Ruth Agbaji is the founder of a online community for Black Millennials in STEM. She has a Masters degree in Computer Science from Tufts University and has worked in the tech industry for the last 5 years. Working with companies like Microsoft has taught her a lot about building an enterprise and she's about to launch full time into building her startup.
What motivated you or inspired you to go into your field?
I love computer science because you can build pretty much anything and all you need is a laptop! My undergrad degree was in Electrical Engineering but I changed paths and pursued Computer Science because the only limit to what I could create was my imagination!
What were the first few steps you took to pursue your field in STEM?
I taught myself how to code! I grew up in an environment in which, internet access was a luxury. It was a painstaking process trying to download tutorials, but I was very determined. I often stayed up late, when the internet service was better, so that I could download the software I needed in order to teach myself how to code. I would even email random people with coding blogs to ask for help in guiding me on my learning journey. I was so excited to learn.
During university in Nigeria, I started to learn C# (a programming language) on my own and started to build web forms applications. I ended up building a relatively complex prototype for an e-assessment platform for my department and everyone loved it. I knew at that point I had found my calling. My next step was to pursue this new found love in a strong educational system. I applied to grad programs in the US and Tufts University believed in me and gave me a shot, and I am eternally grateful for that opportunity because it changed my life forever.
Tell us about your job. What are some of your responsibilities? What is the environment like in your workplace?
Currently, I wear two hats. I work as a software engineer, and I am the founder of Grad Spark, an online community for Black millennials in STEM fields. Although I am the only female developer in my team, I often don’t notice because everybody is very supportive. So I would say to younger ladies, as much as you can, put yourself in supportive situations.
As for running Grad Spark, I get to meet and share stories of amazing Black women in STEM and in turn inspire others and shatter stereotypes. I always knew that I wanted to create a community for a demographic that I identify with. So it was a series of iterations and thinking as to which group of people I could use my skills, experience and network to best serve. I found that there are so many parallels between women in industry and women in academia. Being completely obsessed with startups, I started to see startup practices that we could modify and use to provide strategic support to Black millennials, and Grad Spark was born. I thoroughly enjoy building that community.
How have you combated gender/racial stereotypes in STEM?
It’s tough being a Black woman in the software engineering field. You feel the weight of your race and gender on your shoulders! It’s so easy to chalk up any unpleasant situation to gender/racial bias. However, the best way to combat stereotypes is to be your best self and own self-advocate. There’s a saying that opportunity meets preparation. Improve on yourself constantly, don’t get beat down by whatever is going on around you, just keep pushing to be your best self. Do your best work and stand up for yourself when you need to.
What motto or core values do you live by?
Dream it, believe it, and go for it!
How have you combated gender/racial stereotypes in STEM?
It’s tough being a Black woman in the software engineering field. You feel the weight of your race and gender on your shoulders! It’s so easy to chalk up any unpleasant situation to gender/racial bias. However, the best way to combat stereotypes is to be your best self and own self-advocate. There’s a saying that opportunity meets preparation. Improve on yourself constantly, don’t get beat down by whatever is going on around you, just keep pushing to be your best self. Do your best work and stand up for yourself when you need to.
Don’t let any limitations (real or imaginary) stop you. There’s always a way to chase and live your dreams. There’s always someone willing to help. Reach out. It might take a couple of tries to find that person but s/he is out there!
Also, it is important to explore all of your interests! Don’t let any preconceived notions of math and science deter you. Don’t let anyone say you can’t. Be curious about how everything works and how everything is made. There is science in everything. Ask questions. There is always an intersection between your talents and interests. Find it! Find your zone.
