Meet Esther Eruchie, the force behind FriendnPal, in our exclusive Wetech community spotlight!
In a world where technology meets empathy, Esther Eruchie, the visionary founder of FriendnPal, is leading the charge to revolutionize mental health support in Africa. With 3 to 5 years of practical experience, Esther’s journey from product manager to QA lead laid the groundwork for her impactful venture that combines tech expertise and a passion for mental health.
Esther’s tech journey began with understanding user needs as a product manager and refining her attention to detail and quality assurance skills as a QA lead. Motivated by a profound desire to address mental health challenges, Esther founded FriendnPal, an innovative platform that harnesses AI to bridge the mental health gap in Africa, especially in underserved communities.
Founding FriendnPal wasn’t just about creating an app; it was about making a positive impact. Esther shares that building a diverse team across Africa was a challenge, but the fulfillment of seeing the app positively impact users’ lives has made the journey remarkable. It’s a testament to the transformative potential of technology in addressing real-world issues like mental health.
What fuels Esther’s love for the tech industry is its potential to drive positive change. She finds excitement in the continuous learning curve as technology evolves. Esther’s daily work relies on tools like Discord, Slack, Jira, and Google Workspace, along with resources like Medium to stay updated — a testament to her commitment to staying at the forefront of tech advancements.
Addressing gender-related obstacles is integral to FriendnPal’s mission. Esther emphasizes gender diversity in her team, equal opportunities, and a safe work environment. FriendnPal advocates for gender equality and mental health awareness through partnership programs and gender-sensitive mental health resources.
Mentorship, strategic partnerships, and a dedicated team committed to their mission form the backbone of FriendnPal’s success. Esther values the unwavering support from their user community, which fuels her drive to make mental health accessible and stigma-free.
For women aspiring to pursue a career in tech, Esther’s advice is clear: believe in your abilities, seek mentorship, embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, and build a strong network and support system.
FriendnPal isn’t just a startup; it’s a movement. Esther sees its impact as transformative, fostering well-being, breaking stigma, and empowering individuals. The long-term vision? Reach marginalized communities in 30 African countries, reduce mental health stigma, and foster healthier communities while driving positive change in society.
Follow Esther’s journey and FriendnPal’s impact on Instagram (@friendnpal_), LinkedIn (Esther Eruchie), and Twitter (@esstar100). If you’re ready to be our next Wetech Community Spotlight, seize the opportunity — fill out the Google form [here]. Let’s collectively inspire and empower women in tech across Africa!
