Afiya Chohollo

One of the Tech Women Celebration 50 - women changing the ratio of the tech workforce

Afiya is a dynamic and visionary tech leader with cross-industry experience driving technical innovation and strategy. She is also Co-Founder of a AI startup CloudFO, a data platform for businesses to manage their finances - an AI powered CFO copilot.

Until recently, Afiya was VP of Engineering & Technical Program Management at Onfido, a global identity verification and authentication provider. Her experience includes the delivery of large-scale complex programs, team development & leadership & research. An ambassador of STEM for school-aged children, Afiya is also a school governor and her story has appeared in a volume of The Voices in the Shadow, books published by GTA Black Women in Tech showcasing the careers of Black women.

Afiya has used her experiences to try to raise up others. She explains:

"As the only female Tech VP in my organisation it was imperative I use my voice and role to ensure womxn and underrepresented people were considered, whether that was ensuring we had fair promotion and performance reviews and salaries, mentoring and sponsorship. I also started the womxn in tech group where I hosted a monthly event called take the stage - giving a stage to women who may have shied away from public speaking and wanted to share their work or story. Many have used the event as a safe space to prepare for more public talks."