Thelma Oluchukwu Azonobi stands as a remarkable beacon of innovation and dedication in the global tech community.

Recognised as the 169th Certified Global Tech Hero and the 16th Certified Professional in the Design Category, her career is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, resilience, and a user-focused approach to technology. Her contributions to the world of user experience design and software engineering have redefined benchmarks across industries, demonstrating that technology can be both empowering and inclusive.

Currently serving as a Senior User Experience Designer at Noiräk Technology, Thelma’s journey showcases a seamless fusion of creativity and technical expertise. From her early days in digital marketing to her current leadership role in design, she has consistently pushed boundaries to create meaningful and user-centric digital solutions. Her ability to empathise with users, advocate for their needs, and craft experiences that align with business objectives has made her a formidable force in the global design landscape.

Her career trajectory has seen her make impactful contributions in key positions at organisations such as OPay, LeapFLy, Intelligent Innovations Co., DRO Health, and Lazerpay. Across these roles, she has driven projects that yielded measurable results, including improving customer retention, increasing user engagement, and reducing onboarding times for teams. These milestones are a reflection of her ability to blend strategic vision, technical precision, and innovative thinking to create products that resonate with users and drive business success.

Thelma’s work has left an indelible mark on diverse industries, including HealthTech, SaaS, and Web3. Whether redesigning platforms to boost retention or developing systems that streamline operations, she has consistently delivered solutions that embody the intersection of functionality and user empowerment. Her redesign of a crypto platform dashboard improved both customer retention and transaction completion rates, while her work in HealthTech resulted in notable gains in engagement and retention.

Her contributions extend beyond design and engineering; Thelma is a mentor and a role model in the global tech community. She has guided aspiring professionals to refine their skills, find clarity in their career paths, and reach new heights in their professional endeavours. Her mentees frequently acknowledge the transformative impact of her support and leadership, underscoring her role as a catalyst for growth in others.

Her recognition as a Certified Global Tech Hero is not merely a celebration of her past accomplishments but a reflection of the ongoing influence she wields in the tech ecosystem. Through her relentless pursuit of innovation, she has shown that design is not just about aesthetics; it is about creating systems and solutions that empower, include, and resonate with users across all backgrounds.

Described as a transformative leader, Thelma’s expertise spans research, design, mentorship, and leadership. Her academic foundation—a Master’s degree in Marketing and User Experience Design with distinction—complements her professional design certifications and extensive experience. It equips her with the skills to identify user pain points and translate them into actionable solutions that align with business strategies. Her commitment to growth and continuous learning serves as an inspiration to tech professionals everywhere.

As Thelma joins the illustrious ranks of Certified Global Tech Heroes, her recognition serves as a reminder of the pivotal role that empathetic, user-centred design plays in shaping the future of technology. She continues to demonstrate that when technology is harnessed with intentionality and inclusivity, it has the power to uplift communities, bridge gaps, and inspire innovation on a global scale.

Her story is one of leadership, vision, and boundless potential. The Connected Awards celebrates her exceptional journey as a professional who redefines what is possible in the ever-evolving tech industry. Thelma Oluchukwu Azonobi’s work serves as a shining example of what can be achieved when passion meets purpose and innovation is driven by a commitment to making technology a force for good.