Oreoluwa Lesi, the Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), is a trailblazer in building a more inclusive technology ecosystem. Her nonprofit organization is dedicated to equipping the next generation of women with the skills to become technology creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Since its inception, W.TEC has reached over 47,000 girls and women, inspiring many to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through high-quality programs such as tech camps, afterschool clubs, and workshops, participants have gained the ability to create applications, games, websites, short films, and other digital content. W.TEC has also expanded its work to explore how technology can improve learning outcomes and support students with developmental disabilities, including Autism and Down’s syndrome.
Lesi’s extensive academic background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Essex University, UK, a Master’s degree in Analysis, Design, and Management of Information Systems from the London School of Economics & Political Science, a Certificate in Applied Sciences from Harvard University’s Extension School, and a Certificate in Social Sector Management from Pan African University’s Enterprise Development Centre.
Her contributions to technology and women’s empowerment have earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of the ‘5 Women Who Defined the Nigerian Tech Space’ by Technext.ng in 2019, Her Network’s ‘Technology Woman of the Year’ in 2018, and Leading Ladies Africa’s ‘100 Most Inspiring Women in Nigeria’ in 2018. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Anita Borg Change Agent Award for her commitment to supporting women in computing in Nigeria.
Beyond her work at W.TEC, Lesi is passionate about bridging gender gaps in internet governance. She has served as Secretariat of the Not-for-Profit Operational Concerns Constituency (NPOC) within the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) and was selected as an ICANN Fellow for the 2019 Annual General Meeting. Currently, she is a board member of the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC).
Her work has been featured in several media outlets, including EbonyLife TV, Channels TV, NTA, The Guardian, The Nation, Punch, Business Day, and Daily Independent. She has also contributed to various publications, such as ‘Dear Woman in STEM: A Collection of Advice from STEM Leaders to the Next Generation of Female Scientists.’
Lesi’s leadership at W.TEC has led the organization to numerous awards, including the 2019 EQUALS in Tech Awards (Skills category), the 2019 NEDIS Gender-Focused Education Intervention Recognition Award, and the 2019 NIRA Presidential Award for Women’s Development.
In addition to her professional achievements, she runs Patabah Books, a second-generation family bookshop, showcasing her love for reading and literature. Whether it is technology, nonprofit work, or books, Oreoluwa Lesi continues to inspire and drive meaningful change in the technology space for women and girls across Nigeria and beyond.
