Zahraa Nabil, a Biomedical Engineering graduate from Baghdad, began her journey in hospitals working with medical devices before discovering her passion for technology. Realising the power of data to uncover insights and create change, she transitioned into data analytics and joined She Codes Too’s six-month Data Analytics programme in 2025. The bootcamp gave her confidence, practical skills in SQL, Python, and databases, and the chance to work on real-world projects. For Zahraa, the experience was transformative, opening horizons, inspiring her through events like Women in Tech, and motivating her to grow professionally and personally.

I’m Zahraa Nabil from Baghdad, a Biomedical Engineering graduate from the University of Baghdad, Al-Khawarizmi College of Engineering. My journey began in hospitals, where I volunteered and trained on medical devices. But what truly inspired me to move into technology was realising how powerful data can be, every chart tells a story, uncovers insights, and helps make smarter decisions.

This impact is what drew me to the tech world, especially data analytics, where information becomes a tool for change and empowerment. Coding inspires me because it feels like solving puzzles—every line of code is a piece that makes up the bigger picture.

My initial impression of She Codes Too was that it opened many new horizons for me. The bootcamp helped me organise the tools I use for data analysis and provided me with a summary of experiences and lessons that others had gained over years—delivered in such a short time. This programme has truly added so much value to my journey.

One of my favourite experiences was working on a special data analysis project for a company. The task involved identifying problems and deriving insights using SQL, which gave me hands-on, practical experience solving real-world challenges.

Another memorable moment was attending three inspiring events, including the Women in Tech event presented by Raghad. It was motivating to imagine ourselves one day on stage as speakers, just as we were then as attentive listeners. These experiences reminded me that we are already active in tech, and with clear goals, our efforts will lead us to successful and influential roles.

The SQL sessions, mentorship, guest speakers, and community events made my learning much more practical and engaging. They helped me connect concepts to real applications in the tech field, reinforcing both my skills and confidence.

Now, I feel much more confident in engaging with any work related to data analysis. The programme gave me a solid foundation in programming, databases, and Python, along with the motivation to keep expanding my skills. I now approach new techniques with confidence and without hesitation.

While my career path hasn’t changed drastically yet, the programme has prepared me for future opportunities. Since July, I have transferred to the Business Excellence team as a Senior Resource Management Engineer. This role is giving me a broader perspective and a chance to put my skills into practice in new contexts.

The programme also deepened my understanding of databases and taught me to automate daily reports and build dashboards. These skills have made my work more efficient and helped me transform data into actionable insights.

Beyond technical skills, the programme taught me the importance of networking, teamwork, and communication. Building relationships in tech not only strengthens social skills but also helps you grow technically by learning from others.

There were moments when I felt stagnant in my career, but joining the programme reignited my curiosity and reminded me that growth is always possible. It motivated me to embrace challenges with enthusiasm and see the bigger picture of where I can go.

Programmes like She Codes Too open new horizons for women by providing technical skills, mentorship, and networking opportunities. They build confidence, inspire active participation, and show that women can contribute meaningfully and take on influential roles in tech.

My advice to other women is to embrace curiosity and take the first step, no matter how small. Joining programmes like She Codes Too or learning to code can open doors to exciting opportunities. Stay confident, seek support from mentors and peers, and remember that every effort you put in today builds your future path.

For me, this opportunity was the key to diving into the world of programming. The bootcamp offered a comprehensive and flexible learning experience. If I ever get the chance to join an advanced data analysis programme, I know without hesitation that I will do it again.

Connect with Zahraa on