The story begins with a young girl in Ghana, sitting in front of a computer screen, completely absorbed in the world of gaming. For Dominica Abena Oforiwaa Amanfo, those early days of exploring virtual worlds were not just entertainment; they were planting the seeds of a passion that would shape her future in ways she couldn't imagine. "I've loved computers and games since elementary school. I remember opening my system unit when I was around 9 years old to inspect its components and not putting it back together. To say my mother was upset would be an understatement." Dominica recalls with a warm smile.
This childhood fascination led her to pursue a bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering. But it was in 2019 that her path took an exciting turn. "When I learned about AI, I was fascinated by the idea of making computers perform human tasks. I immediately started investing my weekends in building my AI knowledge. I still recall my first IBM Digital Badge on May 03, 2019, for completing an introductory course in AI." This dedication to learning has now transformed into a mission to educate others.
In the dynamic world of technology, some innovators do not just create solutions, they build bridges to help others succeed. Dominica embodies this spirit of innovation and inclusion. From her early days as a Computer Engineer in Ghana to becoming a Distinguished Arm Ambassador and AI Engineer, her journey illustrates the transformative power of technology combined with purpose. Her journey is far more than just professional achievements; it's a testament to the power of determination, community support, and her passion for giving back to society.
"I have a whole village of mentors and people who support my vision and growth," Dominica shares, her voice filled with gratitude. This village, comprising family, friends, and believers in her mission, has been instrumental in her remarkable journey from Ghana to Switzerland, where she's currently completing her master's in AI and Data Science at Hochschule Luzern.
Her path was illuminated by organisations that recognised her potential. 4th-IR, where she now leads as a Data Science and AI Lead, fully sponsors her studies in Switzerland. It's a partnership that exemplifies her belief in the power of community support and giving back.
As the first external female engineer to develop a learning path for the Arm Developer Programme, she has created "Introduction to TinyML on Arm using PyTorch and ExecuTorch." This groundbreaking resource empowers developers to harness the potential of TinyML for Edge AI applications, particularly crucial for emerging markets where resource-efficient solutions are essential. Learn more in the following Learning Path.
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Furthermore, Dominica supported locally the establishment of (6) Arm Labs in Ghana, and mentoring the Arm(E³)NGAGE Student Clubs in the region, bringing cutting-edge technology to universities and research institutions. "As someone who lacked resources during my capstone project, I understand the challenges developers face," she explains. This personal experience fuels her mission to ensure others do not face the same obstacles, one of the major reasons she became an Arm Ambassador.
Dominica's role as a Distinguished Arm Ambassador has led to remarkable achievements across continents:
Facilitated the establishment of 6 Arm Labs across Ghana, including installations at prestigious institutions like Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Ghana. This includes the launch of the first Sustainability Hub in Ghana located at Academic City, Ghana, space for climate innovators to collaborate on sustainable technologies and businesses.
Evidently, Dominica's work spans continents, from mentoring university interns in Africa to building new developer communities. Her most passionate moments come when she's working with developers, particularly women in tech.
Through organisations like YCEM and The Pearl Safe Haven, she's helping create a new narrative about who can succeed in technology. Her story is not just about breaking barriers; it's about ensuring those barriers stay down for the next generation of innovators.
Dominica's impact has been widely recognised across various platforms:
Today, that young girl who loved computers has become a force for change in the tech world. Dominica's journey continues to inspire as she bridges gaps between continents, technologies, and communities. She is building bridges between innovation and accessibility, ensuring that the future of technology is open to all. Her story reminds us that with the right support, determination, and vision, we can transform not just our own lives but the lives of countless others.
As she works towards concluding her master’s degree while leading initiatives across multiple continents, Dominica Amanfo isn't just building technology, she's building a future where anyone with a dream and determination can find their place in the tech world, regardless of where they come from. Through her work, Dominica is making sure that the future arrives sooner rather than later.
Want to be part of this transformative journey? Join the Arm Developer Program today and connect with innovators like Dominica who are shaping the future of technology. The future is built #onArm.
Register here
"When more women are equipped with the right skills and support, they can drive innovation and inspire future generations."
- Dominica Amanfo
She is doing amazing stuff while inspiring young girls wherever she goes .Super proud of you Dominica!!!