Olumayowa Ijisesan, also known as Pastor May, has carved a remarkable path through the areas of engineering, business intelligence, and ministry. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, innovative thinking, and a deep-seated commitment to empowering others.

Starting her career in Silicon Valley as an Advanced Software Engineer at Altera, Mayowa contributed significantly to software and hardware development, testing, and process automation, enhancing the company’s efficiency and productivity. Her achievements set the stage for her future roles in leadership and business intelligence.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in the tech industry?

I started with a solid foundation in engineering, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer engineering from University of Oklahoma and a Master of Engineering degree in Electrical Engineering( Software Engineering emphasis) from Cornell University.

Your early career in Silicon Valley, particularly at Altera, seems pivotal. How did those experiences shape your approach to technology and innovation?

My work at Altera required a lot of precision, the slightest error could cost my company tens of thousands of dollars. This conditioned me for attention to detail for the rest of my career. There was also an aspect of the job that was repetitive. It was critical, required attention to detail, but was also repetitive. So, I automated it. I wrote a program that did the job for me. My boss was surprised because he had never thought of getting the job done that way. That began my journey in innovation, the fact that you can always think of new ways to get things done faster and more efficiently.

After Silicon Valley, you founded Dyvintel, a Business Intelligence consulting firm. What motivated you to make this transition, and what were some key challenges you faced during this shift?

I actually didn’t plan to start my first tech company, Dyvintel. I had just submitted a resignation letter to my boss then. She was devastated and felt they could not find a replacement for me. Three days later after speaking with the Head of IT at the headquarters of the company, she

called me into her office and asked if I had ever thought of starting a company. She said if I did, they’d be my first clients. I did, they did, and the rest as they say is history.

One key challenge I faced was business development and marketing. Since I was coming from a heavy tech background, this was an area where I needed personal development. I later discovered that my work in ministry prepared me more for these areas where I was lacking.

In your opinion, what are the most significant challenges facing the Nigerian tech ecosystem today?

Infrastructure is a huge problem. Stable electricity and access to reliable internet that is also affordable is a challenge. Artificial Intelligence is a game changer but there’s a huge knowledge gap in that area. Although the interest and adoption is growing, there’s still a wide gap that needs to be closed. Another big challenge is the availability of high-quality data. For AI solutions to be possible at all, we need a lot of of data that’s also relatively clean or can be cleaned. That’s a challenge. Getting funding as a startup often requires strong relationships within the venture capitalist ecosystem, which many don’t have. Those are just a few of the challenges.

What are some of the biggest opportunities you see for tech startups in Nigeria right now?

Some of the biggest opportunities I see for tech startups right now lie in the Artificial Intelligence space. AI is a game changer. Because of our size, there is huge potential here. Nigeria is the most populous African country with its largest economy. There’s also a thriving startup scene with Lagos as a major hub. There’s growing digital engagement within the huge young populace. Although getting funding is tough without strong relationships within the venture capitalist ecosystem, some companies such as Flutterwave, Andela and Zipline have managed to do it successfully. Artificial Intelligence adoption is growing, although there is still a long way to go. There are practical opportunities leveraging AI in fintech, agriculture, healthcare, education, and e-commerce.

Balancing roles in both the tech industry and ministry is no small feat. How do you manage your time and energy across these different responsibilities?

Firstly, I’m a very hardworking person. I was brought up to take advantage of every minute of the day. Even though I schedule time to rest, my mind is almost always actively engaged in solving problems either in tech or ministry.

I love what I do in both area, that helps. I am passionate about tech and equally passionate about ministry. I find out that if you are passionate about what you do, you’ll find a way to get it done. Thirdly, I don’t feel a need to be perfect in either area. Progress over perfection, they say. So, if something is not working out today, I feel okay to leave it and try another day.

I also feel the phase of life I am in now makes it easier. I have successfully raised two wonderful children who don’t cause me pain or anxiety. That helps me focus on tech and ministry at this point in life. Having a good marriage and supportive husband who cheers me on also helps a great deal.

Can you share some of the initiatives or projects you are currently working on?

I am working on a few things currently. I am putting finishing touches on my book – Silicon Valley Girl. I am part of an AI and Data Analytics startup as an advisory board member. I am also working on a company that will provide Data Analytics services specifically for Churches and Nonprofits. In addition to that I am planning a couple of workshops for the Fall. One is a

Business and Finance Summit for Pastors’ Wives and the other is a Career Empowerment seminar that I will have around the launch of my book.

You have an upcoming book titled “Silicon Valley Girl.” Can you give us a preview of what readers can expect and what motivated you to write this book?

It is a really exciting book that details my journey from a student at Obafemi Awolowo University, to University of Oklahoma, to Cornell University to Silicon Valley to entrepreneurship in Chicago. It explores themes such as being a black woman in tech, juggling many roles and morphing from one version of myself to another, it even has a love story embedded in there somewhere.

I wanted to write this story because I truly feel I have been blessed in my career. I have made many difficult decisions to accommodate God’s Will in my life as I have navigated my career journey, but I’ve also seen more than my fair share of career miracles. I wanted the world to know my story.

Your diverse career offers a wealth of insights for aspiring tech entrepreneurs and professionals. What advice would you give to those looking to make a meaningful impact in both tech and nonprofit sectors?

Love yourself and love people, and have an insatiable appetite for creating solutions. That’s what drives me. I want to always come up with innovative and sustainable solutions to the human condition either through technology or through ministry. I would also say don’t be afraid to buck the trend and don’t settle for the status quo.