Draft:Carolyne Ekyarisiima

Carolyne Ekyarisiima, born on June 20, 1986, is a social entrepreneur, Computer Scientist and a business woman with significance contribution to the fields of information and communication technology (ICT) , agriculture, and education. She is renowned for co-founding Apps and Girls, a non-governmental organization dedicated to increase the number of women in science through innovative IT initiatives.

Apps and Girls, the organization she co-founded, uniquely combines computer programming training with community and tech entrepreneurship. Through this initiative, girls are equipped to develop projects that benefit their communities while also learning to start business. This dual approach aims to increase employment opportunities and reduce poverty, fostering social-economic growth.

Since 2011, Carolyne's effort have helped bridge the gender gap in the tech industry, promoting greater female participation in science and technology. Her work has not only provided young women with critical skills but also inspired a new generation of tech entrepreneurs dedicated to making impactful changes in their community and beyond.

Carolyne Ekyarisiima Carolyne Ekyarisiima (2020)
Born	(1986-06-20)June 20, 1986 Uganda
Nationality	Ugandan
Education	Bweranyangi Girls' Senior Secondary School Valley College Senior Secondary School Kampala International University (CS) - Main Campus -Uganda Kampala International University in Tanzania - KIUT (MIS)
Known for	Founder - Apps and Girls Foundation Co-Founder- WRIS Microfinance Co-Founder- WRIS Agro Co-Founder- NLab Innovation Academy
Notable work	CEO, Computer Scientist, Business Woman
Website	https://appsandgirls.com/

Early Life

She was born on June 20, 1986, in Bushenyi District of Uganda, into a family of seven children, where she was the fifth child. From a young age, she aspired to become a doctor to help treat people. However, due to economic challenges and the need to support the education of her siblings, this dream could not be realized. Her father, a primary school teacher, and her mother , a housewife, prioritized the education of all children despite the financial constrains, ensuring they attained higher levels of learning.

Although pursuing a career in medicine was too costly, he had the opportunity to study computer science at Kampala International University in Uganda, which marked the beginning of her new perspective on the world.

In one of her interviews, she says, " During my time at KIU as a computer Science student, I developed a passion for a course that was completely new to me. I decided to take it because it was related to science, and my dream of becoming a doctor seemed nearly impossible. As i delved into the course, my interest in technology grew stronger. I sensed that this would be an exciting journey, and it truly has been."

In addition to being an assistant instructor, Carolyne dedicated her private time in 2010 to participating in the establishment of OUFLab, one of the first private workshop in Tanzania. In 2013, OUFLab was renamed to NLab (NiwezesheLab) and later evolved into an academy offering diplomas under The National Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (NACTVET).

Her involvement included organizing free and open seminars in schools and colleges, and establishing the "Friday Night Code" program. This program brought together students from Various universities every Friday evening in Gongo La Mboto, Dar es salaam, to learn coding until Saturday morning before returning home.

The OUFLab team initiated a fundraising campaign in 2012 to create an open space for tech enthusiasts in Tanzania. They used the Indiegogo platform, with Carolyne, Wilhelm, and lead fundraiser Zoe from the US playing significant roles. Through this campaign, Carolyne noticed the underrepresentation of women in technology and science.

In 2013, Carolyne participated in a bootcamp, where events like bootcamps and hackathons fueled her passion for technology. She competed in various competitions and hackathons, winning some organized by TANZICT, COSTECH and other stakeholders. One of the notable challenge she won with her team was Masoko Challenege, which focused on agricultural solutions to assist farmers with marketing issues Inspired by these experiences, Carolyne decided to mentor and coach girls in coding and entrepreneurship to create young role models who would inspire more girls and women.

Education and early Career

Carolyne completed her O-Level education at Bweranyangi Girls Senior Secondary School and her A-Level education at Valley College Senior Secondary school in Uganda. She then persuaded a degree in Computer Science at a university in Uganda. After graduating. she secured a permanent job at the university and was transferred to Tanzania. There she had the opportunity to continue her studies, earning a master's degree in Information Systems from the International college of Kampala, Dar es salaam branch.

At the university, she worked as a tutorial assistant. In late 2013, she left her job and co-founded Apps and Girls, NLab Innovation Academy as well as other tech startups.

Business

She is a businesswoman, her entrepreneurial ventures extend into various fields, including agriculture and finance , where she is actively involved in cultivating crops and managing farming operations. She also dedicates her effort to animal husbandry, overseeing the breeding and care of livestock. All these are done under her new venture Wris, which she co-founded.

Publications, Lectures and Open Discussion

1. E-Learning Africa conference 2017 in Mauritius ( )
2. E-Learning Africa conference 2018 in Rwanda ( )

Awards and Nominations

1. Tigo Digital Changemakers Award - 2017 (Won)
2. Malkia wa Nguvu (2017) By Clouds Media Group (Won)
3. The next generation of Leaders (2017) By IFA FOUNDATION
4. Innovator of the Year Award By Aid & International Development Forum (Won)
5. 35 Most Influential Women in Tech By CIO Africa (Mention)
6. Digital Female Leader Awards (2019), Social Hero By Der DFLA (Won)
7. 50 Most influential Young Tanzanians (2019) By Avance Media (Mention)

[[Category:Tanzanian women]] [[Category:WikiAfrica]] [[Category:Women in Technology]]