University: Fotabe Higher Institute of Entrepreneurship and Technology (FUNIC), Cameroon

Degree Program: Bachelor’s in Software Engineering

Lilatu Yaya is a software engineering student who views computational logic as an engine to execute social equity. Over the past two years, Lilatu has single-handedly designed and launched a free digital-skills training program in her community, personally educating hundreds of marginalized youths in professional video editing, graphic design, and data strategies to keep them competitive in the job market. Her engineering approach is entirely problem-driven. As a WAAW Scholar, she aims to graduate at the top of her software engineering cohort, focusing on developing intuitive technology applications that lower entry barriers to education and digital literacy for vulnerable young girls across Cameroon.