Championing Equity, Innovation, and Youth Empowerment Through Technology
In a move that highlights the Dratech Hackathon’s commitment to inclusive innovation and educational transformation, Uchechi Unamma, a distinguished professional in the fields of education and technology, has been named one of the official judges for the Dratech Hackathon 2023. Her appointment brings a human-centered lens to this year’s judging panel, one that blends systems thinking, data-driven strategy, and tech equity with a long-standing commitment to educational access and innovation.
Unamma, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems at the University of Utah, has consistently driven meaningful outcomes across nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and youth development programs. Her selection as a judge for one of Africa’s most exciting innovation marathons underscores her role as a visionary advocate for equitable learning ecosystems.
A Career Anchored in Access, Data, and Strategic Innovation
Uchechi Unamma is no stranger to transformative work. From her early contributions in nonprofit leadership to her global impact in EdTech, her mission has remained clear: to expand educational opportunities for underrepresented and disadvantaged populations through the ethical use of technology.
With a career that spans student outreach, volunteer program development, digital learning, and policy collaboration, Uchechi has spearheaded initiatives that use data-informed strategies to improve learner engagement, increase academic persistence, and elevate overall success. Her work includes:
- Designing digital learning experiences that cater to diverse learners
- Building scalable frameworks for inclusive education delivery
- Leading volunteer efforts to widen educational access
- Collaborating with policymakers to address gender disparities in tech access
- Advocating for STEM education among women and girls, especially in marginalized communities
Notably, Uchechi’s leadership within TEDx and various community-based learning initiatives has empowered hundreds of young people to not only access education but to thrive in it. Her voice continues to shape conversations around digital equity, youth leadership, and the democratization of technology.
“Uchechi’s presence on the judging panel embodies everything Dratech stands for equity, excellence, and forward-thinking leadership,” says Joseph Sunday, Founder of Dratech International. “She brings a rare blend of strategy, empathy, and action.”
A Snapshot of Uchechi’s Professional Journey
- Current Role: Education & Technology Strategist
- Education:
- Bachelor’s in Statistics
- Master of Science in Information Systems (University of Utah, in view)
- Bachelor’s in Statistics
- Core Focus Areas:
- Digital Learning Design
- Inclusive Access to Education
- Youth and Women Empowerment
- EdTech Systems Innovation
- Policy Collaboration on Gender Equity
- Digital Learning Design
- Key Engagements:
- Strategic advisor for youth-led education startups in East and West Africa
- Gender equity advocate with STEM-focused organizations
- Speaker and mentor at global platforms including TEDx
- Consultant for community-based education programs
- Developer of a digital platform connecting underserved high school students to virtual STEM mentors across the diaspora
- Strategic advisor for youth-led education startups in East and West Africa
- Recognitions:
- Honored for international work in youth leadership and education equity
- Instrumental in deploying tech-based solutions for low-income learners
- Collaborator with policymakers on reducing barriers to tech access
- Honored for international work in youth leadership and education equity
Role at the Dratech Hackathon 2023: A Judge with Purpose
As a judge at the Dratech Hackathon 2023, Uchechi will evaluate tech-driven solutions from young innovators working under themes such as Inclusive Education, Digital Citizenship, and Technology for Good. Her unique perspective rooted in ethical technology, community engagement, and systems-level thinking makes her particularly qualified to assess not just the technical execution of each project, but its social impact, accessibility, and potential for scale.
She will also mentor selected teams, providing strategic feedback to refine their concepts for real-world implementation and long-term impact.
“We are not just judging apps or prototypes, we’re assessing how these ideas can actually shift paradigms,” Uchechi shared. “For me, the most important metric is impact. Can this solution scale? Can it include the excluded? Can it transform a community?”
A Voice for the Underserved
At a time when conversations around education equity and digital inclusion are gaining urgency, Uchechi’s contributions remain deeply relevant. Her cross-disciplinary expertise blending data analytics, storytelling, and strategic advocacy positions her as a leading force in the global EdTech landscape.
“Technology alone won’t save education. But technology designed with empathy and access in mind? That’s where transformation lives,” she said during a recent youth leadership summit.
About the Dratech Hackathon
The Dratech Hackathon is more than just an event it’s a movement. It champions young African innovators and gives them a launchpad to tackle real-world challenges through homegrown technology. Since its inception, the hackathon has become one of Africa’s most respected platforms for youth-led innovation, bringing together software developers, designers, engineers, community leaders, and policy thinkers under one goal: building a better, more inclusive future.
A Legacy of Innovation with Purpose
Launched under the innovation arm of Dratech International and powered by TixaFest Solutions, the Dratech Hackathon was created to give African tech talent the platform to ideate, build, and lead. It has birthed real products, funded winning startups, and connected hundreds of young minds to mentorship and funding that would otherwise be out of reach.
What Makes the Dratech Hackathon Unique?
- Multidisciplinary Teams: Beyond coders, we welcome researchers, designers, activists, and educators
- World-Class Mentorship: From experts in software engineering to policy strategists and educators
- Pan-African Collaboration: With participants from over 15 African countries
- Post-Hackathon Support: Including business development, partnerships, and capital access
- Real-World Challenges: Covering digital education, health equity, civic tech, and more
Looking Ahead: A Continued Legacy of Impact
Beyond her judging role, Uchechi continues to design interventions that connect underserved students to opportunities both in Africa and the diaspora. Her story, marked by resilience, innovation, and purpose, reminds us that building for the future must always begin with those who’ve been left behind.
“This hackathon isn’t just about code,” she says. “It’s about connection—between people, between ideas, and between the future we imagine and the tools we build to reach it.”
