Invention Courses Help Software Developers

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Invention Courses Help Software Developers

“Hello Family! My name is Professor Singer and I teach invention courses at the online school known as Tharaka Invention Academy. I want to share with you one of many different jobs or careers which can be wonderfully transformed after one has acquired the mindset, skills, and specialized knowledge of an effective innovator, inventor, and problem solver. The post entitled ‘Global Innovators: 101 Careers Transformed by Invention Skills’ contains links to many more similar stories. Envisioning our world’s future 100 years from now, after acknowledging its historical traumas, presents a canvas of Ubuntu, hope, resilience, and transformative growth. This future is built on the pillars of innovation, unity, sustainability, and cultural pride, reflecting a planet that has not only healed from its past but has also harnessed its rich diversity and resources to shape a prosperous and harmonious world for all of its inhabitants. Today, let’s explore how this transformative vision aligns with the journey of Juliana Rotich, a Kenyan software developer and tech innovator.

Juliana co-founded Ushahidi, a platform that revolutionized data collection and visualization during crises by using crowd-sourced information. Starting with a project that mapped reports of violence in Kenya after the 2008 elections, Ushahidi has since expanded globally, adapting to various critical uses such as disaster management and election monitoring.

Juliana pursued higher education in the United States, where she studied Computer Science at the University of Missouri-Rolla. This academic background laid the groundwork for her technical skills, but it was her intrinsic curiosity and commitment to her roots that directed her career path towards impactful technology solutions.

The idea for Ushahidi, which means “testimony” in Swahili, arose in the aftermath of the 2008 post-election violence in Kenya. Witnessing the need for real-time information to assist in crisis situations, Juliana and her team developed Ushahidi as a simple tool for ordinary Kenyan citizens to contribute eyewitness accounts of violence using text messages. The platform quickly evolved into a global standard for crowd-sourced crisis information, demonstrating the power of local solutions to address local problems with global implications.

Beyond Ushahidi, Juliana co-founded BRCK, a social enterprise focused on connecting the disconnected in Africa. BRCK is a rugged, self-powered, mobile WiFi device designed to work where electricity and internet connections are unreliable. This invention reflects her foresight into the needs of Africa’s emerging digital societies and her commitment to digital inclusion.

Juliana’s work has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized internationally, receiving several awards including the TED Senior Fellowship and the Time 100 most influential people designation. Her thought leadership extends into her roles in international forums, such as serving on the advisory boards of the Risk and Resilience Program at the Overseas Development Institute.

What drives Juliana is not just technological innovation, but a profound desire to use these innovations for good—bridging gaps in communication during disasters, enhancing transparency in governance, and empowering individuals through greater connectivity.

Juliana Rotich exemplifies how one can harness technology not only to forge a successful career but to improve the fabric of society. Her story is a beacon for aspiring tech professionals around the world, proving that with the right mindset, skills, and determination, it’s possible to make a substantial impact.
Software developers and IT professionals often find themselves at the forefront of technological change but might lack the creative thinking and problem-solving skills needed to apply technology in ways that have a substantial societal impact.
Juliana’s work exemplifies the powerful intersection of technology and social good. Through her initiatives, she demonstrates how IT skills, coupled with innovative thinking, can lead to significant community and global benefits.

Imagine leveraging the same skills and mindsets that enabled Juliana to impact the world. At Tharaka Invention Academy, you can. Our courses, including Visual Storytelling for Inventors and Prototyping and Iterative Development, are crafted to empower you with the ability to think creatively and develop impactful technological solutions.
Don’t just dream about making a difference—make it your reality. Join Tharaka Invention Academy, where we nurture inventors and innovators who aspire to change the world, just like Juliana Rotich. Visit our website to learn more about how our courses can help you transform your career and contribute to a better future.

The post entitled “Global Innovators: 101 Careers Transformed by Invention Skills” contains links to many more similar stories.

Questions?? Contact me any time at profsinger@inventionschool.tech
We have published other informative posts on Invention School’s website which may interest you. To view our entire catalog of over 900 posts go to inventionschool.tech/category/blog/ or use our handy search tool to find topics of interest to you.

Mechanical/Solar Engineer, Prof. Oku Singer

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