In a fusion of two traditionally male-dominated industries, the rise of women in PropTech is more than a trend – it’s a transformative shift towards a more inclusive and innovative future. PropTech, the convergence of property and technology, is revolutionising how we build, manage, and interact with spaces. As this sector expands, it becomes clear that diversity is not merely a checkbox; it’s a vital driver of industry advancement.

This article spotlights three trailblazing women at the forefront of South Africa’s PropTech landscape: Azola Mabinza, a talented programmer; Charlene Kanny, a project manager committed to redefining digital transformation; and Jess Moyer, an executive at the forefront of data science and analytics, who is also Director: Strategy & Research at Cushman & Wakefield | BROLL.

Breaking into PropTech

Azola Mabinza embarked on her PropTech journey with a passion for real estate. With a background in computer science within the property management sector, she transitioned into an IT programmer role at b#, a tech-led real estate solution designed to optimise real estate performance. Today, she focuses on integrating technology into commercial real estate to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

Charlene Kanny attributes her success to continuous curiosity and a solutions-driven approach. As a project manager at Broll, her experience in dynamic technology landscapes is grounded in her belief that solutions can always be found with a growth mindset.

Jess Moyer took an unconventional path into PropTech, spanning mechanical engineering, property research, an MBA, and data science. She leverages her diverse expertise to deliver data-driven solutions to clients' business challenges. Jess’s journey underscores the importance of varied perspectives, especially in an industry with far-reaching implications for communities.

The Importance of Diversity

Despite their diverse paths into PropTech, all three women agree on the importance of diversity. Azola emphasizes that women bring a variety of perspectives and ideas, crucial for innovation. Charlene adds that a diverse workforce leads to well-rounded decision-making, while Jess highlights that women’s ability to interpret trends from a broader societal perspective ensures that data-driven insights are inclusive.

Jess also points out the importance of avoiding bias in technologies like AI and machine learning:
"If we train our models on historical data that reflects past unfair norms, we will perpetuate these biases into the future. Women bring empathy and diverse perspectives, which can help ensure that datasets are well-balanced and free from bias."

Inspirations and Overcoming Barriers

Each woman draws inspiration from trailblazers who have broken barriers.

• Azola admires Tsholofelo Ramokoka, founder of AddressDox, a social entrepreneur.
• Charlene is inspired by Meirav Oren, CEO of Versatile, for pioneering safer and more efficient property construction solutions.
• Jess finds inspiration in Mary Kingsley, a Victorian-era explorer who defied societal norms, symbolising independence and leadership.

Navigating gender biases in PropTech requires resilience. Azola overcame such biases by building a strong skill set and network, advocating for quotas to ensure women’s representation. Jess agrees, stating that quotas help initiate the processes that drive systematic change.

Advice for Aspiring Women in PropTech

The advice from these leaders is clear: be curious, build networks, and specialise in areas of interest.

• Jess advises women to balance general and specialist knowledge.
• Azola encourages women to stay updated with trends, take risks, and pursue leadership roles.
• Charlene adds, “Be passionate about the problem you want to solve and plan for success – you could be the game changer!”

The Future of PropTech: Innovation and Inclusivity

These women are optimistic about PropTech’s future, envisioning a sector that continues to evolve with technology playing a pivotal role in efficiency, inclusivity, and sustainability.

• Charlene highlights the power of smart cities through IoT integration.
• Azola points to the potential of AI-driven property management and blockchain for transparent transactions.

In their respective roles, Azola, Charlene, and Jess are not only leaders but also champions of a more inclusive PropTech industry. Their journeys are a reminder that when women succeed, everyone benefits. As Azola puts it, “When one woman makes a place for herself, she paves the way for countless others to follow.”

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