The tech industry is often seen as a realm dominated by men, and Dina Ayman, a 29-year-old Microsoft engineer, is breaking barriers and reshaping perceptions. With her unwavering dedication to diversity and inclusion, she is not only making strides in the tech sector but also inspiring the next generation of female engineers and leaders.
A Challenging Beginning
Dina’s journey into the tech world was far from conventional. Her father’s initial reluctance, rooted in Arab cultural norms, pushed her towards a career in medicine. “Engineering is not for girls,” he once told her. Despite this discouragement, Dina’s love for mathematics and technology remained unshaken.
After a brief detour into pre-med studies, Dina eventually returned to her passion for computer engineering, determined to prove that women could excel in this male-dominated field. Her resolve paid off, and she graduated with honors, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Computer Engineering in the same year. This achievement served as the foundation for her mission to advocate for diversity and inclusion in technology.
Empowering the Future Generation
As a professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Dina imparts a valuable lesson to her students: diversity is a superpower. She firmly believes that the tech industry thrives on diverse perspectives. Companies that promote inclusivity are not only more likely to meet financial targets but also tend to be more agile and innovative.
Dina’s passion for teaching stems from her desire to nurture a generation of fearless women. She understands that cultivating an interest in technology among young girls is crucial. By instilling confidence and showcasing successful role models who look like them, we can bridge the gender gap in technology.
A Global Impact
Dina Ayman’s influence extends beyond the classroom. She actively engages in diversity and inclusion initiatives at Microsoft, collaborating with corporate Vice Presidents on matters such as hiring, retention, culture transformation, and creating safe spaces for employees. Her efforts have garnered recognition on a global scale.
She serves as an ambassador for “Haya Karima,” an initiative aimed at alleviating poverty in Egypt. Her involvement in discussions with prominent figures like Egypt’s Minister of Communication and Information Technology, H.E. Minister Amr Talaat, demonstrates her commitment to inclusivity and access.
One of her most significant accolades came at the closing ceremony of the World Youth Forum 2022, where she received an award from the President of Egypt, H.E. President Abdelfattah Elsisi, for being one of the most influential world youth. This moment reaffirmed her responsibility to support her community and inspire countless youth worldwide.
A Vision for the Future
While progress has been made in the diversity and inclusion space, Dina Ayman believes there is much more to be achieved. Her hope is for industries to offer equal opportunities to candidates of all backgrounds, erasing the concept of male or female-dominated fields. Representation, she insists, is a powerful amplifier. By highlighting successful, diverse individuals, we can expand horizons and empower the next generation.
Diversity and Inclusion Power
In her mission to promote diversity and inclusion, Dina founded “Diversity and Inclusion Power” or DIP, a consulting firm in New Jersey that specializes in tailoring strategies for corporations and universities to enhance inclusivity. DIP also offers guidance to universities on fostering diversity and inclusion within the academic sphere during students’ formative years. This company focuses on creating environments where individuals feel comfortable addressing biases and helps organizations develop systems to combat biases proactively.
Amidst a tech industry that is often synonymous with figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, Dina Ayman’s journey showcases the transformative potential of determination, diversity, and inclusion. Her remarkable progression from facing skepticism to achieving success, is a potent source of inspiration, emphasizing the limitless opportunities that emerge when we wholeheartedly embrace diversity and empower the next generation of tech innovators.
