Mercy George-Igbafe (Africa’s Tech Doctor), Founder, LEARNTOR

Empathy and Collaboration are Drivers of Success, creating an equitable and inclusive ecosystem!

Introduction:

Life hasn’t always been simple for me. My life has been riddled with challenges, rejections, and people who didn’t believe in me, creating a narrative of who I am. I choose long ago to never let my background keep me on the ground; refusing to let those setbacks define me.

As an orphan child dealing with insurmountable hardships, including the trauma of rape as a teenager, I vowed to create a meaningful life to enrich and empower others. Today, here is my story of resilience, gratitude, and the mission I have undertaken to close the tech skills gap in the tech through LEARNTOR.

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“Ubuntu:

“I am because we are.”

“The expert in anything was once a beginner.”

– Helen Hayes

Lesson 1: Expertise Grows from Mastery and Continuous Learning

Throughout my journey, I have embraced continuous learning and mastery in various domains. From Agile and Scrum to Business Analysis, Data Analysis, and Design Thinking, I have immersed myself in acquiring knowledge and expertise. This commitment has allowed me to contribute to digital transformations and empower individuals to thrive in the rapidly changing tech landscape. I am deeply grateful to God, who picked a nobody and made someone. I am thankful for His benevolence, grace, and leadership. Without God, I could not have made it thus far. Thank you, Lord, for giving me the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me.

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”

– Albert Einstein

Lesson 2: Overcoming Challenges Fuels Determination


Despite facing numerous challenges and rejections, I refused to give up. Every setback fueled my determination to prove myself and make a positive impact. I poured my heart and soul into LEARNTOR, an organization that aims to bridge the digital skills gap and empower women in tech. With hard work, dedication, and resilience, we have accomplished remarkable feats within the tech ecosystem.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success.

If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”

– Albert Schweitzer

Lesson 3: Embracing Tech for Positive Change

My journey into the world of technology opened my eyes to its power to transform lives and uplift entire communities. I am deeply committed to using technology as a catalyst for positive change. Through LEARNTOR, we are leveraging innovative solutions to revolutionize the way Africans live and work. Our goal is to create a more just and equitable society for all.

LEARNTOR is committed to developing 10,000 tech experts by 2025. By bridging the digital skills gap and advocating for agile best practices, we aim to mitigate unemployment challenges and promote gender equality in the tech industry. Our vision aligns with the United Nations’ MDG goals, focusing on quality education, gender equality, and economic growth.

“Your time is limited, don’t waste it living someone else’s life.”

– Steve Jobs

Lesson 4: Acknowledging the Impact of Others

I am immensely grateful to Dr. Tony Elumelu for democratizing luck and providing me with the seed capital that launched LEARNTOR. His belief in me ignited a fire within, inspiring me to champion the cause of women-led founders and address the challenges faced by women in the tech industry. I extend my gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who have supported and partnered with me on this journey.

“”True greatness is not in being great but in the ability to make others great “

– Mercy George-Igbafe

Lesson 4: Acknowledging the Impact of Others

I am immensely grateful to Dr. Tony Elumelu OFR for democratizing luck and providing me with the seed capital that launched LEARNTOR. His belief in me ignited a fire within, inspiring me to champion the cause of women-led founders and address the challenges faced by women in the tech industry. I extend my gratitude to all the individuals and organizations who have supported and partnered with me on this journey.

My efforts have been recognized globally, securing a partnership with Scrumorg, my appointment as an executive board member for Women in Agile (USA) and the convener of Women in Agile Africa. Through these roles, I strive to promote diversity and inclusion in the tech space with inclusive Women in Agile Africa conferences held in multiple languages (French, English & Portuguese, where we had 925 registration and 80 speakers from 20 countries and finally our partnership with TaSkilled where our learners get European Internship job placement as Data Analyst.

Lesson 5: Empathy and Collaboration as Drivers of Success


Throughout my career, I have witnessed the power of empathy, understanding, and collaboration. These values have been at the core of my work in tech advocacy. By embracing diverse perspectives, fostering teamwork, and promoting an agile mindset, we can drive innovation, and positive change, and achieve excellence in all we do.

Without your support, it would have been really tough to get here!

Mr. Mike Ogbalu III for coming through when I felt hopeless, and standing strong despite your busy schedule
Thank you to Martin Hinshelwood for connecting me with Scrumorg resulting in almost 300 Africans certified as Professional Scrum Master and Professional Scrum Master with Kanban honoured to be trained by Professional Scrum Trainers (PST)

Thank you Glaudia Califano and David Spinks, for giving LEARNTOR your wings to fly and my heartfelt appreciation to all the professional trainers for believing in me, Thank you Alexander Hardt

Thank you, Scott Adams, for the grand Scrum Master. I am eternally grateful for your coaching, mentorship, and commitment to developing legendary African Scrum Masters and leaders. Thank you for being an embodiment of Scrum. You are an inspiration. Tolu Fagbola, Ayodeji Folarin Adekun Talabi, Emmanuel Megzy Umoke, Iyabo Okwuraiwe, Adesayo Bilubaje and Imabong Vivian Ekpo. I am profoundly grateful.

Thank you to Acess Bank the W team for the grant and for visiting my office and sponsoring LEARNTOR homeschool program

Lesson 6: The Power of Media and Amplifying Voices


I am grateful for the media platforms that have shared my journey and amplified my voice. Features on Channels TV, Wazobia MaxTV, Television Continental, and other outlets have allowed me to inspire more individuals and spread the message of empowerment. Together, we can create a ripple effect that brings about lasting change.

“The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

– Samuel Goldwyn

Lesson 7: A Call to Join Forces

As I reintroduce myself, I extend my gratitude for your support, encouragement, and collaboration.

As I reintroduce myself, My name is Mercy George-Igbafe, I am a child of the most High God, founder of LEARNTOR AKA Africa’s Tech Doctor, I extend my gratitude for your support, encouragement, and collaboration. Together, we can create positive change, foster collaboration, and unlock the full potential of the tech industry. I am excited to continue this journey with you all, as we strive for excellence, embrace innovation, and build a better future.

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