Adejoke Adegbenro (Ajao)

“For me, the greatest achievement is not building technology itself but helping people build futures through technology.”

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

Adejoke Adegbenro (Ajao) is a data and technology professional specialising in analytics, data engineering, automation, and digital transformation. Working within the UK social housing sector, she helps organisations use trusted data and modern technologies to improve decision-making and deliver better outcomes for communities.

Alongside her professional role, Adejoke is passionate about digital inclusion, accessibility, and creating opportunities for others. She is the founder of DashWhispers, a digital empowerment initiative that supports aspiring professionals and small businesses through mentoring, data literacy, and AI education.

She also volunteers with AbilityNet, helping older and disabled individuals build confidence with technology and improve digital access. A published researcher, conference speaker, and mentor, Adejoke is committed to using technology as a force for positive change while helping more people see a future for themselves in technology careers.

Tell us about your biggest achievement to date

My biggest achievement has been founding DashWhispers, a non-profit digital empowerment initiative created to make technology, data, and AI more accessible to people who may not otherwise have a clear pathway into the industry. Through mentoring, learning resources, career guidance, and community support, it helps aspiring professionals build confidence, develop practical skills, and transition into technology careers. The initiative was built on a simple belief: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not always equally accessible. What makes this achievement particularly meaningful is that it extends beyond my professional responsibilities.

Alongside my work in data and technology, I have dedicated time to supporting people from diverse and non-traditional backgrounds, helping them understand that a career in technology is achievable regardless of where they start. DashWhispers also aligns with my wider work promoting digital inclusion, accessibility, and social impact. It complements my research on digital inclusion in social housing, my volunteering with AbilityNet, and my mentoring in the UK and internationally.

For me, the greatest achievement is not building technology itself but helping people build futures through technology.

What is the most significant challenge you have overcome?

Transitioning into the social housing sector from a finance and analytics background while raising two young children under the age of five and continuing to develop my career. Social housing was a completely new industry for me. I had to quickly understand housing operations, regulatory requirements, resident outcomes, and how technology and data can support communities.

It required me to learn an entirely new sector while demonstrating value through my existing technical expertise. Within two years, I progressed from being new to the sector to contributing published research, speaking at industry conferences, mentoring aspiring professionals, and actively participating in discussions around trusted data, digital inclusion, and technology innovation.

Balancing a demanding technology career, research, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and raising a young family has been challenging, but it has strengthened my resilience, adaptability, and determination to create opportunities for others while continuing to grow professionally and personally.

Tell us something about you that people would find surprising

Many people are surprised to learn that my first degree is in accounting, not technology or computer science. My career began in finance, but over time I became fascinated by the power of data to solve problems, improve decision-making, and create meaningful change. What started as an interest in reporting and analytics evolved into a career in data engineering, business intelligence, automation, and digital transformation.

Looking back, I never imagined that my accounting background would eventually lead me into the world of technology. People are often equally surprised by how much of my work happens outside my day job.

The biggest surprise is that I see technology as a people profession. Behind every dashboard, report, or solution are real people whose lives can be positively impacted by technology.