Breaking Into AI: A Somali Woman at the World's Top ML School

How do we bring the future of Artificial Intelligence home to Somali girls? By learning from the trailblazers who are already leading the way. Recently, Gacalo Tech Space took a massive step forward in this mission by hosting an incredibly inspiring seminar that bridged the gap between local ambition and global tech innovation.

We had the profound honor of hosting Salma Dhegacadde for an eye-opening talk titled Breaking Into AI: A Somali Woman at the World's Top ML School. Salma, who recently represented our community at the prestigious MenaML Winter School 2026 at the world-renowned King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), brought her global knowledge directly back home to Mogadishu.

Bringing Global Knowledge Home During the event, Salma shared her firsthand experiences and the game-changing benefits she gained from attending such an elite international program. More importantly, she didn't just share her success; she provided a practical, step-by-step guide on how other Somali girls can access similar life-changing opportunities in the international tech arena. The room was overflowing with ambition, curiosity, and brilliant questions from like-minded girls eager to pave the way forward.

Key Takeaways from the Seminar Transitioning into Tech: Actionable strategies on how to successfully transition into the highly competitive field of Artificial Intelligence. Accessing Elite Programs: A roadmap for navigating and applying for top-tier global tech programs. The Power of Representation: The vital importance of believing in our own representation in the spaces where the future of technology is being built.

A Collaborative Effort A milestone event like this requires strong community support. We extend a massive thank you to Horseed International University for providing the perfect venue for this gathering. Their support, combined with the energy of every young woman who attended, proves that this is only the beginning for our tech community. Together, we will keep breaking barriers and building the future of tech.

Dive Deeper into Salma's Journey For those who want to explore Salma's experience in even greater detail, read her full personal reflection on Medium: From Mogadishu to KAUST: What MenaML 2026 Taught Me About AI, Community, and What's Possible. https://medium.com/@salmamokhtaar/from-mogadishu-to-kaust-what-menaml-2026-taught-me-about-ai-community-and-whats-possible-85df04b32fd2