Self-taught Ghanaian coder, Ivy Barley joins Microsoft as manager

Ghanaian digital Techpreneur, Ivy Barley, has joined tech-giant, Microsoft as a Program Manager.

Barley is a social entrepreneur who is shaping a world where more African women will be daring enough to lead in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) fields.

“I’m glad to be part of Microsoft, a company that’s leading technological advancement globally. I’m even more proud to be associated with a company that loves and supports the work we do at Devinvogue. This is literally ‘Come as you are, do what you love’,” she wrote on Twitter.

Unlike many STEM enthusiasts, Barley learned coding all by herself and has risen to become one of the young female Africans changing the narrative about a male-dominated tech industry.

“I believe that I have the potential to make a significant impact in Africa, and this is enough motivation for my work at Developers in Vogue. Aside from being a selfie freak, I enjoy hanging out with my best friend (my phone),” she stated.

Barley, who holds an MPhil in Mathematical Statistics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Actuarial Science becomes the second Ghanaian technologist to join Microsoft after Edem Kumodzi who had earlier joined Microsoft as Program Manager.

Barley is the co-founder and CEO of “Developers in Vogue“, an organization helping women embrace the digital technology industry by training and equipping thousands of women in Africa with digital skills.

The organization provides mentorship and job placement for African women in the field of technology.

For her work and contributions to the tech industry, Barley has been featured in Women in Tech book edition by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development as well as the Founding Women book by the Africa Technology Business Network.

In 2017, Barley was listed as one of the Top 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaian and she also won a US$10,000 prize as one of the 10 finalists of the Kwese #GoGettaz Competition.

Barley has this to say to any girl in Africa considering coding: “Keep at it, my girl! You need to work hard in order to stay relevant. You need to keep improving your skills”.

She added: “Though it may get difficult at some points, think about the big picture. If coding is truly your passion, then you definitely need a lot of diligence and determination. In case you need some support with this, I’ll be glad to offer a helping hand!”