Hi! I’m Pendo Manjele, a data science professional working in the financial sector in Zambia. I have a background in Computer Science and Applied Statistics—and while I started my career as a software developer, I quickly discovered my passion for making sense of data and using it to solve real-world problems. That led me to transition into data science just two years into my professional journey.

Over the past seven years, I’ve worked across banking, telecoms, and one of the Big 4 audit firms. I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my work, including the Genius Woman in Tech Award (2021), Push Woman in ICT Award (2023), and the TechTrends Rising Star Award (2024). In 2025, I had the honor of speaking on the TEDx Lusaka stage.

I'm also the co-founder of Ubuntu AI, a community-driven initiative that champions inclusive, accessible AI in Zambia and helps break down complex technology for everyone.

Advice to the young ones:

1. Dream Big – Your background, environment, or gender should never define your limits. Set bold goals and believe you belong in every room you step into.

2. Find Mentorship Early – You don’t always have to look far. Start with your parents or guardians — they’re often your first mentors. Their life lessons are powerful, so soak them in while you can.

3. Fail Forward – Don’t fear failure. It’s part of growth. When you fall, rise quicker than you fall. Remember: fall seven times, get up eight. That’s how resilience is built.

And above all, enjoy the journey — have fun, but stay grounded.