Mums in Tech ft. Uzo Okoye

As part of the ‘Mums in Tech’ series, MotherBoard caught up with Uzo Okoye, Technical Delivery Manager at Meliore Foundation.

The purpose of our ‘MotherBoard’ content series is to highlight incredible working mums within tech, as well as individuals and businesses that are supportive and progressive within their approach to creating more inclusive tech teams for women.

Firstly, can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your current role?

My name is Uzo Okoye. I have extensive experience working across multiple teams and organisations, delivering both strategic and operational change. Currently, I am responsible for managing and delivering multiple projects concurrently at the Meliore Foundation, where I focus on driving impact through effective planning, coordination, and execution. Alongside this, I am pursuing a Doctorate researching the implementation of AI-driven solutions for predictive maintenance in renewable energy systems—specifically developing frameworks to help the wind industry achieve its operations and maintenance objectives through the use of AI.

If you could sum up what it’s like being a working mum in tech in one sentence, what would it be?

Tough

How do you find the balance between your career and motherhood?

For me, balance comes from being fully present in each role. At work, I pour myself into delivering excellence and making an impact beyond what is asked. At home, I bring that same passion and energy to my children, being present with them a hundred and ten percent. I see both career and motherhood not as competing priorities, but as complementary parts of who I am—each strengthens the other and gives me purpose.

What has been your greatest challenge as a working mother in tech?

The biggest challenge has been not being able to be present at every moment of my children’s lives. I’ve missed school plays, library openings (what on earth is a primary school library opening!), and assemblies—moments I would have loved to be there for my children. There’s also the constant juggle of needing to take time off when they’re unwell, while carrying the quiet worry that this might impact me negatively at work. On top of that, it’s easy to put myself last, as I’m always spinning multiple plates—career, family, home—each demanding my attention.

But through those challenges, I’ve learned resilience and adaptability. They’ve pushed me to become more intentional with my time, more focused on impact, and more appreciative of the moments I am present for. In many ways, the struggle itself has shaped me into a stronger individual both at home and at work.

What skills have you developed as a mother that have helped your work life?

Motherhood has definitely sharpened my ability to juggle and prioritise under pressure. I’m always tuned in to the individual needs of my children—keeping mental notes about what each one needs emotionally, physically, and practically. That kind of constant awareness has naturally flowed into my work life. It’s made me more organised, better at anticipating needs, and more confident in handling competing priorities without losing sight of the bigger picture.

But more than that, motherhood has taught me empathy. It’s taught me how to really listen, how to bring out the best in others, and how to create an environment where people feel supported. Those qualities are just as important in tech and leadership as they are in parenting, and they’ve helped me manage complexity in a way that allows both people and projects to thrive.

When you were returning to work, what one thing helped you / would have helped you the most?

When I was returning to work, what helped me most was understanding the importance of the small, everyday things. Giving time to even the mundane tasks—like planning meals ahead, checking homework, or getting the kids ready for school—created structure and stability for both me and my family. It reminded me that balance doesn’t come from doing everything perfectly, but from taking it one day at a time, being present, and building a rhythm that works for us.

What do you feel should be the top priority for employers who want to support working mothers better?

The top priority for employers should be recognising that mothers are a tremendous asset. Flexibility is key—when we’re trusted to balance both roles, we give back even more. For me, something as simple as being able to pick my children up from school was invaluable. It gave me the chance to connect with them and know where they were emotionally and mentally.

In workplaces that gave me that flexibility, I never took it for granted. I often gave more than what was required—working late, going the extra mile—because I felt valued and supported. That’s why I believe flexibility shouldn’t be seen as a perk, but as a standard part of workplace culture. When employers make it normal, they empower working mothers and unlock loyalty, engagement, and high performance across their teams.

Any final words of advice for other mothers in the Tech Industry?

It is challenging being a mother and working in tech—but it’s absolutely not impossible. There were moments when I felt like giving up, and even times I said I would quit. But I’m so glad I didn’t. Staying the course has been worth it—for the skills I’ve gained, the progress I’ve made both in my career and as an individual, and the incredible network I’ve built along the way.

My advice to other mothers is this: give yourself grace, take it one step at a time, and don’t underestimate the value you bring. The challenges are real, but so are the rewards—and your presence in this industry matters.

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