Mahnoor grew up in Pakistan in a household where both science and technology were highly valued. Her father is an engineer, and her mother is a doctor - and both shaped Mahnoor’s view of what STEM could achieve. Watching her father work on engineering projects sparked her fascination with problem-solving, while seeing her mother use medical knowledge to help patients showed Mahnoor the real-world impact science can have.
Mahnoor completed her schooling with a strong focus on science subjects, then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, followed by an MBA. Despite these impressive qualifications, she found that job opportunities in her field were scarce. Rather than waiting for opportunities to appear, Mahnoor decided to create her own: she taught herself data science and artificial intelligence (AI) through intensive training programmes known as “bootcamps,” working on real projects to build a portfolio that showcased her skills to employers.
“STEM is for everyone, regardless of background or previous experience.”
This determination paid off. Today, Mahnoor is a Senior AI Engineer at atomcamp, where she helps build AI solutions that support business growth. She has also discovered a passion for teaching, becoming an AI trainer and travelling to deliver bootcamps in countries including Azerbaijan and the United States.
Mahnoor’s advice for attracting more girls into STEM includes exposing them to STEM-related toys, books and activities from a young age, introducing them to female role models and mentors, and making sure school curriculums highlight the achievements of women scientists and engineers - not just men.