Youpele Grace is a prominent WTM (Women Techmakers) Ambassador and seasoned speaker known for her contributions to the tech community in Nigeria. Her passion for technology and dedication to empowering others have made her a respected figure in the industry.
Grace has a rich history of speaking and facilitating sessions at various Google Developer Group (GDG) events across Nigeria. Her expertise in mobile engineering has been a valuable asset to these events, where she shares her deep knowledge and insights with both aspiring and experienced developers. Grace’s sessions are known for being engaging, informative, and highly practical, providing attendees with the skills and inspiration they need to advance in their careers.
In addition to her speaking engagements, Grace is the founder and community manager of Ladies In Flutter, a vibrant community focused on supporting women in the field of mobile development. Through this initiative, she provides a platform for women to learn, collaborate, and grow in the tech industry. The community offers workshops, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities, all aimed at fostering a supportive environment where women can thrive.
Can we get to know you?
My name is Grace Youpele, and I’m a mobile engineer specializing in Flutter and Dart. I’m the founder of the LadiesInFlutter community and the Lead at CodeClan Community. I frequently engage in public speaking on tech topics and serve as a Woman Techmaker Ambassador.
How did your journey in tech begin?
I majored in Computer Science, but it wasn’t my initial choice. I went with the flow until graduation and worked as a customer care representative during and shortly after my NYSC. My interest in tech began when I noticed a couple of my former classmates posting about their tech ventures and successes. In 2020, I decided to give it a try, but balancing work and learning proved difficult. By the end of 2020, I quit my customer care job and dedicated 2021 to learning full-time at home. I knew I wanted more out of life but wasn’t sure which path to take. Diving into tech felt right, so I made the commitment to focus entirely on learning. Fortunately, I landed my first gig just five months in, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Did you have any role models or mentors who influenced your career path?
I can’t give a straightforward yes or no answer. I wasn’t really exposed to the tech world growing up. Even though I studied Computer Science, my school was quite behind in the tech space. Out of over 300 graduates in my Computer Science class, fewer than 10 are actually in tech now, which says a lot about the quality of education we received. My career path was primarily influenced by a desire to make more out of life and the inspiration from two tech-savvy contacts who showed me the possibilities in the tech industry. I experimented with front-end development and UI/UX design before discovering mobile development, which felt like home to me.
Can you tell us about your educational background and
any relevant certifications you’ve obtained so far?
As mentioned earlier, my first degree was in Computer Science. When I decided to fully immerse myself in tech, I pursued a master’s degree in Information Technology in 2022. Additionally, I have completed several online certifications in mobile development, project management, and Web3.
What challenges did you face as you progress in your
tech career and how did you overcome them?
Being the only female developer on every team was challenging. I was too shy to relate to the guys because they always seemed more knowledgeable than me. That’s when I realized I was experiencing imposter syndrome. Even when I knew something, I was too scared to say it because I felt it wasn’t good enough or up to standard.
Things changed when I joined a project and became good friends with the guys on the team. They made me feel safe, and I asked the most questions. They were always ready to answer, which helped me become more open and confident at work. I learned that the worst response I could get was, “Oh no, there’s a better way to do it,” which was still a learning opportunity for me. It took a conscious effort to be more open about what I knew so I could learn more from my colleagues.
You’re a WTM Ambassador, which means you inspire
and mentor others, how does that make you feel, and what
are the perks that come with it?
One thing I’ve realized in my tech journey is that I find sharing knowledge, mentoring, and speaking about what I know the most rewarding. It’s always a delightful experience to inspire and share knowledge with others. There are definite perks, such as meeting and working with other inspiring women in the tech space and learning from each other. I participate in both virtual and physical events that educate on the importance and relevance of being a woman in tech and leadership. I also assist in organizing events for women in tech.
You are also the founder and community lead for Ladies
In Flutter, How did the idea start?
In late 2022, I attended a Flutter event and noticed that out of all the speakers, only two of us were women. This highlighted a void that needed to be filled. When I first started learning Flutter, I thought there was only one other woman in the field because she was the only one I saw doing similar work.
After the event, I tweeted about forming a community for Nigerian women interested in Flutter. The responses were impressive, and that marked the beginning of LadiesInFlutter. This community allows us to easily identify with each other, help each other grow, and learn from one another.
Can you walk us through a typical day or week in your
role as a Mobile Engineering Lead?
Lately, my day-to-day has more meetings than writing code. My days are filled with various responsibilities that extend beyond writing code. I participate in meetings across different departments, which include discussions on project updates, strategy sessions, and collaborative planning. These meetings are essential for aligning our goals and ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Additionally, I engage in code reviews, which are crucial for maintaining high-quality standards in our codebase. Code reviews not only help in identifying potential issues early but also foster a culture of learning and improvement within the team. Product planning is another significant aspect of my role, where we brainstorm and outline new features, improvements, and timelines. This stage is critical for setting the direction of our projects and ensuring we are meeting user needs effectively.
Testing and demos are also part of my daily routine. Testing is indispensable for identifying bugs and ensuring the functionality and reliability of our applications. Demos, on the other hand, are a great way to showcase our progress to stakeholders, gather feedback, and make necessary adjustments before the final release.
While these tasks can be fun and fulfilling, they can also be exhausting at times. Balancing multiple responsibilities and ensuring that each task is completed to the highest standard requires a great deal of effort and dedication. However, I firmly believe that this is what it takes to get the job done well. As the saying goes, “Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.” This philosophy drives me to give my best in every aspect of my work, ensuring that our projects are successful and meet the highest standards of quality.
What are some of the emerging trends you see shaping
the future of mobile engineering?
Low-code to no-code tools are being built to foster mobile development, significantly reducing production time and resource requirements. These tools allow developers to create mobile applications with minimal hand-coding, making the development process more accessible and efficient. This approach not only speeds up the time-to-market but also lowers the barrier to entry for those who may not have extensive coding experience.
Additionally, AI-developed tools are increasingly being integrated into mobile apps to enhance user experiences. These AI tools can personalize content, making the app more relevant and engaging for individual users. They also automate processes, such as customer support through chatbots, predictive text, and recommendation systems, which streamline user interactions and improve overall app functionality. By leveraging AI, mobile apps can deliver smarter, more responsive, and tailored experiences, ultimately driving higher user satisfaction and engagement.
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being
a Mobile Engineer?
Experiencing the impact of what you’ve built being used by thousands of people, and witnessing their satisfaction with it, is an incredibly gratifying feeling. It’s like feeling your superpower muscles flexing with pride. When you come across positive reviews about the product, it’s a moment of validation, affirming that all the hard work, dedication, and late nights put in by you and your team were worth it. You can’t help but think, “Yes, I and my team did that!” It’s a testament to the effort and skill poured into the project, and it fuels your motivation to continue creating products that make a difference and bring joy to users’ lives.
What advice would you give to an aspiring Mobile
Engineer? who are just starting in their careers?
Staying true to your passion is key. If you aspire to be a mobile engineer, commit yourself wholeheartedly to that path and dedicate your time and efforts to mastering it. By immersing yourself fully in mobile engineering, you position yourself to excel in your role and remain relevant not only in your current workplace but also in any context where mobile engineering expertise is valued. Consistency and dedication are crucial in honing your skills and staying abreast of industry developments. Embrace every opportunity to learn, whether it’s through hands-on experience, continuous education, or networking with peers in the field. By staying true to your chosen path and consistently striving for excellence, you pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career journey in mobile engineering.
Looking to the future, what are your long-term visions for Ladies In Flutter? Are there any upcoming collaborations, events, or partnerships that you’re particularly excited about?
Absolutely, we have an upcoming event planned for this year, and I can hardly contain my excitement about it. Once all the details are finalized, I’ll be thrilled to share it with the public, and we’re eagerly anticipating its success. Looking ahead, my vision for LadiesInFlutter extends far beyond just our local community. I aspire for LadiesInFlutter to gain global recognition for its efforts in fostering the growth and empowerment of women in the Flutter ecosystem. Collaboration with larger organizations is a key part of this vision, as it will enable us to reach a broader audience and have a more significant impact on the community. By joining forces with established players in the tech industry, we can leverage their resources, expertise, and networks to amplify our mission and create even more opportunities for women in Flutter worldwide. Together, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech community where women thrive and excel in mobile development.
Finally, what resources (books, podcasts, networks,
etc.) would you recommend to aspiring Mobile Engineers?
When it comes to diving into Flutter development, there are numerous resources available to help you embark on your journey. The official Flutter documentation serves as an excellent starting point, providing comprehensive information and guidance to set you on the right path. Additionally, the Flutter Engineering Book by Majid Hajian is a highly recommended resource, offering valuable insights and practical tips for mastering Flutter development.
Engaging with Flutter communities can also be immensely beneficial. Platforms such as FlutterByte, LadiesInFlutter, and Flutter Lagos provide valuable networks where you can connect with fellow Flutter engineers, share experiences, and seek advice. These communities offer a supportive environment where you can learn from others and grow your skills in Flutter development.
Furthermore, Twitter has emerged as a vibrant hub for Flutter enthusiasts and experts alike. Following individuals like Czar, Codefarmer, Roaa, Roman Jaquez, and others allows you to stay updated on the latest trends, discover innovative techniques, and learn from their experiences. By immersing yourself in these online communities and networks, you’ll find endless opportunities to expand your knowledge and refine your skills in Flutter development.
It’s a pleasure talking to you Grace.
It’s my pleasure too.
