FD Insights Issue 10 | Page 31

H aving studied and gained a Microsoft qualification, Nomathemba (or Noma as she’s popularly known), started working on a hosting project whilst employed at a former position at MaxASP, before becoming a licensing specialist for Rectron. Now at First Distribution and working in Kevin Derman’s Cloud and Hosted Solutions division, Noma is putting all her former work experience within these hosting environments to good use. “I love the people and the environment. I learn something new every single day” she says with a smile. “I’d like to learn all there is to learn, and luckily I have the best people teaching me the ropes!” she adds. Noma looks up to former First Distribution hosting programmes manager Antoinette de Waal as one of her role models. “Everything I know, I was taught by her and Chris (Richardson, FD MSP Hosting Programme Manager). I also really admire Elaine Wang, who helped me to understand this business, and how to stay relevant and informed.” Noma’s advice for aspiring young women in IT is just to go for it. Don’t do it for the money she advises, but rather find something you are passionate about and pursue it. Quizzed about whether or not attitudes within the IT industry have changed towards women, Noma thinks that the general attitu