RISING WOMAN 2025: How JanethKareen is using AI to transform healthcare delivery

Dar es Salaam. The tech industry is no longer just a playground for men. Women are stepping in as architects, disruptors, and visionaries, ensuring that technology serves everyone.

One such pioneer in Tanzania’s tech landscape is JanethKareen Kilonzo, a rising entrepreneur at the intersection of health and technology.

As the co-founder of Plate AI—a platform helping individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) manage their diets—Janeth has turned a personal challenge into an innovative solution.

“I didn’t grow up surrounded by technology, but I was always curious about how things worked,” she shares. “As a child, I would take apart toys just to see what was inside and challenge myself to put them back together. That curiosity eventually led me to study Industrial Engineering.”

Not straightforward

Her journey into tech wasn’t straightforward. She often found herself as one of the few women in the room, questioning whether she truly belonged.

But instead of backing down, she leaned in—seeking opportunities, mentorship, and, most importantly, belief in herself.

JanethKareen defining moment came when her father was diagnosed with high blood pressure.

Witnessing first-hand the struggles of managing a chronic illness, Janeth saw a gap in accessible healthcare solutions and decided to fill it.

“That experience reshaped my perspective. I saw how important access to the right information and healthcare solutions was,” she explains. “That’s what led me to start PlateAI, an AI-powered meal planning tool that helps people—especially those with chronic illnesses—make better food choices.”

Looking back, she realises the biggest barrier was never her ability but rather believing in herself.

“That’s why I now work to encourage young girls to step into tech with confidence—because they belong here, just like I do,” she elaborates.

When it comes to leadership, JanethKareen believes that isn’t just about the titles rather an impact.

From being elected Class Representative for four consecutive years to becoming a Campus Director for global programs, she was never afraid to step up.

But titles meant little if they weren’t creating impact. That’s why, during her second year, she took the initiative to train over 500 young women in technology skills, proving that leadership isn’t about power—it’s about paving the way for others.

“I saw first-hand how many girls doubted themselves, just like I once did. That experience taught me that real leadership is about creating opportunities for others,” she explains.

These experiences shaped her into the leader she is today—whether it’s founding PlateAI, conducting research in AI, or working on digital innovation.

“Leadership, for me, means showing up, taking action, and making space for others to rise,” she shares.

Narrating about her career path, JanethKareen never planned to become a founder, but her passion for problem-solving and innovation led her to explore AI, digital transformation, and user research.

“Tech wasn’t always the plan, but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else,” she says. “Sometimes, the best paths are the ones we didn’t expect.”

Despite her success, challenges remain. She points out that one of the biggest struggles for women in tech is being underestimated.

“There were moments when I wasn’t taken seriously—when people assumed I wasn’t technical enough or that I needed someone else to lead,” she recalls.

Another challenge is access to funding and resources. “When I started PlateAI, I had no external funding—I had to bootstrap everything. Many women in tech have great ideas but struggle to get the financial support to scale them.”

She also highlights imposter syndrome as a common hurdle. “We often feel like we need to be perfect before we apply for a job or launch an idea, while our male counterparts take risks more freely. But we don’t have to be perfect—we just have to start.”

Unique perspectives

Speaking about accelerating her impact, JanethKareen believes that women bring unique perspectives, ideas, and solutions to the table.

“Tech isn’t just about coding—it’s about solving real-world problems. And to do that effectively, we need diverse voices in leadership.

“Women in leadership also create pathways for others. When young girls see women leading in tech, they start believing, “If she can do it, so can I,” she shares.

Her advice for aspiring female tech leaders? “Start where you are. You don’t need to have it all figured out to help someone else. Believe in yourself first—because when you do, you give others permission to do the same.”

She leaves a message for every girl struggling in tech today: “You are not alone. Keep going. Keep learning. Keep showing up. The tech world needs your voice, your ideas, and your brilliance. You belong here,” she shares.

Supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation