This session explores my unconventional journey from being self-taught—navigating poverty, foster care, and a non-traditional path—through to becoming a multi-award-winning engineer working at the intersection of fintech, data, and inclusion.

We’ll uncover how modern data and cloud engineering practices are transforming financial services, from fraud detection and customer insights to credit scoring and social impact solutions. At the same time, we’ll examine how building inclusive technologies can bridge inequalities, reduce bias, and create financial systems that serve everyone.

Key Topics Covered:

1. My journey into fintech and why inclusion matters.
2. Modern tech shaping finance—cloud, AI, and data-driven innovation.
3. Reducing bias and designing accessible, inclusive financial systems.
4. Social impact projects like ChainVerse and the ethics of fintech.
5. Lessons in resilience, adaptability, and using tech as a force for good.

Expected Outcomes:

Attendees will leave with an understanding of how fintech innovation and inclusion can go hand in hand—leveraging modern technology while ensuring fairness, accessibility, and impact.