For Kevwe Onome-Irikefe, leadership is more than just managing people or projects; it’s about building pathways for others to thrive. With over seven years of experience in data engineering and program management, Onome-Irikefe has contributed to some of the world’s leading technology companies like Salesforce and Google. Yet her career is equally defined by her advocacy, from founding Code and Culture to serving on the board of the Society of Women Engineers Columbia River Section (SWE CRS). Her story is one of resilience, relentless learning, and a deep commitment to making technology more inclusive across borders.
From her beginnings as a data analyst intern in Nigeria’s start-up scene to steering large-scale data programs at multinational companies, Onome-Irikefe has built a career around making data pipelines smarter, more resilient, and more impactful. Now, she’s looking ahead to a future where artificial intelligence transforms the very foundations of data engineering. In this interview with IFEOMA OKEKE-KORIEOCHA, she shares her insights on leadership, innovation, and her passion for making technology more accessible and inclusive.
What role did your early education in Nigeria play in shaping who you are today?
Studying at the University of Lagos gave me more than an academic foundation; it gave me resilience. Back then, the student onboarding, enrollment, and accommodation processes weren’t streamlined. Navigating those challenges required persistence, resourcefulness, and a strong community. Those qualities have carried through my career. Every time I face a new project or leadership challenge, I think back to those days in Lagos, where success meant being patient, creative, and resilient. Studying at the University of Lagos taught me resilience. That resilience has carried me through every challenge since.
Tell us about your first role in technology.
My very first role was as a data analyst intern on a social impact project. I was responsible for cleaning data to ensure timely payments, reporting on both qualitative and quantitative program impact, and overseeing the delivery of several projects. It may not have seemed glamorous at the time, but it taught me discipline. Handling raw, messy data and turning it into something meaningful for decision-making showed me the power of data and the importance of precision. Data wasn’t abstract; it determined whether people received the support they needed on time. That realisation sparked my passion for building reliable data systems.
What continues to drive you in your career?
Learning and innovation. Technology evolves so quickly, and with every new project, there’s a chance to solve problems that genuinely make a difference in the world. That combination of constant learning and impact is what keeps me going.
You’ve founded Code and Culture. Can you tell us about its vision and impact?
Code and Culture was born out of my desire to see more underrepresented professionals, especially Black talent, represented in technical roles. Too often, people face barriers not because of lack of skill but because of lack of access. Through Code and Culture, we create opportunities for mentorship, knowledge sharing, and professional development. For example, our most recent event hosted four industry-leading speakers and drew nearly 50 participants.
The feedback was inspiring. Attendees walked away not only with insights but with a sense of belonging and a network to lean on. Code and Culture was born out of my desire to see more underrepresented professionals represented in technical roles.
You also serve on the board of SWE CRS. Why was that important to you?
SWE CRS allows me to give back at scale. Being on the board means I can help shape programs that support women in engineering and technology across entire regions, not just within one organisation. Representation matters. When people see leaders who look like them and share some of their experiences, it makes their own path feel more possible.
You’ve collaborated with teams across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. What’s that experience been like?
It’s been eye-opening. Working with global teams pushes you to think differently. Technically, you learn to design systems that are robust enough to work across geographies but flexible enough to adapt to local needs. Interpersonally, you learn to respect different communication styles and work cultures. It’s made me a more empathetic leader and a stronger engineer.
What’s one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced working on global teams?
Time zones can be tough. It’s not unusual for me to work very early mornings or late nights. But beyond the logistics, one of the bigger challenges is cultural understanding. Each team has not only its own internal culture but also the culture of the location it’s based in. For example, the way feedback is given or collaboration happens can look very different in Europe, Asia, or the U.S. As a leader, I’ve learned that success requires more than technical skill; it requires empathy, curiosity, and the willingness to bridge cultural differences. Success in global teams requires more than technical skill; it requires empathy
and the willingness to bridge cultural differences.
You’ve since held roles in industries as varied as airlines, software, and global tech. Where do you see your deepest expertise today?
Pipeline development is where I thrive. Designing and maintaining reliable pipelines that keep data flowing is the backbone of modern organisations. Alongside that, I’ve specialized in testing frameworks, data quality, and cross-functional program management. But I think what makes me unique is that I’m equally comfortable being technical and being strategic. I don’t just write pipelines; I lead teams to ensure those pipelines support business outcomes.
How do you balance being both a technical expert and a program manager?
For me, it comes down to time management and delegation. I dedicate space in my schedule for hands-on technical work, because staying close to the details keeps me sharp. But I also know when to step back and orchestrate the larger picture; aligning stakeholders, removing blockers, and driving execution across multiple teams. The sweet spot is when my technical knowledge informs my program management, and my program management ensures my technical work creates real impact.
The best outcomes come when my technical knowledge informs my program management, and my program management ensures my technical work creates real impact.
Where do you see data engineering going in the next 5–10 years?
I believe we’re on the verge of pipelines becoming much smarter with the integration of AI. Imagine self-debugging pipelines that identify and resolve issues before they cause failures. Or automated monitoring that doesn’t just flag anomalies but learns from them and adapts in real time. For program management, AI could drive dynamic scheduling, risk prediction, and smarter resource allocation. Instead of being reactive when something goes wrong, teams will be proactive, with systems that anticipate and prevent problems. This shift will redefine what reliability means in data engineering. I see pipelines getting smarter with AI; self-debugging, adaptive, and resilient.
What motivates you personally in this technical journey?
Innovation excites me. Every project is an opportunity to push boundaries and solve complex challenges. I love that the work I do isn’t just about abstract code; it powers real systems that people depend on. Whether it’s optimizing operations, improving customer experiences, providing data that powers key business insights or ensuring data quality at scale, the impact is tangible.
Finally, what advice would you give to young professionals in Nigeria who dream of making it in global tech?
Take risks. Don’t wait until everything is perfectly lined up. Go solve the problems everyone else is afraid to touch. You may not see ten steps ahead, but if you can see the next one, take it. Keep moving forward. That’s how I went from Nigeria’s start-up ecosystem to global tech — one step at a time, with courage and persistence.
You may not see ten steps ahead, but if you can see the next one, take it. Keep moving forward.
Closing
Kevwe Onome-Irikefe’s journey reflects more than professional growth; it reflects a vision for a more inclusive technology industry. She represents a new generation of leaders who bridge the technical and the strategic. From the resilience forged in Lagos to the boardrooms of international organisations, she continues to expand opportunities not only for herself but for
countless others. Her vision of AI-powered, self-healing pipelines may sound futuristic, but in her hands, it feels like the next logical step. For Kevwe, the story of data isn’t just about systems, it’s about resilience, innovation, and building the future one pipeline at a time.
