Mariam Hussein

‘The biggest challenge wasn't learning to code. It was believing that someone like me could belong here’

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Mariam Hussein is a multi-award-winning software engineer currently working at Manchester-based travel tech company On the Beach. With a background spanning aviation, fintech, and ecommerce, she builds cloud-native applications using technologies such as TypeScript, AWS, and Python. Her work focuses on delivering scalable, customer-focused solutions while championing developer experience and inclusive engineering practices.

Previously at Slalom, Mariam contributed to real-time analytics platforms, cloud migration initiatives and GenAI solutions for enterprise clients. Alongside her technical contributions, she has led improvements in testing strategies, introduced contract testing, and mentored engineers in AWS and clean code principles.

Beyond her day job, Mariam is a Code First Girls Ambassador and content creator, where she shares technical insights and career advice across social platforms, reaching over one million impressions. She regularly speaks at national and international events, including AWS Women Cloud Manchester, BBC Salford, and international delegations in Japan.

Recognised on the Northern Power Women Future List and as a Rising Star in Technology by WeAreTheCity, Mariam brings both technical depth and community leadership to everything she does. She is passionate about creating accessible pathways into tech and building a more inclusive, future-ready industry from the ground up.

What do you consider your biggest achievement to date?

One of my proudest achievements to date is the opportunity to represent the UK as a Top Outstanding Young Person (TOYP) Delegate in Japan, where I used my platform to bridge grassroots digital skilling in the UK with global policy conversations. As part of the programme, I spoke on panels with technology leaders and students about the power of accessible education, and how local initiatives in Manchester, such as Code First Girls, are upskilling thousands of women and non-binary people.

The highlight of this experience was being invited to meet Her Imperial Highness Princess Tomohito of Mikasa to discuss how my work with Code First Girls is supporting social mobility and gender equity through technology.

This international platform was an extension of the work I've been doing locally and online. As a Code First Girls Ambassador and content creator, I've built a TikTok channel to demystify tech careers and break down technical concepts in a relatable, practical way. My videos have now reached over 1 million impressions and have helped hundreds of early-career professionals gain confidence to apply for roles, start coding, or find mentorship. I regularly share free resources, explain technical tools and workflows, and speak openly about being a woman of colour in tech, helping others see that there is space for them in this industry.

In the UK, I collaborate with organisations including AWS Women Cloud Manchester, the Junior Developer Meetup, BBC Salford, and Ada College, to run events, panels, and community meetups that support early talent and create visibility for underrepresented voices in tech. I've also worked with GMCA (Greater Manchester Combined Authority) on ad hoc events linking Manchester's innovation sector with Japan's youth engagement programmes.

Whether I'm speaking with policymakers in Tokyo or students in Tameside, my aim is always the same: to create inclusive, actionable pathways into tech. I believe my biggest achievement isn't just in one moment, but in how each of these experiences connects local impact with global momentum.

What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?

Navigating a non-linear and unconventional entry into the tech industry, while building confidence in an environment where I didn't always see myself represented. I didn't study computer science, nor did I come from a traditional STEM background. I began my career working in higher education and entrepreneurship support, where I helped students develop their business ideas.

Being surrounded by innovation inspired me to explore tech myself, but breaking in without formal training, connections, or a tech degree felt incredibly daunting. The imposter syndrome was real, especially as a woman of colour trying to enter a space that often felt closed off.

Instead of letting that discourage me, I channelled it into action. I retrained through Code First Girls, taught myself to code alongside my full-time job, and applied to bootcamps and roles while building projects on the side. I leaned into community, asked questions even when it felt uncomfortable, and celebrated small wins along the way.

That experience has shaped everything I do now. I've made it a priority to help others who are on similar paths. Through my social media content, mentoring, and speaking engagements, I share openly about what it's like to transition into tech from a non-traditional route, how to deal with rejection, and why self-doubt shouldn't dictate your direction.

Over time, that self-doubt has evolved into confidence, fuelled by real impact. I now work as a Software Engineer, contribute to cloud-native projects, and help shape inclusive engineering practices in my team. I've spoken internationally about digital inclusion and now mentor others going through the same challenges I once faced.

The biggest challenge wasn't learning to code. It was believing that someone like me could belong here, and helping others believe it too.

Tell us something about yourself that people would find surprising?

I originally planned to do a PhD in Japanese work relations. I was fascinated by how cultural and organisational systems shape careers, and I had every intention of pursuing that path until the pandemic changed everything.

Like many others, COVID forced me to re-evaluate my future. I pivoted into entrepreneurship, then discovered coding, and later began creating content to help others break into tech. It felt like a complete detour from where I started, but it led me to a career that blends innovation, people, and impact.

Years later, through the JCI TOYP programme in Japan, I found myself standing in front of 150 students at Kansai University, giving a lecture on how we can use technology and Web3 to improve Japanese work culture. It was a full-circle moment, returning to the subject I once hoped to study, but now with a new lens and real-world experience behind me.

That journey reflects how I approach life in tech. I follow curiosity, adapt with purpose, and always look for ways to connect seemingly unrelated paths. Whether in code, culture, or community, I believe our unexpected turns often lead to the most meaningful impact.