Mareva Koulamallah, Founder and CEO, Marevak Consulting shares her thoughts on diversity and inclusion, actions we need to take and her journey in an exclusive chat with Techitup ME
What are your views on this year’s IWD 2025 theme “Accelerate Action”, how can we truly achieve diversity and inclusion in the workplace?
Mareva Koulamallah: This year, I feel that we are at a turning point when it comes to holding people accountable. The educational part has been done over the years. People know there is a gender parity gap, and people also know the concrete steps that need to be taken to bring change. Now the key factor lies in ensuring that those steps are taken. We need to hold companies and individuals, men and women, more accountable. We need to hold each of us accountable for our actions, and show examples on how we truly help accelerate things, not just one day per year, but every single day. Step up, speak out and stay relentless.
Can you share your journey into the tech world and what inspired you to pursue this, where did it all start?
Mareva Koulamallah: My dad has always been a geek, so watching him play with all sort of devices while growing up made me curious, and I also became the house technician when something needed to be repaired. I never thought of myself smart enough to enter the tech industry, so I never pursued that path. Back in the day, the message was that you either needed to have an engineer’s degree or know someone in that space, I had none. Years later, I randomly entered the tech space through a non-technical support role. I enjoyed it right away and despite not needing a deep understanding of the products, I asked for more trainings, spent a lot of time in the lab with engineers, continuously asked questions and upskilled myself to gain a real understanding of the technology. Now, I can even have very interesting conversations with my IT and it is very helpful. Anything you do in life needs to come from a place of passion and commitment, then doors will eventually open.
Who would you consider your role model, someone who constantly inspires you? (Does not really have to be from the professional world only, can be someone at home too ☺️)
Mareva Koulamallah: So many people, starting with my parents of course, but I would say two of my best friends. Their journey is beyond inspiring, and I am proud to be surrounded by such smart, kind and supportive people. One was born in Mali, she came to France at 17 to study in business school, where we all met. The other one is a French national born in Cameroon, and he also attended our business school in Lyon. Both of them studied Finance/Accounting, and when we transferred to the US to finish our degrees, after we graduated and had our first jobs between NYC, Philly and Boston, they both stayed in the US way longer than me. My friend A. D. from Mali currently works at the World Bank in Washington DC, and my friend A. C. is now the Managing Partner at a renowned VC in Kenya. Despite the odds stacked against them, they did not only succeed, they thrived. I am inspired every day by their journey and their determination keeps me going on hard days. Who you surround yourself with through your career and personal journey, can be the difference between one life and another.
Rapid Fire (Let’s get to know you more)
- Dinner with a famous personality, who would it be? Anthony Bourbon (French entrepreneur, Serial Investor and TV Judge on “Qui veut être mon associé?” – the French equivalent to “Shark Tank”)
- One skill you wish you could learn instantly? Web development
- Android or Apple? 😃 None (I wish…)
- WhatsApp or Telegram? WhatsApp
- Phone call or text message/email? Phone call
- Beaches or Mountains? Mountains
- Coffee or Tea? Tea
- Early Bird or Night owl? Both
- Books or Movies? Books
- Winter or Summer? Winter
- Online shopping or in-store shopping? In-store
What advice would you give to women starting off their careers, aspiring to enter the tech/business field?
Mareva Koulamallah: Get your foot in the door! It does not matter if it is a technical or non-technical role, you can learn the ropes and upskill. The hardest part when you have no network is to get in. So, it is unfortunately more about whom you know than your skills. Network every day, online, in-person at events, and do it strategically. Networking is a job in itself, it requires tactics and readiness. I encourage women to give themselves weekly or monthly goals of people to reach out to, and to track the results, almost as if they were running a lead generation campaign. Once in the role/industry, surround yourself by a strong tribe of both women and men. Give first without expectations to get back. Be a true supporter to your women peers and see what ecosystem comes out of that.
