June 22, 2023

Meet our Germany Chapter Lead: Amanda Masuku

With the Black Girls Tech Summit confirmed for 2023, we caught up with our ambassador and German Chapter Lead, Amanda Masuku. Amanda shares an insight into her career and what it took to get here, working with Girls Talk and exciting plans for the future.

Amanda Masuku is a product manager focusing on sustainability living in Berlin, Germany, after moving there in 2016 to study for her master’s. After completing her master’s, Amanda decided to stay in Germany to advance her career. During her master’s, Amanda had the opportunity to explore various areas in the technology industry, including IT, Business Development and Data Analytics.

Q. How long have you been working in this role? And how long have you worked in this industry?

A. I have been working as a product manager for a few months after transitioning from project management, with both roles being in product engineering. I have worked in the technology industry for around six years now. Prior to that, I worked in consulting and marketing when I started my career during my bachelor studies.

Q. Can you describe your journey to get into this role?

A. My journey to becoming a product manager started with my academic pursuits in Scientific Computing, which provided me with a strong foundation in data analytics and problem-solving. Then, through internships and working in student positions, I gained practical experience in areas such as analytics, business development, and supply chain. The intersection of my STEM academic background and various expertise in business & operations roles equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in my current position.

Q. Can you share an overview of your qualifications and their value to you?

A. I hold a Master’s in Scientific Computing and a Bachelor’s in Mathematics. These qualifications have been instrumental in helping me understand complex data analytics and apply strategic thinking to drive sustainable solutions.

Q. Why did you become a Girls Talk ambassador and chapter lead?

A. I first came across Girls Talk during the COVID-19 lockdown period in 2020, when I attended the virtual Black Girls Tech Summit. It was amazing! I knew then that this was something missing from the Berlin community. I decided to become a Girls Talk ambassador because I strongly resonate with the mission of empowering women in the tech industry. I want to contribute to creating inclusive spaces and providing growth opportunities for women in tech, particularly black women.

Q. What is the best thing about working with Girls Talk in this capacity so far?

A. The best thing about working with Girls Talk in this capacity is the sense of community and the ability to make a meaningful impact. Collaborating with other ambassadors and chapter leads who share the same passion for diversity and inclusion allows us to create initiatives and programs that uplift and inspire women in tech. Witnessing our positive impact on individuals and seeing their growth and success is truly rewarding.

Q. What are you looking forward to this year? Do you have anything exciting planned for your team?

A. This year, I am looking forward to expanding the reach and impact of Girls Talk in Berlin. We have exciting plans, including hosting workshops, panel discussions, and networking events that provide valuable insights and create a supportive environment for women in tech. We will go a layer deeper, addressing the pain points that the community have shared with us and ensuring we build a safe space.

Additionally, I am thrilled to explore potential collaborations with other organisations and community groups to amplify our efforts further. I hope we can disrupt the tech event space with new formats and opportunities for our community.

Q. What is the most challenging thing about your role? How do you overcome challenges?

A. One of the most challenging aspects of my role is managing multiple responsibilities and ensuring effective communication among team members. To overcome these challenges, I prioritise clear and transparent communication, encourage open dialogue, and delegate tasks based on individual capacity and interests. This has helped us create a positive multiplier environment where we are very supportive of each others’ ideas.

Girls Talk wouldn’t exist without our community. So, we’re forever grateful for our ambassadors like Amanda, who continuously contribute to making the corporate world a better place for women and inspiring us along the way. Ready to join the sisterhood? Register for the 2023 Black Girls Tech Summit here.