Nebraska Women in STEM spoke to Tariro Nangati about her experience with self-empowerment and continuous learning in the technology industry.
Tariro Nangati, an Automation Test Engineer (ATE) at Physicians Mutual in Omaha, admits that although she had an interest in computers at an early age, she did not always picture herself as a woman in STEM. “I didn’t see myself in that space because I did not have women in my community or family who were in those roles. I also didn’t think I would be good enough for it.”
In college, Nangati’s mother and several of her mentors encouraged her to pursue tech despite the imposter syndrome she was facing. “They saw something in me that I didn’t at the time. I’m very grateful for it.”
She studied Information Technology at Metropolitan Community College before transferring to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) for her degree in Computer Science. Nangati also minored in mathematics, which she says was intimidating but ultimately rewarding.
At UNO, Nangati participated in a mentorship and peer-support within the Computer Science department. She says that having people who believed in her and could help her make connections in college was the biggest positive influence on her STEM journey.
“They really challenged me to grow and to see myself as capable.”
One mentor helped open the door to Nangati’s internship at Physicians Mutual which would lead to her receiving a full-time position after graduation. “I got a call from them asking if I wanted to interview for the internship program they were offering. I was really not expecting to hear from them because I didn’t feel prepared for the position. But I thought that I would take it as a challenge even if I didn’t get it– and then I did.”
Nangati says that she started off feeling underqualified for the role but was committed to figuring it out anyway. And as a woman of color in tech, she acknowledges that she sometimes still feels isolated and the need to prove herself. “It’s already a competitive industry so being one of the only ones in the space is not easy. But this has only made me feel more motivated to keep learning and pushing myself.”
Now, she is passionate about helping to change the culture around her to support women in tech careers. Nangati is especially adamant that networking opportunities are crucial for women’s professional growth and well-being. When asked about her role in bringing Physicians Mutual to the Nebraska Women in STEM Conference, she replied, “Women must keep trying to fill up those rooms.”
Nangati is also helping to mentor junior ATEs and the next generation of interns at Physicians Mutual. As a mentor, she values fairness, vulnerability, and allowing room for mistakes. “Mentorship is a two-way street. We are both figuring things out together. When I’m honest about that and show them that I’m human, it creates trust.”
Outside of work, you can find her on the tennis courts, practicing yoga, or at the rock-climbing gym. Nangati says that being present in the moment—whether on the climbing wall, on the court, in a kayak, spending time with people who calm her nervous system, or immersed in a really good book—has helped her avoid frustration and burnout in her industry. “It helps to reflect and to ask myself, ‘if today was the last day of my life, would I be at peace?’ I am very intentional about my time and try to prioritize doing things that I enjoy.”
Whether it’s a new skill or a hobby, Nangati advises that other women in STEM push themselves out of their comfort zones. “Even if you feel like you’re not qualified or good enough, just go for it. Have the audacity to suck at something, and your confidence will grow.”