Software engineering alumna seeks to support women in technology

Rose-Gaëlle Belinga wants to do for others what Auburn University did for her.

The two-time software engineering alumna said she has had a passion for technology since early childhood in Yaoundé, Cameroon. It was only fueled in college.

“Even though I was not introduced to computers until much later in life, one of my professors noticed my proficiency and mentored me toward a computing-related major, and eventually software engineering,” Belinga said.

Belinga came to Auburn after starting a dual-degree program at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta. She earned a Bachelor of Arts, but had to transfer to an engineering school to complete the program.

“After receiving several offers from top schools, I visited each campus and immediately fell in love with Auburn University—not only because of its top academic rankings, but also for the myriad of extracurricular opportunities available,” she recalled. “This is one of the best decisions of my life to date. In fact, I loved Auburn so much that I stayed for my master’s degree in software engineering as well.”

Belinga said the problem-solving and collaboration skills she learned through Auburn’s software engineering program prepared her to tackle daily life as a technology associate with Morgan Stanley, a multinational investment bank and financial services company, headquartered in New York City.

“Most importantly, I learned ‘how to learn’ [at Auburn] and this has not only helped me build technical expertise, but also continuously grow on the personal side,” she added.

Belinga spends her days on Morgan Stanley’s Mobile Engineering Team and as leader of several projects in augmented reality as part of the company’s Global Technology Innovation Program. She’s also involved in various tech philanthropy endeavors throughout the New York City metro area, such as teaching computer science in underserved areas with colleagues from several companies.

“Most days are a combination of tech innovation, design, development, testing, production support, mentorship and volunteering,” she said. “No two days are alike.”

Because Auburn’s Computer Science and Software Engineering Advisory Council played a significant role in Belinga’s time on the Plains, she is more than willing to support the council as an alumna.

“My personal focus as the council’s chair is to ensure that Auburn University continues to provide a wonderful environment where underrepresented students can succeed,” she said.

Belinga remains passionate about technology, as well as the arts and making the world a better place.

“Tech philanthropy is my long-term goal,” she said. “I am grateful to have an amazing work environment and management team who support this dream and provide me the necessary resources to succeed.”

Belinga is committed to encouraging the next generation of women in computing. She is a mentor with Auburn Engineering’s 100+ Women Strong program, plus she’s actively involved with AnitaB.org, Women Techmakers and FIRE, or Financial Independence Retire Early.

“I am an avid advocate for financial literacy, especially for women, because once we manage our personal finances well, we can focus on what brings value to our lives, as well as how we can bring value to the world: personal growth, quality time with loved ones, giving back to the community, entrepreneurship, geo-arbitrage and endless opportunities,” she said.

(Written by Chris Anthony and Amy Weaver.)