Hiba’s She Codes Too Journey
My name is Hiba Abdulmunem Saud, and I was born and raised in southern Iraq. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Radiologic Technology and began my career working in a public hospital. At first, it felt fulfilling, but over time, I realized that the work offered little opportunity to develop new skills. It was the same routine every day. I also became concerned about the lack of proper safety measures in the radiology field.
When I later moved to Baghdad, I discovered a city full of opportunities. Most of them required practical skills such as language proficiency, Microsoft Office, and other technical abilities. That was when I decided to shift my career path and challenge myself to learn something completely new. As women, I believe we carry a strong determination to prove that we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
I began by joining BBS programs, taking advantage of every learning opportunity they offered. This experience gave me valuable knowledge and skills, which later helped me transition into the private sector, where I worked for two years. During that time, I witnessed how rapidly digital technology was advancing. This made me realize the importance of keeping up with the changes and bridging the gap in my own skill set.
That’s when I found She Codes Too (SCT), a program that became a turning point for me. It gave me the chance to truly understand technology, explore data analysis, and start seeing myself as part of the growing tech world.
When I first joined She Codes Too, I remember feeling completely lost. In the first weeks, I could barely understand what was being discussed, everything sounded so new and unfamiliar. The only class that made sense to me at the beginning was the Excel sessions, where we learned how to organize and navigate data.
Even though I felt uncertain, I was determined to finish the course. I knew that with the dedication and effort of the SCT team, there was no way I would walk away empty-handed. With time, I started to understand the novel technological terms, concepts, and coding languages.
What impressed me most about the program was its mission to empower women. The founder, Raghad, and the entire team were truly inspiring. Even when funding issues arose and had to pause the program for a month, they fought hard to keep it alive and continue their mission of supporting women who wanted to grow and learn.
I still remember my first interview, when I was asked if I had any knowledge of coding. My answer was simply, “No, but I am willing and eager to learn.” Because I have always believed that the will to learn is the main driver to succeed. However, I honestly thought I would not be accepted in the program because of the fact that I had no background in coding whatsoever. Yet, Raghad believed in me and gave me a chance. That opportunity is something I will always be grateful for.
Of course, I cannot forget the community we built during the program. Knowing that support was one text away, and being surrounded by so many brilliant and kind women, made the journey even more meaningful.
After graduation, I felt that the gap I had always struggled with was finally filled. She Codes Too gave me the confidence to value myself and my skills. One of the most remarkable lessons I learned is that we can achieve anything if we search in the right places and surround ourselves with the right people. For me, SCT was that right place, and it became a turning point not only for me but also for many brilliant women I had the chance to learn alongside.
She Codes Too taught me that no matter where you come from, with the right guidance and community you can learn, grow, and shape your own future.
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