Dele Hazeley, 30
Dele Hazeley: The Grassroots Tech Leader and Inclusive Innovation Driver
Dele Hazeley is a dedicated Computer Engineering student at Saint Monica University (Class of ’22) and a prominent figure in the African tech scene. He’s known for his grassroots leadership and commitment to fostering inclusive innovation. His tech journey started with a natural curiosity for how computers worked, making him the go-to person for tech fixes in his community in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This hands-on experience evolved into a passion for solving problems through technology, leading him to explore computer networking and software development. His first major involvement in the hacker community was co-organizing the NASA Space Apps Challenge in Freetown, which connected him to a global network of creative problem-solvers.
Since then, Dele has led the 2022 NASA Space Apps Challenge in Freetown, served as the Sierra Leone representative for Africa Blockchain University. Currently, he leads the Omdena Sierra Leone Local Chapter. He is also an active member of the Internet Society (ISOC) and the International Association of Engineers. He believes hackathons are powerful platforms for collaboration across borders and for empowering young tech enthusiasts in underserved regions. His work focuses on demystifying technology and helping teams approach problem-solving with empathy and strategic thinking.
Python is Dele's preferred language for its versatility, especially in AI and data analysis, and he enjoys using JavaScript frameworks like React for building user-friendly web interfaces. Microsoft365 is his essential tool for collaboration. He stands out for his persistence and his dedication to helping others rise with him in the tech world. A memorable moment from his hackathon experience includes a young girl being inspired to become a drone engineer after attending one of his workshops, and his team's intense, all-night effort at NASA Space Apps to build a fire prediction prototype for Sierra Leone. When not leading tech initiatives, Dele enjoys experimenting with delicate or intricate dishes and once taught himself drone mapping software to aid a disaster recovery effort, during his role as CTO of a drone-data company.
Quick Facts
Dele Hazeley, 30
Dele Hazeley: The Grassroots Tech Leader and Inclusive Innovation Driver
Dele Hazeley is a dedicated Computer Engineering student at Saint Monica University (Class of ’22) and a prominent figure in the African tech scene. He’s known for his grassroots leadership and commitment to fostering inclusive innovation. His tech journey started with a natural curiosity for how computers worked, making him the go-to person for tech fixes in his community in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This hands-on experience evolved into a passion for solving problems through technology, leading him to explore computer networking and software development. His first major involvement in the hacker community was co-organizing the NASA Space Apps Challenge in Freetown, which connected him to a global network of creative problem-solvers.
Since then, Dele has led the 2022 NASA Space Apps Challenge in Freetown, served as the Sierra Leone representative for Africa Blockchain University. Currently, he leads the Omdena Sierra Leone Local Chapter. He is also an active member of the Internet Society (ISOC) and the International Association of Engineers. He believes hackathons are powerful platforms for collaboration across borders and for empowering young tech enthusiasts in underserved regions. His work focuses on demystifying technology and helping teams approach problem-solving with empathy and strategic thinking.
Python is Dele's preferred language for its versatility, especially in AI and data analysis, and he enjoys using JavaScript frameworks like React for building user-friendly web interfaces. Microsoft365 is his essential tool for collaboration. He stands out for his persistence and his dedication to helping others rise with him in the tech world. A memorable moment from his hackathon experience includes a young girl being inspired to become a drone engineer after attending one of his workshops, and his team's intense, all-night effort at NASA Space Apps to build a fire prediction prototype for Sierra Leone. When not leading tech initiatives, Dele enjoys experimenting with delicate or intricate dishes and once taught himself drone mapping software to aid a disaster recovery effort, during his role as CTO of a drone-data company.
