Welcome to The Opal Blog.

Who am I?

My name is Jennifer Opal, I’m a Congolese Brit born & raised in London, England.

Why did you start The Opal Blog?

After discovering I was neurodivergent, I began talking about my lived experiences openly & connected with many people who understood my experiences as well as others who wanted to learn. On top of that, I talked about the experiences I faced as a black woman in the tech industry in an effort to highlight, and bring change for those that come behind me.

The response was amazing! I realised how important my voice was & how important my story was. This is me continuing my story.

Why do you talk about tech?

I’m a DevOps Engineer with previous experience in Big Data & Software Engineering. I enjoy talking about technology & have various interests & curiosities around it. I also enjoy teaching what I know & learning from others. I’m intentional to ensure that I pass on my knowledge & inspire people along the way, especially as a black, neurodivergent, queer woman. The representation is needed as there are so few like me.

Why do you chat about ADHD, dyslexia & dyspraxia?

I was diagnosed with ADHD-Inattentive, dyslexia & dyspraxia as an adult in May 2018. I’m still learning about how that presents for me even five years on. I enjoy talking about my challenges and my triumphs as a neurodivergent woman. I think it’s a very human thing & I believe sharing your truths can help others feel seen.

Where can I learn more about you?

My website is JenniferOpal.com. Here are some places you can connect with me on social media:

Mastadon Twitter TikTok LinkedIn YouTube

Stay up-to-date!

You can subscribe if you want to be sure not to miss anything. I look forward to chatting with you & getting to know you all.