CAREERS · Contributor

Navigating the Twists and Turns: My Unconventional Journey to Cloud Success

My career is a testament to the power of resilience. I transitioned from a foundation in Chemical Engineering through a challenging period of unemployment, ultimately pivoting into the technology sector. Through rigorous training and a commitment to continuous growth, I evolved from an IT administrator into a full-time trainer and Cloud Architect. Today, I bridge the gap between complex technical systems and human-centric education as an AI specialist.

By
Maureen Mojabeng Direro
Published
June 20, 2026
Issue
03 · June 2026
Navigating the Twists and Turns: My Unconventional Journey to Cloud Success
Submitted by Maureen Mojabeng Direro · Build With Her Magazine

My technical journey is a study in adaptability and the power of continuous evolution. It began in the precision-driven world of Chemical Engineering at TUT, where I developed my early understanding of systems and process. Following this, I navigated a period of unemployment, a challenge I met with a firm determination to pivot and build a new path.

I found my entry into the tech world through rigorous training and empowerment programs. I completed specialized training in IT Administration with Afrika Tikkun and Mecer Inter-Ed, and further honed my skills in Software Development through initiatives with Afrika Tikkun.

Once I entered the industry, my career grew through a sequence of diverse and challenging roles. I gained operational experience at Absa Bank, which led me to my first full-time role as a trainer at Mecer Inter-Ed. My professional path continued to expand through my work with Mindworx and GoForth Learning. Throughout this evolution, I have maintained my practice as a freelance trainer, a role I have held since 2021. This trajectory has ultimately led me to my current position at Torque IT. Along the way, I also solidified my academic expertise by completing my Honours degree with Richfield.

Today, as a Cloud Architect and AI Educator, I leverage my engineering background to build scalable, robust solutions in the Microsoft ecosystem. Whether I am architecting Azure AI environments or teaching others how to harness the power of AI, I am guided by the principles of understanding the process, respecting the data, and building for scale. My journey from chemical processes to artificial intelligence is a testament to the fact that when you pair a builder’s mindset with an operator’s discipline, the potential for growth is limitless.

About the contributor
Maureen Mojabeng Direro
Microsoft Trainer · Build With Her Magazine

Maureen Mojabeng Direro is a multifaceted Cloud Architect, Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), and AI Educator. With a foundation in Chemical Engineering and a career marked by relentless upskilling, she bridges the gap between complex systems and human-centric innovation. From engineering roots to the forefront of Generative AI, Maureen is dedicated to empowering others through education, architecture, and a commitment to lifelong technical growth.

LinkedIn
Keep Reading

More from Careers

A Note From The Editors

Every story we publish is a reminder that more women are building than the world often sees.

Build With Her exists to document women who are building, leading, learning, surviving, creating, and becoming visible.

If this article resonated with you, maybe your story belongs here too.

You do not need to have everything figured out. You do not need a perfect title, a perfect company, or a perfect journey.

You only need a story worth sharing.

Conversation

0 comments on “Navigating the Twists and Turns: My Unconventional Journey to Cloud Success

Welcome to the comments section. We moderate every submission according to our community guidelines.

Sort

Loading conversation…