Every Journey Starts With A Yes.

Oladeji Oluwaseun
Jun 27
4 min read

In today’s Her Spotlight series, we’re shining a light on one of our amazing amazing beneficiaries of the Women in STEM Training Program, a partnership between Afro-Tech Girls and Nigerian Breweries -Victoria Nduka

Through this initiative, we trained a total of 136 young women, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and exposure needed to prepare for career success. From that group, the 22 most outstanding trainees were selected for an extended internship at Nigerian Breweries, and Victoria was one of them. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and what happens when you say yes to new opportunities.

Now, get a cup of tea and settle in.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what you do in the STEM space?

Hi, I’m Victoria Nduka. I studied Chemical Engineering in school but I currently work as a User Experience Designer.

How did you first hear about Afro-Tech Girls?

On Instagram. I was scrolling through and saw the call for applications for the Women in STEM Program in partnership with Nigerian Breweries. That was the first time I heard about Afro-Tech Girls.

What initiative or program did you take part in with Afro -Tech Girls?

The Women In STEM Internship program in partnership with Nigerian Breweries. I was among the first cohort.

What was that experience like for you? (Any standout moment you still remember?)

The internship was my first real-world work experience, and I couldn’t have asked for a better start. It wasn’t just a random role. I was placed in a department that aligned with what I studied in school, which made everything feel more relevant and exciting.

Every part of the experience stood out to me because I was seeing it all for the first time, how different units worked together, how operations were structured, and how theory from school translated into real-world practice. It was all equally eye-opening and helped shape how I view teamwork, structure, and career growth in a technical field.

Did you face any challenges before joining and did the initiative help with that?

Yes, I was a recent graduate awaiting NYSC, and at the time, getting a job straight out of school felt unlikely, especially without an NYSC certificate. So, the initiative was a huge help. Opportunities like that don’t come often, especially not at a place like Nigerian Breweries.

How has being part of Afro -Tech Girls impacted your journey in tech/STEM?

Being part of Afro -Tech Girls has been a major confidence booster for me. Before the Women in STEM Internship, I often struggled with imposter syndrome (still do, but does it ever truly go away 😄?), especially because I didn’t have much experience.

But thanks to that opportunity, I now have real-world experience to draw from. When I’m in interviews and asked behavioral questions like “Tell us about a time you worked in a team,” I actually have meaningful examples to share. Afro -Tech Girls gave me that springboard, and I’ve been able to go further in my journey because of it.

Have you learned or achieved something you’re proud of since then?

Absolutely. Since then, I’ve switched careers, but many of the skills I developed during my internship at Nigerian Breweries have continued to serve me well in the roles I’ve taken on.

During the internship, I worked on several projects that taught me how to communicate effectively with stakeholders, conduct in-depth research, collaborate with team members, and deliver presentations with growing confidence. Those experiences laid a strong foundation for my professional growth.

Did the initiative help you meet new people or open new doors for you?

Yes, it definitely did. I had the chance to connect with the brilliant women who were part of the internship alongside me. They’re some of the most inspiring people I’ve met, and a few have since become close friends.

In terms of opportunities, we were given the chance to interview for full-time roles as Shift Managers. Although I wasn’t selected, several of my friends were retained, and some still work there today. I consider that as a win because a win for the team is a win for me.

What would you say to other young women thinking of joining Afro-Tech Girls?

Stop thinking and just join already 😄. If you’re a woman navigating the STEM industry or even just considering a career in STEM, you need a community. A community of like-minded women who genuinely care about your growth, who’ve walked the path you’re just starting out on, and who are willing to support you, guide you, and even connect you to opportunities you might never have found on your own. Afro-Tech Girls is exactly that kind of community. Don’t miss out.

What’s one thing you wish more people knew about women in STEM?

I think when people talk about women in STEM, the focus is often on those actively working in STEM roles. But something that’s often overlooked, even by women themselves, is that educators also count. If you’re a woman teaching science, technology, engineering, or math at any level, you are very much a woman in STEM. Teachers play a huge role in shaping future STEM professionals, and they deserve to be recognized as part of the STEM ecosystem.

And that’s Victoria’s story, a reminder that your first opportunity can be the start of something great. Here’s to saying yes and growing.

The Her Spotlight series is our way of celebrating and sharing the journeys of incredible women in our community who are boldly charting their paths in STEM. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and be inspired by what’s possible.

This series will go out bi-weekly, so keep an eye out for more inspiring stories. And remember, staying active in our community keeps you closer to opportunities like these.