Bridging tech and passion to craft an inclusive legacy

Chantelle van Wyk is an IT professional with a specialisation in user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, project management, data science, and IT governance. She holds a bachelor’s degree in geographical information technology from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and serves as Exedin Training Academy’s business analyst. Additionally, she is pursuing another degree in computer science (software development) at the same institution, where she also holds the role of student tech community leader.

Van Wyk’s previous roles span from being an IT manager at OTESA Technologies to an assistant project manager at Proef.

Her extensive experience as a team leader has equipped her with the ability to guide teams in resolving intricate challenges and driving innovative solutions.

“On a personal level, my genuine passion lies in providing guidance and leading organisations to implement best practices that significantly enhance their overall performance.”



Breaking barriers to pursue passion and adapt

While it is undeniable that men have traditionally controlled the tech industry, Van Wyk’s drive is rooted in an unwavering passion and enthusiasm for the sector. She admitted that she takes immense satisfaction in the thrill of witnessing a project evolve from its inception to fruition. “This provides an opportunity for me to leverage my expertise and ideas, contributing to positive change. All these, while staying true to myself and my goals.”

Van Wyk indicated that she initially took a break from employment to dedicate herself to honing her skills, expanding her professional network, and offering support to those in her circle. “It presented a valuable opportunity for skill development, forging meaningful connections within my industry, and making a positive impact.”

When asked about hurdles in her line of work, she said that, with the fast pace of change, staying at the forefront of technological developments can be challenging. However, she makes an effort to immerse herself in a blend of news sources, track tech influencers, and read relevant articles. “Exedin Training Academy also provides a plethora of current courses that keep me ahead of the curve and help me remain agile in the ever-shifting tech industry.”



Inclusivity, legacy and inspiration

Speaking about her vision for the tech industry, she underscored inclusive design. She said it aims to create products and services that everyone can use, regardless of their physical or intellectual abilities – auditory and visually impaired individuals alike.

“While we may all strive to create the next big thing, it's important to remember that these individuals are often overlooked or forgotten. This is a mistake that many developers make. As a user interface/user experience (UI/UX) designer, I am committed to learning how to better accommodate everyone in the design process.”

Van Wyk aspires to build a lasting, positive legacy for future generations, consequently serving as a catalyst for growth in both immediate communities and beyond. “With this in mind, it is equally important for me to improve my leadership skills and continue being a leader within the tech space.”

Her advice to budding tech enthusiasts is that they ought to remain curious, emphasising research, networking and presence at industry-specific events. “You might come across someone interesting to inspire you. And remember, never give up on your dreams. You have the potential to be great!”