After receiving Master’s in Computer Science from University of Illinois in Chicago, Sadia Tahseen worked as software consultant and steadily ascended through increasingly responsible roles, culminating in leadership positions that oversee large-scale, mission-critical projects. She held key positions at multinational corporations where she was responsible for integrating enterprise resource planning systems, driving digital transformation, and leading cross-functional teams.
Sadia actively shares her expertise by serving on judging panels for international competitions, presenting at esteemed OAUG conferences, and contributing to the global oracle user community. She is also a member of multiple associations that unite exceptional Oracle Users, further underscoring her commitment to advancing in the field of Service Oriented Architecture and Cloud computing.
Apart from playing a pivotal role in designing and implementing Integrations that drive transformative digital experiences, she also actively speaks on STEM advocacy at various schools and conferences. In this interview, she discusses her inspirational STEM Journey.
How would you describe your job or what you do to other people?
I design, develop and code Integrations between various systems. I analyze issues underlying these Integrations and manage mission critical applications. I can code in various computer science programming languages to create projects that bring ideas to life
Why did you choose to pursue Tech field? Was there a particular moment when you realized this is something you would like to pursue?
My dad got me a computer early during childhood, but it wasn’t until middle school days that I was introduced to cobol and Fortran computer science languages and I didn’t do that well in it for the first time. But I persisted and tried to learn these programming languages and then excelled in it.I enjoyed taking up challenges and staying persistent with my choice. I was confident that I would do it and excel in it. Moreover, I grew up learning about amazing women computer scientists like Ada Lovelace who wrote the first algorithm ,Jean Bartik who helped create the first general purpose computer (ENIAC) and Grace Hopper worked on the UNIVAC computer and was motivated to pursue in this field.I became a curious learner of the science behind the Computers & Technology and decided to pursue Computer Science for my undergrad and grads.
Then I was fascinated with the concept of how various systems talk to each other. I began as a developer working on Oracle SOA Suite and quickly realized that integration wasn’t just a technical piece, it was central to making businesses run smarter and faster. Over time, I dove into middleware, automation, and cloud platforms and the journey hasn’t slowed down since!
What achievement to date do you look at and think, ‘I wish younger me would have known this was possible’?
Among many achievements and accolades I received during my school and career life, I would particularly like to mention this one achievement that I recently got shortlisted for the award of the “Technology Evangelist” by a global Women in IT 2020 awards. This was a very honoring and humbling experience for me to be shortlisted among thousands of amazing technologists who applied for this award. This was possible mainly because of my extensive technology Implementations within my employer organizations apart from my multiple paper presentations at conferences and speaking engagements with customers and clients on advising for technical solutions. I wish to convey to my younger self that this was possible and achievable by persistence, perseverance and hard work.
Why do you love working in STEM? What do you wake up looking forward to?
I have always been curious to learn ‘how’ and ‘why’ things work the way they did. I have been inquisitive in nature throughout my school and career life and have immense perseverance to accomplish various feats I have set my mind to. Having a STEM career feeds my curious, imaginative and creative personality. Being confident enough and with an optimistic attitude, I believe that we can achieve greater things. I absolutely believe in and live by what Benjamin Franklin said, “You can do anything you set your mind to”. I wake up every day looking forward to amazing challenges and new opportunities to enhance my skills and to help me advance in the field of technology.
What would you say is the best advice for the next generation of girls in STEM (inspiring them to pursue STEM)?
Stay Curious!!! I cannot emphasize enough the role of imagination and curiosity that played in my life. Observe things around you and you will find STEM everywhere around you. I remember the days I used to be given doll houses, and I often used to be curious to assemble the pieces of doll house. I was often fascinated by the science behind rainbows, different colors, science behind making candies and why they tasted as they did. I would also like to advise girls to have a never give up attitude even if they fail at times and they should believe that every failure is a steppingstone to success.
Favourite (inspirational) quote
“Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it and make it the life you want to live.” – Dr. Mae Jemison