Every time I accomplish something new, Avanade gives me the opportunity to push for more
- Posted on August 10, 2020
- Estimated reading time 3 minutes
In 2017, I remember interviewing to join Avanade, sitting in front of the hiring manager with a smile on my face and a calm demeanor, looking for a role in Data & AI. Behind the façade, however, was a young woman in the middle of a divorce, having become a single parent to a baby and a toddler. With a small salary to look after two young children, I knew it was time for a change. Research led me to study Data & AI. At 3 a.m. every day, my alarm would go off to buy me that extra time to study before the kids would wake up, before I become a mum and an employee. I’d study at every spare moment I could find until I got my first break and role in tech.
Pushing myself and challenging norms led me to where I am today at Avanade, working at a multi-national oil company, leading a team creating an analytics and AI platform whilst advising on transformational projects pivotal to the business strategy. Yet, what I often appreciate most is being able to create my own schedule. Working from home allows me to do the laundry and prepare dinner before the kids arrive. Whilst these may sound like small things, they are triumphs in my day. Equally, they are triumphs for women who now have more flexibility in their personal and professional lives.
After being hired by Avanade, my next big break came in February 2019, when the first Horizon High Potential Female Program was launched in UKI. Alongside nine other women who were colleagues and peers, I was given a unique opportunity to enhance and develop skills that help accelerate leadership progression and look to build the future leaders of Avanade. As part of the program, I was also assigned a mentor – who happened to be the first career mentor I ever had. Through building a mentoring relationship and attending monthly sessions, I started discovering more about myself. I learned I am more than a data scientist and soon developed new interests, passions and ambitions, and I have been given a support network that pushes me.
This led me to discovering a true passion for giving back, supporting young people to get into STEM program and tech, and creating a better future for both women and men. As a mother to a wonderful girl and a boy, I envision an equal world for them, a more adapted and better world where they can both choose to become what they want and find rewarding relationships and careers that will allow them to reach their full potential.
The hunger to create that kind of world led me to become the Women’s Employee Resource Group UKI Lead. The ERG aims to inspire and empower connections to drive personal/professional growth and accelerate the progress of women at Avanade through workplace inclusion. The most exciting part of my role is collaborating with female role models and male allies that are all working toward the same goal of gender parity.
Every day, I get the opportunity to learn something new that inspires me to press for progress with every decision and with every action. Every time I’ve accomplished something, it feels like the biggest win, but soon after I feel this urge or am given a chance to push again, to reach further and to take the next step. Whatever I do, I hope I am forging a better life and a better way forward for the women and men coming after me.
Category Employee Stories
Priscilla Kuehnel
Wow! Thank you for sharing this - you are amazing. So inspiring. Truly!
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Thank you for warming my heart with your comment, Priscilla! :)
Laura Malcolm
Hi Magda, hope you’re keeping well! It’s lovely to read your story, you should feel very proud. Keep up the great work!
Madgalene Amegashitsi
Hi Laura, Its really lovely hearing from you!:) I am keeping well and I hope you are well too. Thank you for the heart-warming comment. Its greatly appreciated!
Gina Wheel
Magda, Thank you for your transparency in sharing such a powerful story!! You have encouraged me today!!
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Thank you- Gina! I am equally inspired reading your comment
Saddaf Salman
Thank you Magda for sharing your story, very encouraging and moral boosting. wishing you all the very best in the coming years, you are a true inspiration :)
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Thank you, Saddaf :) for such an inspiring feedback :)
marie-claire latour
Hi Magadalene - thxs for sharing your inspirational story. How lucky your two lovely children are to have such a courageous and resilient mother. Remember to take care of yourself as well & all the very best.
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Hi Marie-Claire. Thank you for such a sweet message. I appreciate the lovely comment. The challenge is remembering to take care of ourselves but I'm learning to do that more. Thank you :)
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Thank you for such a lovely comment, Sue! :) You are a GREAT inspiration too!
Yohana Ortiz
Such an inspirational story Magdalene! I was touched by your story and has boosted my motivation to always strive for better and give back.
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Hello Yohana, Thank you for sharing such a lovely comment. Its an inspiring read! Take care!
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Thank you so much, Dilini! I appreciate the lovely comment. Stay safe!
Sarah Heilig
Thank you for sharing your story! You are a wonderful role model for your son and daughter.
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Thank you, Sarah! This is much appreciated.
Sophie Zammit
Hi Magda Very Inspirational! What a great lesson of courage, tenacity and resiliency you gave us! I also like your history always push your boundaries and bounce forward! A great Leader you are! Take care! Sophie
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Hello Sophie, What a sweet message! You are an inspiration too! Thank you and stay safe!
Magdalene Amegashitsi
Thank you, Kiley! :)
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