’s soap-making machine✅ Lessons from building as a woman in green tech✅ Her letter to her 10-year-old self Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Emerging Tech Voices, we shine the spotlight on one of our own — Nhlamulo Sithole, co-host and front-end software engineer! 🎉Ever wondered what a day in the life of a software engineer looks like behind the scenes? Nhlamulo takes us through her journey, her daily routine, her favorite tools, and the challenges that come with building beautiful and functional user experiences — all while keeping it real, relatable, and a little bit funny.What We Talk About:✅ What front-end development really means✅ Nhlamulo’s daily routine — from brushing teeth to standups✅ Debugging code (and the occasional 3-minute cry 😅)✅ Tools she swears by — React, Java, Next.js & Payload CMS✅ The importance of collaboration and asking for help✅ How she balances work, study, and life outside tech✅ Facing criticism, dealing with imposter syndrome, and growing from it✅ Personal hobbies — swimming, piano lessons, and dreaming big 🎶Follow @She_talks_tech_podcast on instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.