STEM Demystified – Zulaikha Jabbar (Pakistan)

The STEM Demystified Digital Portal is now live, a new home for real STEM stories made for teachers, educators, and curious young learners. Built to make STEM feel closer, friendlier, and genuinely possible, the portal brings together global role‑model stories, interactive exploration, and classroom‑ready inspiration. It’s a growing resource designed to help children see themselves in STEM, and to give educators an easy way to bring real‑world representation into lessons. Explore the portal at stemdemystified.com.

Welcome to another edition of STEM Demystified, a project to tackle women under-representation in STEM. This weekly Newsletter showcases how women are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide.

Today Zulaikha Jabbar is our inspiring role model. Born in Pakistan, she has been driven by curiosity from a young age, with a strong affinity for subjects involving numbers and problem-solving. After earning an MBA in Finance and an MS in Project Management, she spent 5.5 years excelling in finance and project management roles. However, her true passion for technology and its potential to solve problems creatively with data-driven solutions inspired her to transition into the tech industry.

Currently, Zulaikha works as a BI Consultant at Bupa Arabia, where she combines her expertise in finance, project management, and data analytics to deliver innovative solutions. Her journey from a non-technical background to a successful career in tech is a testament to her determination, adaptability, and passion for continuous learning.

Let’s explore her inspiring journey and discover how she has shaped her career in STEM.

What was your trajectory from school to where you currently are professionally/academically?

At school, I was motivated by curiosity. I wanted to understand how things worked, so I was naturally drawn to subjects like mathematics and economics that involved numbers and problem-solving. Later on, I earned my MBA in Finance with the goal of becoming a CFA (Certified Financial Analyst), but after landing my first finance job, I realized that the field didn’t offer much room for creativity—it became monotonous over time.

After gaining five years of experience in finance, I shifted my focus to project management, completing my Master’s in the subject. While working in reporting roles using Excel, I discovered its capabilities and became fascinated by how technology could enhance business processes. My boss introduced me to Business Intelligence tools like Tableau and Power BI, and I quickly dove into learning these tools, earning a Microsoft Certification and implementing them at my organization.

This blend of finance, project management, and data analytics gave me a unique skill set, allowing me to excel in roles that require financial acumen, leadership, and data-driven insights. Now, as a BI Consultant, I bring all these disciplines together to provide innovative solutions.

What motivated you to get into STEM? Did you have a female role model or anyone who inspired you? If so, who?

My motivation to enter STEM came from my passion for technology and how it can be used to creatively solve business challenges. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of STEM keeps me engaged, and I enjoy tackling intricate problems to develop innovative solutions.

While I didn’t have a specific female role model, I was inspired by the limitless potential of technology itself and the ability to make a tangible impact through creative problem-solving.

What’s your most important professional/academic achievement?

My most important achievement has been successfully transitioning from a non-technical to a technical field. By pursuing further education in data analytics and technology, I was able to leverage my existing skills and acquire new technical expertise. This shift opened doors to a tech career where I contribute to cutting-edge projects. More importantly, my experience shows that women can thrive in male-dominated industries, and with enough determination, anyone can successfully switch careers regardless of their background.

Did you face any challenges throughout your professional/academic journey? How did you overcome them?

Challenges have been key to my growth. One of the biggest challenges was overcoming the tech concepts and jargon, especially since I came from a non-tech background. I tackled this by engaging in hands-on projects, enrolling in online courses, and dedicating time to continuous learning. Applying my skills in real-world scenarios helped me bridge the gap and successfully integrate into the technical field.

In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women into STEM?

To attract more women into STEM, we need to create supportive environments that highlight women’s success stories and provide resources tailored to their needs. Early exposure to STEM subjects and emphasizing the real-world impact of STEM careers can also ignite interest and inspire more women to pursue this path.

Zulaikha’s journey exemplifies curiosity, adaptability, and perseverance. Her transition from finance to technology shows that with determination and continuous learning, anyone can overcome challenges and succeed in a new field. Her story encourages more women to embrace STEM opportunities, proving it’s never too late to change direction and pursue a career that fuels your passion.

Her path reminds us that STEM careers are for anyone driven by innovation and problem-solving, not just those with technical backgrounds. Zulaikha’s success demonstrates that women can thrive in STEM, and her advice inspires those considering a similar journey.