Mercy Nekesa was one of many prime 10 winners within the 2022 version of dfcu Financial institution’s Rising Girl Initiative. Mercy Nekesa based “Raining Greens,” a tech firm dedicated to empowering farmers in 2020, shortly after graduating school.
Initially targeted on monetary record-keeping, the corporate expanded to supply climate forecasts, planting calendars, market costs, and value breakdowns. In three transformative years, they’ve advanced into an award-winning firm, with a purpose of bettering meals manufacturing by data-driven insights. The corporate has launched its app ‘Raining Greens’, obtainable on Google Play Retailer.
- Are you able to inform us a bit about your background and journey that led you to the place you might be in the present day as a Rising Girl winner?
My path to changing into a Rising Girl winner is a novel story marked by serendipity. All of it started throughout a visit to Bali for unrelated causes.
Already deeply concerned in my vegetable enterprise, we had developed “Ship Particulars”, a monetary record-keeping instrument for SMEs. The coincidence occurred whereas my father chatted with an acquaintance who talked about an occasion sponsored by Each day Monitor, targeted on empowering girls in enterprise. On intuition, I made a decision to attend the occasion.
On the workshop, I met Ruth, the Ladies in Enterprise Supervisor at dfcu Financial institution, and to my shock, the attendees confirmed real curiosity in “Ship Particulars”. Ruth inspired me to use for the Rising Girl program. I submitted my utility, underwent interviews, and have become a contest finalist. Reflecting on this journey, I’m amazed by how probability performed a pivotal function, and I’m immensely grateful for the enriching expertise the Rising Girl program has delivered to my entrepreneurial path.
What impressed you to pursue the sector or business you’re in? Have been there any particular experiences or moments that formed your profession path?
My journey into the tech business was formed by pivotal moments. Initially contemplating psychology and criminology, my father’s recommendation to pursue a financially steady profession led me to discover choices aligning problem-solving expertise with income-earning potential. Encounters with younger CEOs having fun with early retirement sparked my want for monetary success.
Mentorship and help typically play a vital function in private {and professional} progress. Have there been mentors or function fashions who’ve influenced your journey? How have they impacted you?
Mentorship has been pivotal in my journey, nevertheless it’s not one-size-fits-all. Totally different profession phases required particular mentors.
I’ve realized that mentorship ought to match experience. Tech mentors information software program and infrastructure, whereas enterprise mentors give attention to user-centric problem-solving. Market-specific mentorship is essential too. Within the African tech area, distinctive consumer dynamics require tailor-made recommendation.
What recommendation would you give to different girls aspiring to make a mark in your business, particularly in gentle of the challenges that may exist?
My recommendation for girls aspiring to excel within the tech business or any high-earning discipline is predicated on key rules:
- Focus in your distinctive strengths and contributions, not only a particular business like tech.
- Set bold monetary objectives for monetary independence and dwelling life in your phrases.
- Think about remedy and training for private progress and management improvement, addressing weaknesses and blind spots.
In any discipline, success is about understanding your self, setting monetary objectives, constructing real relationships, and continuous self-improvement.
How do you handle this steadiness and what methods do you employ to remain motivated and fulfilled?
I prioritize productiveness and long-term objectives. My work ethic includes rigorous hours, typically from 7 AM to 11 PM or longer. I keep a constant schedule, with Sundays as my day of relaxation. I additionally give attention to a balanced food plan, exercising often, and thoroughly planning social engagements. This dedication is an funding in my future and the life I aspire to reside.
The Rising Girl award celebrates not simply particular person achievements but in addition the potential for constructive change in communities. How do you give again or contribute to causes which are vital to you?
I contribute to causes vital to me by my skilled pursuits. Reasonably than conventional charity, I give attention to educating and mentoring college students, bridging gaps in tech business preparation. My purpose is to increase my firm’s attain, making it a staple in African agriculture. I intention to empower African farmers to make sound choices and acquire monetary prosperity, recognizing their significance in world meals manufacturing. Success, for me, is when each African farmer thrives and good points the company they deserve.
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