In a world where women make up less than 30 per cent of the global ICT workforce, Professor Gunjan Mansingh stands out as a leader shaping the future of tech in the Caribbean and beyond.

A data science professor at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona campus, she combines academic excellence, national leadership, and a commitment to gender equity to open doors for the next generation of women in technology.

Over the past five years, Professor Mansingh has taught more than 2,000 students, delivering practical, industry-aligned courses in AI, data analytics and business intelligence.

She has spearheaded the development of UWI’s postgraduate programmes in applied data science and integrates global platforms like Kaggle and HackerRank into her teaching to prepare students for real-world problem-solving with a Caribbean lens.

A passionate advocate for inclusion, Professor Mansingh has championed International Girls in ICT Day since 2016 through her work with CARICOM’s Girls in ICT Steering Committee, where she moderates discussions, delivers keynotes, and engages UWI students in mentorship and volunteering.

“Empowering young women to see themselves as creators of technology, not just users—that’s why I do what I do, ” said Professor Mansingh.

Her influence extends nationally as chairperson of the ICT Authority of Jamaica and eGov Jamaica Ltd, helping to modernise public sector technology. She also serves on Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ Digital Transformation Advisory Council and the board of the Jamaica National Financial Group, driving policies that make tech advancement inclusive and accessible.

This year, Mansingh takes the global stage as co-chair of the 2025 DESRIST Conference, a leading international forum for design science research in information systems. With over 60 publications, two academic books, and research spanning AI, knowledge management, and data science, she continues to shape global discourse while remaining rooted in Caribbean development.

Balancing these achievements with her role as a mother of three, she embodies the possibility of thriving in both personal and professional realms—a powerful example for young women everywhere.

On International Girls in ICT Day, her journey is a compelling reminder: the future of ICT is not only digital, but also diverse, inclusive, and led by women. Thanks to trailblazers like Mansingh, that future is already unfolding.