Inspiring Women in Tech: A Spotlight on Hillary Omitogun, Founder of HerSynergy Tribe
Welcome to another Wetech Community Spotlight, (which will now be a series) where we celebrate the groundbreaking contributions of women who are defining the future of technology. We bring you closer to the game-changers whose stories are not just inspiring but revolutionary. As more women enter the field, they bring fresh perspectives, challenges, and triumphs that are reshaping the industry.
In our latest feature, our Communications Manager, Omotayo, chats with Hillary Omitogun, a UX & Crypto Researcher and the Founder of HerSynergy Tribe, a social enterprise that empowers mid-career black women in the EMEA region through mutual support, mentorship, educational programs, and networking. Hillary is dedicated to simplifying complex problems through innovative user-centered design, and making technology more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. She excels in harnessing user feedback, developing detailed personas, and aligning product strategies to create intuitive and engaging user experiences.
As we explore Hillary’s journey, you’ll gain insights into how she skillfully navigates the tech landscape with resilience and creativity. Her story serves as a beacon for anyone looking to drive change and make a meaningful impact in their field. Stay tuned, because her experiences might just be the catalyst you need to reshape your own path in tech.
Now let’s dive deeper.
Hillary’s Journey as a UX Researcher
How did you get interested In UX Research/ Product Operations, and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?
It just came out of wanting to be in a more innovative industry. At the time, I was working as a Market Researcher and I felt like what I was doing wasn’t challenging enough so I wanted to do something that was challenging in an innovative and fresh industry. I know tech isn’t quite “fresh”, I mean Big tech has been forever and at the time specifically, Crypto, Blockchain and the Web3 space were sort of what was “fresh” within tech. So, just being that I was already a market researcher and I already had some transferable skills, and I’ve always been a curious person and loved learning about people, new concepts. Learning in general is something I’ve always appreciated. So combining all the skills I had at the time and what I thought I would thrive in sort of led me to UX Research.
As a woman, what was your family’s reaction when you told them you wanted to go into tech? And did they have any career path for you in mind prior to that?
My family setup isn’t the typical nuclear family — it’s just me and my mom, who’s a single parent. My mom’s philosophy has always been, “Do what you love as long as it’s legal and you can earn a living from it.” We never had a formal discussion about it. I used to work remotely for a U.S. company in market research, not exactly in what you’d call the tech sector today, but I was always online. I didn’t go into details with my mom; I just told her I was taking a break from my usual job. I then took six months off to dive into UX research, really committing to the new path. My mom has been incredibly supportive. I was helping out with household expenses, and when I transitioned, though I couldn’t contribute as much financially, she gave me the space I needed. She was just glad I was pursuing something I truly wanted.
Who do you consider a mentor in your career path?
I don’t have a specific mentor, but there are key professionals in my life I turn to whenever I have questions, regardless of whether I can offer anything in return. I think of them as mentors without formally asking them to take on that role. They’re always ready to help with any issue I bring up. One standout is Lade Tawak, a highly respected UX researcher originally from Nigeria, though she no longer lives here. Lade is incredibly supportive, often sending me resources for both personal and professional growth. Her passion extends to helping others who are dedicated and enthusiastic about their work, which is evident from her LinkedIn activity.
Can you tell us about a tech project you are currently working on or have recently completed that you are excited about? and what made It stand out for you?
Working at Nestcoin and WhatsApp was a thrilling experience. While at WhatsApp, we rolled out a feature supporting local languages in West Africa, giving me a chance to see how different communities there interact with digital apps. Coming from an English-speaking, educated background in Lagos, Nigeria, it was a revelation to meet people who only spoke their native languages. It was exciting but also a bit sad to see the digital gap — most apps focus on English or French, ignoring local languages like Hausa. It was incredibly fulfilling to help bridge this gap.
I’m currently diving into a new project about relationship dynamics; looking at the experiences of married, single, and dating individuals. This shift to a lighter topic is refreshing, especially since my previous projects were more serious. It’s fascinating to see how Africans manage their relationships, and as someone who’s single, I’m learning a lot about the effort it takes to keep relationships healthy and balanced. This project is not just fun; it’s also really insightful.
What do you love most about working in the tech industry?
I’m really drawn to the opportunities the tech industry offers. In tech, it’s all about the effort you put in and your willingness to grow. No one fusses over your degree or your age, it’s your experience that counts. This opens doors for anyone, regardless of race, skin color, or background. For us Nigerians, who might not have as many opportunities as people in countries like the USA, tech is a game changer. It lets you expand your horizons and work for companies that pay well, often in foreign currencies. I’ve seen folks without any formal degree making six figures just because they’ve worked hard. Plus, there’s an abundance of resources and supportive communities, like Wetech for women and niche-specific groups, ready to help newcomers and seasoned pros alike. You don’t see that kind of support in many other industries.
Do you have any favorite resources or tools that you use in your daily work?
Notion is that go-to tool for me. While it might not be the easiest for everyone, it’s been a game changer since I started using it around 2019–2020, just before I officially entered the UX research field. I was keen on breaking into tech and getting familiar with essential tools early was part of my strategy. I use Notion for almost everything — planning, tracking, maintaining my affirmation list, and managing to-do lists for both personal and professional tasks. Professionally, it’s like my dashboard. I keep a job board with records of past applications, feedback, previous employers, and positive comments from projects I’ve worked on. Notion is incredibly versatile. It even has something called Widgets, similar to Slack’s Bots, which help with specific tasks not covered by standard templates. Overall, Notion helps me stay organized and creative, “it’s like having a personalized planner”
What support system or resources have been crucial to your success?
First off, social media and just putting myself out there have really driven my success. My community, HerSynergy Tribe, has been key too. We focus on empowering women who are at mid-level positions in tech. But it’s not just women who have played a big part; men have been crucial as well. For example, in the UX Crypto space where I currently work, there aren’t many women, but I’ve had great support from men. People like Tochukwu Achebe from Interswitch, Teju Adeyinka, Yele Bademosi, the founder of NestCoin, and Lade Tawak have all been incredibly supportive. It’s truly been a mix of vibrant voices and social media that have made a difference.
In tech, it’s all about the effort you put in and your willingness to grow.
Thoughts on the Skills and Qualities of a Successful UX Researcher
What Are Some Of The Biggest Challenges You Faced Early in Your Career?
In West Africa, and Africa more broadly, not many companies see the value of having a dedicated UX researcher for their products. UX research is all about understanding your users deeply enough to anticipate their future needs and develop products that meet these needs effectively. However, because it’s so closely tied to UX design and product management, many companies here prefer to have their designers or product managers handle the research. When I first started out, finding local opportunities was tough. Most openings were international; companies abroad recognize the importance of UX researchers. But these companies often look for someone who has lived in their country and understands the local culture well, which is essential for conducting effective research. For example, a company like Notion doesn’t typically hire from this part of the world unless the candidate has a strong grasp of American culture. This creates a real hurdle for talented African professionals seeking opportunities, unless they’re already well-known in their field.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Work?
I really enjoy how much I get to learn in my role as a UX researcher. I’ve always been naturally curious — even as a shy kid, I was never afraid to ask questions. This curiosity serves me well in my job, where I need to dig deep and not just skim the surface. UX research keeps things fresh; it’s not about doing the same tasks every day, but exploring and finding new ways to approach problems. I also love talking to users and really getting to understand them, it’s both exciting and fulfilling. Plus, there’s nothing quite like tackling a problem that others have overlooked. Solving these overlooked problems makes my work truly enjoyable.
What Skills And Qualities Do You Think Are Most Important For Success In This Field, And How Have You Developed And Honed Those Skills Over Time?
Being curious — or nosy, as some might say — is actually a superpower of mine. I’ve always been the first to raise my hand and ask questions in any setting since I was little.
Another skill that’s often overlooked is the ability to collaborate and be diplomatic. This is crucial in UX research, which involves not just understanding users, but also helping your team grasp these insights. It’s different from customer service, where the focus is on handling immediate customer issues. UX research is more about the psychological aspects, observing how users interact with your product.
Being proactive and able to execute projects is vital too. It ensures that the changes you suggest are considered by key stakeholders. This means maintaining excellent relationships with everyone on the team — from engineers to the head of product and other stakeholders. It’s about finding common ground and tapping into what matters to them. This way, when you make recommendations, they’re more likely to trust and consider them.
Take the WhatsApp project I worked on, for example. I didn’t just hand over a typical report. I created different types of deliverables: a PowerPoint for a quick overview, video content for senior stakeholders who want more proof, and visual summaries for designers. For team members who might not have time for a detailed report, I boiled down the insights into bullet points. It’s all about being proactive and making things as clear as possible. And don’t forget, following up with stakeholders is crucial to ensure your ideas don’t just sit on paper but actually get put into action.
UX research keeps things fresh; it’s not about doing the same tasks every day, but exploring and finding new ways to approach problems.
Building Skill Set and Finding Your Niche: Advice for Aspiring UX Research.
How Do You See The Role Of Women In User Research Changing In The Future?
When I first got into this field, it was pretty rare to find women involved, especially compared to places in the Western world. But here’s the thing: research shows that women are more likely than men to study psychology and really dig deep into the details. And guess what? Women are starting to shape the future right here. Just over the past couple of years, I’ve seen a surge in women stepping into roles as UX designers and Product Managers, really taking the lead on UX research. Looking ahead, I think we’ll see even more opportunities open up for women, not just in traditional design roles, but in specialized areas like user research. This means they won’t just stick to their usual tasks; they’ll also get to drive user research, enhancing the products and solutions they work on.
What Advice Do You Have For Women Interested In Pursuing A Career In UX Research/Product Operations?
That’s a bit tricky, but my advice is to focus on “practice projects.” It’s okay to take a course or join a bootcamp, but you don’t need to spend a fortune. You can find excellent UX research courses for less than $100 that are really worth it. Remember, learning doesn’t end with a course; practice projects are crucial. You can explore new products or ones you’re already using. It’s also a good idea to connect with experienced UX researchers who can review your projects and give you feedback. The best way to learn UX research, even anything at all, is by doing. If you’re not applying what you learn, you’re just gathering information without really absorbing it. Getting this practical experience is vital before you can land a paying job in the industry.
The best way to learn UX research, even anything at all, is by doing. If you’re not applying what you learn, you’re just gathering information without really absorbing it.- Hillary Omitogun
Her Community: HerSynergy Tribe
Can you tell us more about your HerSynergy Tribe and the problem your community aims to solve?
HerSynergy is a community designed for women who are in the middle of their tech careers, typically between 2 to 7 years of experience. We’re currently a WhatsApp group where we exchange resources and support each other. Our community includes women from top companies like Visa, Mastercard, and Meta. If you’re looking to work at one of these companies, getting a referral is straightforward since everyone here is well-established in tech — there’s no need to ask strangers for help. We also tackle common workplace challenges with advice, like tips for leading a team for the first time.
I’m really excited about our events, too. We currently host virtual events that are free for all community members, covering topics that are beneficial for both women and men. For example, our recent event on “How to find a mentor or sponsor at work” was incredibly helpful for many of us. While we haven’t hosted many in-person events yet, we’re looking forward to partnering with sponsors to create physical events where members can engage directly, serve as panelists, and offer mentoring opportunities, especially for those new to the tech field. Notable members like Adora Nwodo, Lade Tawak, and Teju Adeyinka add immense value, making sure we all have something to gain and give back.
Fun fact Questions
What’s your go-to way to relax and unwind after a busy day?
One of my favorite ways to unwind is by reading books, and I’m not just talking about self-help ones, though I do enjoy those occasionally. Reading really helps me relax, even though it engages my brain. During these times, I make sure my phone is out of reach to avoid any distractions, leaving just me and my book. Fun, fiction books are what I love most — they aren’t real, but they spark my imagination and let me escape from everyday life, which is a lot of fun for me.
I also love to sleep and want to make more time for it, lying in bed and meditating to unwind after long hours at work, even if those long hours weren’t planned. And when it comes to staying active, I’m all about exciting workouts and trying new things, like yoga or something similar.
Would you love to be featured in our next Community Spotlight series too? Share your journey and achievements by filling out this form — We can’t wait to feature your story!
This piece was a collaborative effort by Omotayo Olasoji, Communications Manager, and Oluwapelumi Eweje, Social Media Associate at Wetech.
