Nixsala Nadesan has won Innovative Leader Award

Nixsala Nadesan has won Innovative Leader Award

• November 02, 2024

Hello everyone! I’m Nixsala Nadesan, a Senior Software QA Automation Engineer and a dedicated Visiting Lecturer. With over 4 years of experience in the software industry and a passion for empowering the next generation of tech professionals, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to both the technology and education sectors.

Today, I am deeply honored to be selected for the Woman Icon Award, powered by Times Woman, and to receive the Innovative Leader Award under the Women's Education Leadership category. This recognition highlights the impact of my work in shaping the future of technology and education.

My educational journey began at age 4 when I started nursery at Arkin Jaffna, a sister's convent. It was here that I first gained opportunities to participate in speech and drama activities, setting the stage for my early development. Later, I began my primary schooling at Uduvil Girls' College. During my primary years paralllely i followed elocution classes for written , speech. In my primary level days struggled with stage fright, but by the time I reached grade 7, I had overcome that fear. This newfound confidence led me to participate in English Day activities, including poetry recitations and performances, eventually competing at the national level.

After successfully passing my O/Ls with good results, I initially pursued the bio stream, as my dream at the time was to become a molecular scientist. However, as I continued my studies, I found myself increasingly drawn to ICT, and I also developed a keen interest in lecturing. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to secure admission to the university I originally aimed for, but that didn’t stop me from chasing my goals. I began studying for my Higher National Diploma (HND) in IT at BCAS Jaffna.

During my HND, I also had the opportunity to pursue a BSc (Hons) in Software Engineering at Colombo, and I graduated with a Second Class Upper. While completing my industrial training, I applied to several universities for a master’s degree. I was initially selected by the University of Peradeniya, but due to a delay in receiving my transcript, I had to decline. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that I applied to the University of Kelaniya and was accepted for an MSc in IT, which also involved a research component.

My career began as a QA Trainee Engineer while I was still pursuing my degree at Colombo, alongside completing my industrial training at Invicat Innovation. Following this, I was selected for an Associate QA Automation Engineer role at Virtusa, where I gained valuable experience over 1.5 years. During this time, I also began my MSc in IT at the University of Kelaniya.

Later, I transitioned to the University of Jaffna as a Scientific Information Assistant, a role I hoped would support my MSc research. My time there was enriching, as I engaged in academic activities such as contributing to the editorial board of the Science Department and publishing research. I published an abstract at the ETKAM Research Conference, and, upon completing my MSc, I joined FinTech Asian Pacific as a QA Engineer. Currently, I am a Senior QA Engineer at Zone 24x7 in Colombo.

In 2021, I embraced my passion for teaching by becoming a visiting lecturer at Jaffna BCAS Campus. I’ve had the privilege of teaching data science, machine learning, database development, web development, and project analysis to degree students affiliated with Pearson and Southampton Solent University. Additionally, I published abstracts under the ICMR Conference.

Encouraged by my husband, I ventured into knowledge-sharing through a YouTube channel aimed at IT students.The channel name is Knowledge Find IT We created several playlists, including IT basics, Java, Python, live seminar sessions, career guidance, and Canva tutorials, available in both English and Tamil. Our goal is to support and empower students, especially in the Northern Province

During my school days, there was a saying that resonated deeply with me. At every assembly, our principal would remind us, 'Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts. Every try will cherish over life, so think win-win.' These words, repeated each morning, instilled a lasting belief in resilience and the value of a positive, forward-focused mindset. This message encouraged me to see each step, whether a success or a setback, as a cherished part of my journey and has shaped my approach to life and career.

Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the pillars of my journey: my parents and grandmothers, who have been my constant source of support, and the teachers, principals, and lecturers who guided me and shaped me into the person I am today. Without their encouragement and belief in me, I wouldn’t be standing here as a proud recipient of this recognition.